Opensignal assesses ‘no signal’ problem and satellite connectivity opportunities for smartphones

Opensignal, a UK-based mobile analytics company, analyzed over 100 global markets and the amount of time users spend without a cellular signal to assess connectivity gaps and potential markets for smartphone satellite connectivity.

Opensignal lists the 10 markets in each region where users have the highest percentage of no signal time, and lists the 5 markets in each region where they had the best experience and the least amount of no signal time. The lower the percentage of time without cellular signal, the better the user experience.

The report suggests that satellite connectivity service providers are likely to target users in wealthier markets, particularly those in the G7 major economies. However, “no signal” times also tend to be short in these markets.

Opensignal notes that Canada’s national average of “no signal” hours is significantly lower than emerging markets, but there are wide variations by province, from 1.26% in Alberta to 2.2% in British Columbia. . So both travelers and residents can benefit from satellite connectivity on their smartphones, he adds Opensignal.

Emerging markets have longer “no signal” times, but lower GDP and limited satellite investment. Opensignal asserts that commercial efforts often require government intervention. Therefore, companies should evaluate other ways to close coverage gaps in emerging markets, he said. For example, operators need to determine whether small cell efforts should be deployed separately or through a neutral host model.

The report also If one mobile operator offers service but others currently do not, regulators will have to step in to mandate nationwide roaming in rural areas. “Perhaps this offers a better experience than a satellite connection, but likewise, it can’t solve connectivity issues on its own,” suggests the report.

recently, Apple and Huawei have implemented satellite connections, but only for emergency messages. This is because Short Messaging Service (SMS) uses a moderate amount of data, and messages can slip through the short window in which a mobile device can see satellites. Other services require continuous signal acquisition. Additionally, low battery power on smartphones limits their ability to provide large-scale satellite services.

Qualcomm, Ericsson, Thales and many others have begun testing satellite connectivity as part of their 5G Release 17 development efforts. Bulittt has announced that he will launch a smartphone with satellite connectivity in early 2023, and Elon Musk’s Starlink has announced a deal with his T-Mobile US.