Salt fills network gaps through partnership with SpaceX, direct-to-cell - what will Swisscom do?

Salt announced in spring 2023 that it would enter into a partnership with SpaceX and make its direct-to-cell technology available to its customers.

The direct-to-cell technology uses Starlink satellites and is intended to enable connections even in regions without network coverage. Salt customers should be able to use this service with their existing cell phone as long as it is 4G capable.

As Salt has also announced, SMS will initially be able to be sent and received via SpaceX Direct-to-Cell towards the end of 2024, and in 2025 the service will also be expanded to include voice and data services.

In one fell swoop, Salt would actually have 100% coverage in Switzerland and would outperform Swisscom in this discipline!

The Swisscom network today offers the best coverage and the best performance of all mobile networks in Switzerland. Thanks to Direct-to-Cell, Salt’s coverage would also be available in places where Swisscom also has a network gap today (e.g. in the rear Kiental in the Griesalp area).

But nothing has happened yet, Salt’s schedule has obviously been pushed back (although there are still around a little more than 1.5 months left until the “end of the year”).

I’m curious to see how Swisscom will react once Salt has successfully introduced the service and will also enable voice and data connections. Swisscom would then be behind Salt in terms of network coverage, at least in certain specific locations where Swisscom also still has coverage gaps.

Nevertheless, I can say that Swisscom’s mobile network is actually very good in most cases. If there is still a line of sight to an area that is inhabited all year round, the network usually works well, which I cannot say about the competitor Sunrise, for example! (Unfortunately, our business cell phones are at Sunrise: uninterrupted calls, even in populated areas, are often a matter of luck, especially if you are outside metropolitan areas. However, with Swisscom in the same position, this is usually still possible without any problems).

But Salt will usher in a whole new era with this service. I’m curious to see whether what was promised will actually be delivered within the promised period.

It is also quite possible that something similar is already being planned at Swisscom, but they are simply not releasing any information. Because I hardly think that Swisscom (=market leader in this area) would want to risk the loss of numerous customers to a competitor. For me in particular, network quality and coverage is one of the most important selection factors when choosing a provider. For example, I would never choose Sunrise for exactly this reason, because I experience the comparison almost every day. But Salt would of course become extremely attractive for many customers after the successful launch of SpaceX, Direct-to-Cell.

Salt is apparently the first provider in Europe to introduce direct-to-cell technology.

According to SpaceX’s website: https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell the following network operators are currently partners:

T-Mobile (USA)

Rogers (Canada)

Optus (Australia)

One NZ (New Zealand)

KDDI (Japan)

Salt (Switzerland)

Entel (Chile)

Entel (Peru)

Show original language (German)

For data usage, this Starlink LTE solution will be quite lame. And the Starlink signal will not penetrate buildings.

Starlink Direct-to-Cell is already functional at T-Mobile in the USA.

Show original language (German)

    AbRah-SH

    Understanding why the rollout of direct-to-cell with Salt SIM cards over the Starlink satellite network is suffering a years-long delay requires a little technical background about satellite communications:

    For proper satellite communication via small mobile devices such as a smartphone or satellite phone, radio frequencies in low frequency bands must be used. So L or S band.

    https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/Satellite_frequency_bands

    Much lower frequency bands are better for satellite communication with small mobile devices. The lower the radio frequency, the lower the free space attenuation and the lower the attenuation caused by vegetation.

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notruf#Notruf_per_Satellitenkommunikation

    [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichweit\_(radio technology)](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichweit_(radio technology))

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freiraumd%C3%A4mpfung

    [https://funkperlen.blogspot.com/2017/11/wenn-baume-den-wellen-im-wege-esten.html](https://funkperlen.blogspot.com/2017/11/wenn-baume- standing in the way of the waves.html)

    The frequency band used by MUOS between 300 and 380 MHz is ideal for satellite communication via small mobile devices. Below 300 MHz, solar weather via the Earth’s atmosphere can severely disrupt or even completely interrupt satellite communication.

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_User_Objective_System

    [https://web.archive.org/web/20141216001751/http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/TD/td3002/Oetting.pdf](https://web.archive.org/web/20141216001751/ http://www.jhuapl.edu/techdigest/TD/td3002/Oetting.pdf)

    For unrestricted satellite communication, radio frequency bands must be used that have been reserved globally by the international telecommunications authority ITU. SpaceX currently only uses the high-frequency Ka and Ku bands in their Starlink satellite network.

