The innovative feature offered by Apple that allows iPhone users to access emergency services via satellite connectivity could potentially make its way to India. This feature, known as Emergency SOS via satellite, enables individuals to communicate with emergency services even when they are outside the range of standard cellular or Wi-Fi networks. Currently, this lifesaving service is available in 16 countries but has yet to be introduced to India, which is one of the most populous countries worldwide.
In light of recent developments reported by The Hindu Businessline, there is a possibility that this might change in the near future. Reports indicate that Globalstar, the satellite communication company linked with providing this service for iPhone devices, has reached out to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in India seeking the necessary license to offer satellite connectivity in the country. Should Globalstar succeed in obtaining approval, Apple will then be in a position to implement the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone users in India.
The satellite-based emergency service was introduced by Apple beginning with the iPhone 14 series and is also incorporated in the latest iPhone models. At present, this function is accessible in various countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Apple has also recently announced an extension of the free trial period for the Emergency SOS via satellite service for iPhone 14 series users for an additional year. As of now, Android smartphones do not have a direct equivalent to this service. Although Qualcomm had initiated collaboration with Iridium to introduce a similar feature, their partnership was dissolved before it could come to fruition.
However, it’s worth noting that future technologies could potentially eclipse Apple’s current satellite service. Companies such as AST SpaceMobile and Starlink are in the process of developing methods to deliver mobile networks from space-based platforms, which could potentially eliminate coverage dead zones by utilizing cell towers located in orbit.
