Qualcomm is ending its direct-to-device relationship with Iridium because smartphone manufacturers are not adopting the satellite-compatible chips. Analysts say the price and the lack of technology standards were contributing factors.  The partnership, unveiled at CES in January, was seen as the Android answer to Apple’s emergency messaging via satellite, with the potential to connect IoT…

Intelsat is teaming up with Aalyria as it looks to advance multi-orbit connectivity. Intelsat announced the deal, Sept. 12. The deal aims to advance the development of a new optical technology that will transfer record amounts of data between ground and space. Aalyria is an exciting California based company in the area of advanced networking…

Gilat Satellite Networks has received “significant multimillion dollar orders” from Intelsat for its platforms and terminals, the company announced Monday. The orders mark an expansion of Intelsat and Gilat’s deals to support in-flight connectivity (IFC) and cellular backhaul.  Intelsat will use the technology to serve additional aircraft and expand managed services for mobile network operators…

Qualcomm Technologies is teaming up with Honor, Motorola, Nothing, OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi to develop smartphones with satellite communication capabilities using its Snapdragon Satellite processor. Qualcomm made the announcement, Feb. 27 at the start of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. Snapdragon Satellite is a satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for smartphones. It offers global…