MediaTek, a Taiwanese semiconductor company, has developed a new chip that allows any smartphone to send and receive text messages via satellite, even in areas without cellular coverage. The MT2625 chip can communicate with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and operate on satellite frequencies. The company says that its technology can make communication more reliable and cost-effective in areas without cellular coverage, including remote or rural areas, natural disaster zones, and developing countries. This technology can also be used in industries such as logistics, transportation, and emergency services.
The MT2625 chip has a low-power design, and MediaTek says that it can enable up to 20 days of standby time on a single charge. The chip is also small and can be integrated with a wide range of devices, such as wearables and tracking tags. MediaTek is already partnering with various companies and organizations to implement its technology, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is working on disaster response systems. MediaTek also said that its new chip is compatible with various satellite networks, including Iridium and Globalstar.
Satellite communication technology has been around for a long time, but it has mainly been used for military and government purposes due to its high cost. However, with the advent of low-power satellite communication chips like the MT2625, this technology can now be made available to the general public. MediaTek’s new chip could be a game-changer for people living in areas without reliable cellular coverage, and it could help bridge the digital divide by enabling affordable and accessible communication.
