Telecommunication: Wants to close dead spots with satellites

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It is expected that Salt subscribers will be able to send the first SMS via satellite from almost anywhere by the end of 2024. To that end, Musk’s company, Spacex, launched the first satellite that provides direct connectivity with traditional 4G-enabled smartphones on Wednesday (today), Salt announced Wednesday.

This is the first step towards network coverage, even in areas with little or no cell phone signal. This is true not only in Switzerland but also abroad.

The first tests of sending SMS via satellite took place in the USA. It was stated that we are working closely with regulators in Switzerland and neighboring countries in preparation for the launch in Switzerland, which is expected in 2024. They still need to accept new connection technology via satellite.

Salt became the first mobile phone provider in Europe to sign a usage agreement with Starlink last March. The service will be expanded to include voice and data services in 2025.

However, bandwidth is limited. When presenting its satellite plans last March, Salt boss Pascal Grieder said you could send emails or WhatsApp messages. But it’s not enough for streaming.

Additionally, the response time (latency) is much longer because the signal has to travel a much greater distance to the satellite than with a regular cell phone antenna. This causes minor delays that the customer notices when making calls, Grieder said.

Therefore, access to the satellite is only possible if there is no mobile phone antenna within range. Grieder said that since the signals from cell phone antennas are stronger, there are basically no problems in daily life. New satellite technology complements the mobile phone network and does not replace it. (SDA)

Source :Blick