MediaTek and Bullitt will introduce the first satellite-to-mobile messaging smartphone in Q1 2023

It appears that the next benchmark after 5G is not 6G. But it’s the capacity of messaging over satellite. SOS and location-sharing systems were launched by Apple. In addition to this, T-Mobile and SpaceX are working on a more generalized communication system. Bullitt is a British company. As of now, Bullitt is aiming to beat such strategies by introducing the first satellite-to-mobile messaging smartphone.

In contrast to the SOS system by Apple via satellite, the system by Bullitt will allow for seamless massaging of service users. Where one user might be connected to a satellite while the other will be connected to a regular cellular network. The system by Apple allows communication during emergencies in two ways, location sharing is another way.

Bullitt is a company known for building rugged phones. These phones are made for some well-known brands. Cat phones and Motorola Defy are among those devices produced by Bullitt. These handsets are extra-durable. They are marketed for professionals who are required to work in fields and are away from cell towers and Wi-Fi connectivity. The assurance of two way messaging service will add to the customer base of Bullitt.

The project is in pipeline for the last eighteen months with MediaTek. Earlier this year MediaTek tested its NTN modem in lab conditions. The test modeled a connection to a low earth orbit satellite. Where the parameters for Low Earth orbit could be 600km/370 mi altitude, orbiting at 27,000km/h (17,000mph).

The Bullitt-built phones will enhance the service by ensuring communication over the satellite in just 10 seconds. It will automatically switch to satellite connectivity when a cellular network won’t be available. As of now, we don’t know much about the details of how this system is going to work. The two companies are looking forward to bringing something innovative while entering a new era of telecommunication as per mentioned by Richard Wharton, the co-founder at Bullitt Group.

As per Bullitt, the first phones offering the two-way satellite service (and the satellite service itself) will be presented within the first three months of 2023. They will be offered a free year of emergency messaging. As of now, we don’t know how much this will cost afterward.