Page 84 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

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Apple Preps Ultra Watch Satellite Capability

Apple’s next high-end Ultra Watch was tipped as likely to feature to send messages over satellite using its iMessage platform.
satellite connectivity, allowing users to send off-grid messages Apple markets the Ultra as the “ultimate sports and adventure
as part of the company’s latest attempts to convince customers watch”, pitching it as ideal for walking and other outdoor activities.
to upgrade their devices. Bloomberg reported the capability could Satellite connectivity on the device could, therefore be attractive
be a key selling point for the next Apple Watch Ultra line, which to its target audience. Bloomberg reported if the launch happens,
expected to launch in late 2025 and would use Globalstar’s fleet Apple Watch Ultra would be the first mainstream smartwatch to
of satellites. The move would extend satellite connectivity to the offer the capability. Apple extended its partnership with Globalstar
company’s top-of-the-range watch after being launched on the in November, investing around $1.5 billion and taking a 20 per cent
iPhone 14 in 2022. At the time, Apple allowed users to contact stake in the satellite service provider. Bloomberg added Apple is
emergency services when unable to access Wi-Fi or mobile expanding work on a blood-pressure feature for its watches, but it
connectivity. The capability was expanded this year to allow users is unclear if it will be ready for the 2025 line up.

Vodafone Inks Long-Term Satellite Broadband Deal with AST SpaceMobile

Vodafone has entered into a long-term commercial agreement
with space-based cellular broadband firm AST SpaceMobile. The
agreement sees Vodafone having placed an order for gateways
for AST’s Block 1 BlueBird satellite, which would provide cellular
coverage to smartphones from low-Earth Orbit (LEO). The
BlueBird gateways will connect to Vodafone’s existing network
infrastructure to route broadband data to user devices in a
deal that lasts through 2034. “This agreement establishes the
framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband
connectivity in its home markets, as well as to other operators via
its Partner Markets program,” a statement announcing the deal
reads. AST SpaceMobile is attempting to build a global cellular
broadband network in space that’s capable of operating directly
with standard mobile devices. Vodafone has supported the space BlueBird satellites currently in orbit. Vodafone becomes the latest
firm since 2018, having been a three-time investor in the Midland, big-name mobile operator to enter into an agreement with AST,
Texas-based firm. While the operator has secured gateways for joining more than 45 others, including the likes of AT&T, Verizon,
Block 1, AST is currently developing its next-generation Block 2s, Telefonica, and TIM. In addition to backing from Vodafone, Google,
which feature up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays that Verizon, and AT&T have all made investments in the satellite firm.
are capable of delivering up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of

Starlink Secures License for Chad Operations

Chad's discussions with Starlink have been ongoing since 2021 approval, Starlink’s reach has expanded to 16 African countries,
as part of its larger effort to close connectivity gaps and support including Burundi, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana, Madagascar,
digital transformation. Chad has become the latest African country and Sierra Leone, all receiving operating approvals in the past six
to officially license SpaceX’s Starlink for its low-Earth orbit (LEO) months. This milestone reflects Starlink’s rapid expansion across
satellite internet services. Chad’s discussions with Starlink have the continent, offering promising solutions for countries with
been ongoing since 2021 as part of its larger effort to close underserved digital infrastructures.
connectivity gaps and support digital transformation. With Chad’s

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