    [https://www.dolphmicrowave.com/default/what-is-the-default-ghz-for-starlink/](https://www.dolphmicrowave.com/default/what-is-the-default-ghz -for-starlink/)

    These high-frequency frequency bands are not suitable for satellite communication with small mobile devices such as a smartphone! That’s why SpaceX is renewing its Starlink satellite network and supplementing it with satellites that enable satellite communication at the upper limit of the L-band.

    [https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter-Satellitenmobilfunk-SpaceX-springt-zu-kurz-und-ford-Ausnahmeregel-9989828.html](https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter- Satellite cellular-SpaceX-falls-too-short-and-requires-exception-rule-9989828.html)

    By the time the Starlink satellite network begins operating globally in the L-band, iPhone satellite communications over the Globalstar satellite network in the L- and S-band are already established and Iridium offers the first truly global, 3GPP-compliant satellite communications service in the L-band for small mobile devices such as smartphones. By this point, most well-known smartphone manufacturers will have already brought Android smartphones onto the market that support 3GPP-compatible satellite communication.

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalstar

    [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium\_(communication system)](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium_(communication system))

    [https://spacenews.com/iridium-pivots-to-standardized-direct-to-device-satellite-services/](https://spacenews.com/iridium-pivots-to-standardized-direct-to-device -satellite services/)

    [https://spacenews.com/iridium-approved-to-work-on-leo-compatibility-for-upcoming-smartphones/](https://spacenews.com/iridium-approved-to-work-on-leo -compatibility-for-upcoming-smartphones/)

    A 5G-capable mobile phone intended for satellite communications can use any 3GPP-compatible satellite communications service. The prerequisite for using the 3GPP-compatible satellite communication service is an activated SIM card or a corresponding roaming agreement. Swisscom then only needs to conclude its roaming contract with the desired 3GPP satellite communication service provider and their marketing can really boost the advertising drum for 3GPP-compatible satellite communication via smartphone and Swisscom SIM card. As we know Swisscom, of course only the (expensive) mobile phone subscriptions will initially be able to benefit from satellite communication. The (cheap) prepaid SIM card customers can wait a few years longer for satellite communication. Of course, the 5G-capable cell phone must also support the cellular frequency band used for satellite communications. According to 3GPP TS 38.101-5, version 18.7.0 only the bands are:
    Mobile radio frequency band (band name in 5G)Frequency band in downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). Downlink is from satellite to cell phone. Uplink: Mobile phone sends, satellite receives.Possible provider of satellite communications with suitable intercontinental or globally reserved frequency bandsNote
    254(n254)DL: 2483.5 - 2500 MHzUL: 1610 - 1626.5 MHzGlobalstarIPhones today use the Globalstar satellite network over a proprietary air interface
    255(n255)DL: 1525 - 1559 MHzUL: 1626.5 - 1660.5 MHzThuraya, Viasat (formerly Inmarsat)Thuraya and Viasat are well-known satellite phone providers with geostationary satellites.
    256(n256)DL: 2170 - 2200 MHzUL: 1980 - 2010 MHzEAN, EchostarViasat (formerly Inmarsat) has been operating the “European Aviation Network” (EAN) for several years. EAN enables high-flying aircraft in Europe to have 4G/LTE mobile communications with fast data transfer rates. Echostar operates numerous geostationary satellites.
    xyz(nXYZ)DL: 1618.25 - 1626.5 MHzUL: 1618.25 - 1626.5 MHzThe operational Iridium NEXT satellite fleet uses TDD!IridiumThe definition of the frequency band for Iridium will apparently only come with 3GPP Release 19! 3GPP Release 19 should be released in the 4th quarter of 2025.
    xyz(nXYZ)DL:? -? MHzUL:? -? MHzStarlink?SpaceX has unknown plans to obtain global frequency bands for its Starlink satellite fleet. The L-band tests with the latest Starlink satellites are carried out in foreign, terrestrial and regionally limited mobile radio frequency bands! SpaceX must purchase a global frequency band in cellular frequency band 255 or introduce a new frequency band in a future 3GPP release (3GPP Release 19 or higher)!

    intended for satellite communication with a 5G-enabled cell phone.

