*Thales, Qualcomm and Ericsson say the result of the proposal could effectively mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G connectivity anywhere on earth

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Technology giants Thales, Qualcomm and Ericsson have unveiled聽 a plan to allow smartphones to communicate directly with satellites, a 鈥渟pace-based network鈥� they hope will bring connectivity to consumers worldwide.

绿帽献妻 learnt that the three firms Monday, July 11, 2022, noted they envisaged launching hundreds of satellites with 5G capabilities to bring coverage to 鈥渆xtreme geographies or remote areas across seas鈥�.

The proposal would potentially cut out the base stations and antennas that current mobile networks need to send and receive data, agency report said.

But the idea is still in its early stages.

The firms said they had carried out 鈥渕ultiple studies and simulations鈥�, and would now explore possible uses of the technology.

The technology companies in a statement said: 鈥淭he result could effectively mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G connectivity anywhere on earth.”

Among the possible benefits would be greater security, which could be useful for national governments across the globe.

The firm further suggested space-based networks could be used as back-up during disasters or other large-scale blackouts affecting terrestrial networks.

However, the three firms are not expecting an imminent rollout. Why?

Ericsson鈥檚 Erik Ekudden stated that it was 鈥渢oo early to say鈥� when the first satellites might be put into use.

Thales said a rollout of 600 to 800 satellites could begin within four or five years.