Satellite Companies Eye Mobile-Device Market; Quoted by Matt Desch of Iridium

Engineers say satellite companies that want to connect smartphones and other mobile devices on earth could make that target a reality cheaper rockets and advances in satellite technology, but billions of dollars would be needed to achieve that goal, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Iridium Communications CEO Matt Desh said that equipping satellite-connected smartphones with high-speed Internet connectivity “is not a service that the public will see for at least several years.”

A hundreda 2022 Wash100 awardee, said a satellite-based text messaging service on a mobile device would be a more feasible goal.

According to the report, satellite companies looking to deploy their networks should also consider compliance with local and international regulations, the growing volume of orbital debris, financial challenges and pricing issues.

Desch noted that having partners deliver mobile service to customers spares the company from having to deal with pricing issues.

“What are you going to charge them if you spend $10 billion to provide them?” he said. “A lot of people think about how they value this best.”