Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications Company, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s Space42, is moving into the smartphone market, hoping to access a global satellite-capable smartphone business that could be worth as much as $15 billion within a decade.
Led by the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE federation is investing in its capabilities in space. Combined, the Gulf countries have spent about $25 billion on satellites and other space projects and equipment over the past decade.
Thuraya, which has been in the satellite operator business since 1997, unveiled its Thuraya One Android 14 smartphone at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this month.
As well as connecting to satellites, the phone also connects with standard mobile phone masts.
“The market is growing, driven by rising demand for connectivity in remote areas, government investments and advancements in satellite technology,” Isam Arshad, consultant for home and technology at Euromonitor International, told AGBI.
The global market for direct-to-device satellite connectivity is expected to grow from $1.5 billion now to nearly $15 billion by 2033, according to Euromonitor International, a market research company.
Thuraya’s new phone relies on its Thuraya 4 satellite, launched this year, to deliver connectivity.
“Given Saudi Arabia’s vast, remote areas and the UAE’s focus on space and telecom innovation, both markets are positioned for early adoption,” Arshad said.
Key to industry growth across the world is the development of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which require less power and offer lower latency, making satellite connectivity more practical for everyday smartphone use, Rishi Padhi, principal analyst at technology research firm Gartner, told AGBI.
Low latency means less delay in signal transmission.
Partnerships between satellite companies and tech and telecom companies selling devices are integral to the industry’s growth.
Key satellite players around the world include Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Eutelsat. Tech companies, meanwhile, such as Apple, are working with satellite partners to integrate satellite connectivity into their devices, enabling, for instance, emergency SOS services in areas lacking cellular coverage.
Through Space42 and Thuraya, Abu Dhabi wants in on the action.
“As these partnerships evolve, they are set to drive rapid advancements in satellite communication technology, establishing it as a fundamental component of modern mobile networks and influencing the future of the satellite-enabled smartphone market,” said Padhi.
Leave a Reply