    https://www.sqimway.com/nr_band.php

    [https://www.ericsson.com/4a4fe0/assets/local/reports-papers/ericsson-technology-review/docs/2023/3gpp-satellite-communication.pdf](https://www.ericsson.com/ 4a4fe0/assets/local/reports-papers/ericsson-technology-review/docs/2023/3gpp-satellite-communication.pdf)

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellitephone#Application

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Aviation_Network

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/EchoStar

    [https://investor.iridium.com/2024-09-25-Iridium-Accelerates-Direct-to-Device-Service-with-Acceptance-into-3GPP-Standards-Announces-Iridium-NTN-Direct] (https://investor.iridium.com/2024-09-25-Iridium-Accelerates-Direct-to-Device-Service-with-Acceptance-into-3GPP-Standards-Announces-Iridium-NTN-Direct)

    [https://www.mobileworldlive.com/network-tech/feature-iridium-skylo-execs-detail-plan-to-shake-up-d2d/](https://www.mobileworldlive.com/network-tech /feature-iridium-skylo-execs-detail-plan-to-shake-up-d2d/)

    [https://www.bakom.admin.ch/dam/bakom/de/documents/bakom/das\_bakom/gesetze\_basisn/Vernehmlassen/vergabe\_mobilfunk\_2029/stellungnahme/SpaceX.pdf.download.pdf/SpaceX .pd f)

    Fast satellite communication with a smartphone and an integrated, inconspicuous radio antenna will technically only be possible with giant satellites that orbit the earth at a short distance from the earth’s surface (LEO).

    [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite Orbit](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite Orbit)

    With the first LEO giant satellite called BlueWalker 3, AST has proven that satellite communication with high data transfer rates > 10 MBit/s is also possible with a standard smartphone.

    [https://www.heise.de/news/Okay-Riesensatellit-Erstes-Satellitentelefonat-ueber-5G-mit-normalem-Smartphone-9313071.html](https://www.heise.de/news/Okay- Giant satellite-First-satellite-telephone-over-5G-with-normal-smartphone-9313071.html)

    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/bluewalker-3.htm

    https://earthsky.org/space/bluewalker-3-satellite-heads-to-orbit/

    Even the very latest Starlink satellites of the second generation, of the “v2-Mini-D2C” type, are simply too small for fast data transfer rates on a smartphone. The latest Starlink satellites of the “v2-Mini-D2C” type have a “phased array” antenna area of ​​around 25 square meters. Die neusten Starlink-Satelliten vom Typ “v2-Mini-D2C” weisen eine “Phased Array”-Antennenfläche von rund 25 Quadratmetern auf. The BlueWalker 3 satellite has a phased array antenna area of ​​64 square meters:

    ast-bluewalker-3-e1663053735951

    The BlueWalker 3 is the largest flying 5G cellular antenna today!

    [https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter-Satellitenmobilfunk-SpaceX-springt-zu-kurz-und-ford-Ausnahmeregel-9989828.html](https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter- Satellite cellular-SpaceX-falls-too-short-and-requires-exception-rule-9989828.html)

    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/starlink-v2-mini-d2c.htm

    https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-9

    [https://spacenews.com/spacex-deploys-direct-to-smartphone-satellites-in-first-launch-of-2024/](https://spacenews.com/spacex-deploys-direct-to-smartphone -satellites-in-first-launch-of-2024/)

    https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/starlink

    https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phased-Array-Antenne

    For technicians, the following articles offer a worthwhile introduction to the topic of “5G with satellite communication”:

    https://www.technik-in-bayern.de/fileadmin/sn_config/mediapool_tib/bilder/Aktives_Archiv/TiB_02-2023_Satellitenkommunikation_online.p df

    https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/26/2325008355285351029

    [https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/09/5g-from-space-the-final-frontier-for-global-connectivity](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/ onq/2023/09/5g-from-space-the-final-frontier-for-global-connectivity)

    [https://www.5gamericas.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5G-Non-Terrestrial-Networks-2022-WP-Id.pdf](https://www.5gamericas.org/wp- content/uploads/2022/01/5G-Non-Terrestrial-Networks-2022-WP-Id.pdf)

    3GPP TS 38.101-5 Version 18.7.0 aka ETSI TS 138 101-5 V18.7.0:

    https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/138100_138199/13810105/18.07.00_60/ts_13810105v180700p.pd f

    Show original language (German)

      @GrandDixence Starlink runs on T-Mobile’s spectrum in the USA. More specifically in band 25 (1850 - 1915MHz up, 1930 - 1995MHz down) EARFCN is 8665.

