The iPhone would join the rapidly growing field of personal satellite communications.
iPhone Me Up, Scotty?
The key factor that makes the iPhone 13 a satellite communicator is in its guts.
massimo colombo / Getty Images
The new iPhone reportedly will use a Qualcomm X60 modem for satellite service.
“This could be outside your home or high up in the mountains of Alaska.
There are two main types of satellite communicators available.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
The$1,145 Iridium Extremeoffers up to four hours of talk time and 30 hours of standby.
Currently, there are a few main satellite networks that are available for civilian use.
The big names are Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat.
“On the off-chance that you find yourself there, Iridium satellites are the way to go.”
One of the most popular options is theIridium GO!.
One factor that deters many casual satellite users is cost.
Also, dont count on long web surfing on your iPhone 13 or other satellite phones just yet.
Satellite broadband networks communicate with ground station equipment mounted on masts or buildings.
“So the first thing we’d need is much better batteries for our devices.”
