Exynos Modem 5300: Samsung presents satellite communication

Samsung has presented the Exynos Modem 5300, a 5G modem that is supposed to enable satellite communication via smartphone. The modem is to be integrated into the Exynos SoC and will also enable sending photos and videos via satellite in the future. However, Samsung is holding back on details so far.

Satellite communication in remote areas

Satellite communication is intended to make it possible to have cell phone reception even in remote areas where terrestrial communication options are not available. Samsung cites remote areas, as well as crisis regions, as examples. According to the South Korean company, the modem will use “other non-terrestrial vehicles” in addition to satellites to ensure reception. With which satellite provider Samsung cooperates, has not yet been announced.

With the announced satellite communication, Samsung is drawing level with Apple and Qualcomm, which have previously announced corresponding functions. The latest iPhones, for example, already contain chips that enable satellite communication. Samsung seems to have started a real catch-up offensive in recent weeks. Not only in the satellite field, but also in the voice assistant Bixby, the company has announced major innovations that should melt its gap to the tech leaders.

The Exynos Modem 5300, which is supposed to enable satellite communications, will be used directly on Exynos SoCs. These chips are installed in many Samsung smartphones, but no longer in the company’s upper-class smartphones. Samsung has relied on Snapdragon chips here for some time. It is not yet known whether this will change again in the near future. However, this can be assumed based on the announcement that has now been made. When the Exynos Modem 5300 will hit the market is also unknown.

Sending photos and videos via satellite?

Furthermore, Samsung has announced that it also wants to enable the sending of photos and videos via satellite in the future. This is to greatly expand the already existing satellite communication options. However, it is unclear when exactly this will be the case and how Samsung wants to ensure a correspondingly strong connection. Previous technical possibilities of satellite communication, which can be widely used, are far from allowing the transmission of such large amounts of data. Depending on the location, even sending a simple text message can take several minutes.