      See for example here: Screenshot in Netmonitor from an iPhone connected to Starlink D2C: [Connected to T-Mobile SpaceX - no data: r/cellmapper](https://www.reddit.com/r/cellmapper/comments/ 1ewlnzh/connected_to_tmobile_spacex_no_data/)

      With Salt, Starlink will probably use Salt’s extra 5MHz of Band 3 (1800MHz).

      Show original language (German)

      —

      @AbRah-SH wrote:

      Starlink runs on T-Mobile spectrum in the US. Specifically, in band 25 (1850 - 1915MHz up, 1930 - 1995MHz down) EARFCN is 8665.

      —

      According to the EARFCN calculator from Sqimway:

      https://www.sqimway.com/lte_band.php

      an EARFCN value of 8665 means a radio operation with a centre frequency of:

      - 1992.50 MHz in the downlink (satellite transmits to mobile phone)

      - 1912.50 MHz in the uplink (mobile phone transmits to satellite)

      The US radio authority FCC has granted SpaceX the DA24-222 radio licence for use of the L-band with the new Starlink satellites in 2024:

      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-222A1.pdf

      Please refer to footnote 72 on the requirements for the radio operation of the new Starlink satellites in L-Band:

      uu. All operations by SpaceX for the limited on-orbit check out72 in the 1910-1915 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 1990-1995 MHz (space-to-Earth) bands shall be on an unprotected and non-harmful interference basis

      72 The scope of the SpaceX SCS Modification Partial Grant included authorisation for a limited on-orbit check out of the antennas immediately following deployment of each satellite for a period of 10 days or less, to ensure initial functionality of the satellite antenna.

      SpaceX is therefore authorised to use these satellite antennas for a functional test of the L-band antennas for a maximum of 10 days immediately after the rocket launch. After that, these L-band antennas must be switched off until a corresponding FCC radio licence is obtained. This fact is also confirmed by some Reddit posts (see Reddit link above from AbRah-SH):

      I’ll connect with 2-3 bars for 30 seconds and then it will kick me off. Calls and text don’t work.

      No data, no text or calls. ATT SIM in my phone. Between -118 and -129 dBm for the 3 miles I noticed it.

      Some extra data: E-PCS Blocks A-G RX 1992.5 MHz TX 1912.5 MHz Band 25

      The current (hopeless) situation of SpaceX with regard to the radio licence for L-band use by the Starlink satellite fleet is clearly documented in document DA-24-300 from the American radio authority FCC:

      https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-300A1.pdf

      In this Order, we dismiss as unacceptable for filing the application of Space Exploration
      Holdings, LLC (SpaceX) for modification of its authorisation to construct, deploy, and operate up to
      7,500 “second-generation” Starlink satellites (Gen2 Starlink) to include authority for operations in the
      1610-1617.775 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 2483.5-2500 MHz (space-to-Earth) bands (1.6/2.4 GHz bands),
      the 2000-2020 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 2180-2200 MHz (space-to-Earth) bands (2 GHz bands), and the
      2020-2025 MHz (Earth-to-space) band.

      This means that SpaceX is still several years away from starting global radio operations with its Starlink satellite fleet in the L-band! See this article:

      https://www.heise.de/news/Smartphone-Versorgung-aus-der-Luft-Deutsche-Telekom-wartet-nicht-auf-Starlink-10290233.html

      And according to this letter to the Swiss radio authority OFCOM, SpaceX is not planning to acquire a radio licence for global or intercontinental satellite communications in the L-band:

      https://www.bakom.admin.ch/dam/bakom/de/dokumente/bakom/das_bakom/rechtliche_grundlagen/Vernehmlassungen/vergabe_mobilfunk_2029/stellungnahmen/SpaceX.pdf.download.pdf/SpaceX.pdf

      As OFCOM considers future use of these bands, SpaceX urges OFCOM to consider a flexible
      spectrum licensing framework that can enable the deployments of innovative technologies, like
      Starlink’s Direct to Cell service. SpaceX encourages Ofcom to adopt an approach that
      facilitates the use of satellite applications in the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz bands. As a
      general matter, SpaceX strongly supports spectrum frameworks that maximises future flexibility
      in technology deployments, encourages co-existence between satellite and other users, and
      facilitates innovative commercial arrangements to deliver service to consumers in Switzerland

      Anyone betting on the horse “Starlink by SpaceX” with the rider “Elon Musk” for L-band satellite communication is definitely backing the wrong horse!

