MediaTek unveils MT6825 IoT-NTN chipset for smartphones featuring 2-way satellite messaging

In an announcement, MediaTek confirmed the launch of the Bullitt phone with a two-way satellite messaging capability. Now, the company has introduced the MT6825 chipset, which is the world’s first commercially available device from Bullitt with 3GPP NTN technology. 

The devices with the chip include the Motorola Defy 2 and CAT S75 smartphones, and the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, a compact and lightweight Bluetooth accessory that allows Android and iOS devices to connect to the Bullitt Satellite Connect platform.

The Bullitt Satellite Connect service will provide users with access to two-way satellite messaging, location sharing, and emergency SOS in more places around the world. MediaTek’s IoT-NTN solutions are standalone chipsets that can be added to any 4G or 5G device. It uses the open 3GPP R17 NTN standard, unlike competing solutions that are based on proprietary solutions. Therefore, once a device has been certified, it can be used on any IoT-NTN compliant network.

The MT6825 chipset allows you to connect to Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) constellations, which can be converted into 3GPP NTN compliant networks easily and are widely available now on the orbit. It also allows devices to automatically receive messages from satellites, unlike competitive solutions that require users to manually check for messages. The chipset has low system requirements, is power-efficient to provide greater battery life, and comes in a highly integrated design that helps accelerate time to market.

MediaTek will be demonstrating its innovative 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology in the chip at the MWC 2023 from Feb. 27 through March 2, 2023, at MediaTek’s booth in Hall 3, Stand 3D10. The company said more devices would be unveiled in the coming months. Additionally, MediaTek will also be sharing a sneak peek of its next-generation 5G New Radio NTN (NR-NTN) technology for the next wave of satellite-enabled devices.

JC Hsu, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of MediaTek’s wireless communications business unit, said that two-way satellite communications on smartphones and other devices will usher us into a new era of connectivity and open up new possibilities across many different verticals. The standalone MT6825 chipsets, which are based on the 3GPP NTN open standard, can be integrated into any flagship smartphone to deliver a seamless satellite connectivity experience.