      I’m backing the horse “Iridium” for truly global (and decades-proven) L-band satellite communications…

      Show original language (German)
       changed by GrandDixence
        9 days later

        In addition to the radio license, SpaceX (and therefore Elon Musk) has to overcome another radio regulatory obstacle before the Starlink satellites can begin direct-to-cell operations. According to the Heise article:

        [https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter-Satellitenmobilfunk-SpaceX-springt-zu-kurz-und-ford-Ausnahmeregel-9989828.html](https://www.heise.de/news/Weltweiter- Satellite cellular-SpaceX-falls-too-short-and-requires-exception-rule-9989828.html)

        SpaceX does not want or cannot meet the strict requirements of the radio authorities regarding spurious emissions.

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spurious_emission

        Unwanted spurious emissions interfere with radio applications communicating in neighboring radio bands. These radio interferences can lead to performance losses or even communication failures in the neighboring radio bands.

        That’s why radio authorities around the world are tightening the requirements for unwanted spurious emissions every year. The radio authorities define the requirements for the maximum permissible unwanted spurious emissions in the radio licenses.

        Unwanted spurious emissions can be measured with a spectrum analyzer.

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spektrumanalysator

        The TinySA Ultra is a spectrum analyzer for radio applications that is affordable for private users:

        https://www.tinysa.org/wiki/

        Here is an example of a measurement from a handheld radio:

        http://lutz-baer.hier-im-netz.de/wp/?p=2718

        For handheld radios, all unwanted spurious emissions must apparently be at least 60 dB smaller than the useful signal. 60 dB means that the power level of unwanted spurious emissions is 1,000,000 times smaller than the power level of the useful signal.

        In order to attenuate unwanted spurious emissions by 50 dB or more, SAW filters with the rough dimensions of 20×10×10 cm and the rough weight of 800 grams are apparently often used as diplexers (FDD) or as bandpass (TDD) in the transmission power class of mobile phone antennas.

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akustische-Oberfl%C3%A4chenwelle-Filter

        https://shop.sysmocom.de/RF/Duplexers/

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplexer

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandpass

        All flying mobile phone antennas in the form of direct-to-cell capable satellites must also be equipped with (SAW) filters that sufficiently suppress any unwanted spurious emissions from the satellite antenna(s).

        An overview of the hardware required to build your own mobile phone antenna is provided:

        https://github.com/GrandDixence/CoverageMaps/blob/main/Own_Mobile Network/Installation-Guide_srsRAN_Ubuntu_20.04.m d

        Show original language (German)
        17 days later

        In the meantime, SpaceX has received the radio licence required for Direct-to-Cell (D2C) from the US radio authority FCC (DA 24-1193).

        https://www.heise.de/news/Starlink-Anbindung-fuer-Smartphones-FCC-erteilt-SpaceX-und-T-Mobile-Genehmigung-10178192.html

        https://spacenews.com/spacex-gets-conditional-approval-for-direct-to-smartphone-service/

        https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-1193A1.pdf

        Interestingly, the US radio authority does not tolerate any softening of the requirements for unwanted spurious transmissions in this radio licence. SpaceX has applied to the FCC for a softening of the requirements for unwanted spurious transmissions because SpaceX allegedly cannot realise reliable voice telephony between mobile phones and the Starlink satellites via D2C without this softening.

        https://advanced-television.com/2024/10/03/european-telcos-unite-against-starlink-d2c/

        We are now eagerly awaiting the first test reports from T-Mobile customers in the USA, who will report on their initial experiences and measurement results with D2C via the Starlink satellite network in practical use.

        For reliable satellite communication according to the 3GPP standard with a mobile phone (Direct-to-Cell -> D2C), a newer mobile phone that supports 3GPP Release 17 or higher is required. 3GPP Release 17 was published in June 2022. This means that the first release of 3GPP Release 17-compatible mobile phones cannot be expected before June 2022.

        https://www.5g-anbieter.info/technik/5g-release17.html

        With 3GPP Release 17, the measures required for satellite communication were taken for the first time for fast-flying mobile radio antennas (Non-Terrestrial Networks -> NTN). For example: Doppler effect. And 3GPP Release 17 softened the limited range of mobile communications due to “Timing Advance” (TA) to such an extent that mobile phones can communicate for the first time over a distance of significantly more than 1000 kilometres to the mobile phone antenna flying in space.

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doppler-Effekt

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timing_Advance

        In order for a 3GPP Release 17 compliant mobile phone to communicate via D2C, it must have the current ephemeris of the D2C satellites to be used for satellite communication.

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephemeriden

        Furthermore, the mobile phone (UE) must know the exact, current position for D2C. The position data is supplied to the mobile phone by a GNSS receiver (GPS).

        https://www.ericsson.com/4a4fe0/assets/local/reports-papers/ericsson-technology-review/docs/2023/3gpp-satellite-communication.pdf

        The network broadcasts ephemeris information and common Timing Advance (common TA) parameters in each NTN cell. Since NTN capable UEs are expected to be all GNSS-capable, they shall acquire a valid GNSS position as well as the satellite ephemeris and common TA before connecting to an NTN cell.

        https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/ntn-overview

        As of 3GPP Release 19, the requirement for accurate, up-to-date position data for D2C satellite communications may be waived. This deviation is probably required for IoT applications.

        GNSS independent operation: to provide satellite access to UEs without GNSS receiver or with no access to GNSS services (note: For REL-17 and REL-18 only GNSS capable UEs are supported).

        https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/ntn-overview

        With a smartphone equipped with the Exynos 5400 cellular modem chip from Samsung, there is a good chance that this mobile phone will enable 3GPP Release 17-compliant satellite communication (D2C). For example: Google Pixel 9

        https://www.heise.de/news/Google-Pixel-9-soll-angeblich-Satelliten-Notruf-beherrschen-9684845.html

        But even with the Samsung Galaxy S24, there is a good chance that this smartphone supports 3GPP Release 17-compliant satellite communication (D2C). The Samsung Galaxy S24 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2400 SoC.

        https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-exynos-2400-launched-3404590/

        https://semiconductor.samsung.com/processor/mobile-processor/exynos-2400/

        https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24-12773.php

        Android only supports satellite communication from version 15.

        https://www.digitec.ch/de/page/android-15-erhaelt-satelliten-verbindung-und-pdf-verbesserungen-32368

        https://t3n.de/news/android-15-satellitenkommunikation-google-besser-als-apple-1616982/

        In the following, all regions without terrestrial mobile phone reception are referred to as “outback”.

        A mobile phone with satellite communication capability should never be used as the only means of emergency communication when travelling in the outback! A PLB/EPIRB/ELT should always be carried as the primary means of emergency communication in the outback. A mobile phone with satellite communication capability is a recommended supplement or redundancy to the PLB/EPIRB/ELT.

        See the notes on the subject of “Emergency call” under:

        https://community.swisscom.ch/d/854440-volte-abstellen/23

        https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notruf#Notruf_per_Satellitenkommunikation

        Show original language (German)
         changed by GrandDixence

          GrandDixence Swisscom already has exceptional coverage in Switzerland. Most serious mountaineers and wonderers use Swisscom services exactly for that reason. Then there is emergency satellite coverage offered through the device manufacturers. I don’t think that Swisscom needs something like that.

          This post is in English

            GrandDixence

            "Anyone betting on the horse “SpaceX’s Starlink” with the rider “Elon Musk” for satellite communication in the L* band* is definitely riding the wrong horse!

            There’s no such thing as a bet, the preference is for opportunity,
            Know that the impossible is possible > to big to fail is not true at all (cf Nokia, Alcatel, etc.).
            Especially now that these cyber mafia companies and hackers are ruining our lives, ready to do anything without any scruples, and can bring down the biggest names in this world by using innocent people to reach their target, some of whom are supported by governments!

            Iridium NTN Direct = 5G Narrowband IoT Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) [Iridium NTN Direct = 5G Narrowband IoT Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)
            Iridium Accelerates Direct-to-Device Service with Acceptance into 3GPP Standards; Announces Iridium NTN Direct℠ - Sep 25, 2024
            NTN Direct | Iridium Satellite Communications

            Show original language (French)