Google parent Alphabet ( NASDAQ:GOOG )( NASDAQ:GOOGL ) is often seen as a core tech giant focused on search, advertising, and cloud computing. Yet beneath its main operations lies a quieter side: a venture arm that invests in promising companies in areas like space tech, geospatial data, and semiconductors. These bets target innovations adjacent to Alphabet's ecosystem, such as enhanced connectivity for Android devices, Earth observation for AI-driven mapping in Google Earth, and efficient chip designs for data centers powering Google Cloud.
Apple is working on expanding its satellite features for iPhone and Apple Watch users, but some of those are still a long way away. The latest report from Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman suggests that Cupertino has a long list of improvements for its satellite connectivity features, but those will rely on Globalstar's network, which will have to undergo key improvements in the coming years to meet Apple's demands.
This week, AST SpaceMobile signed an ongoing agreement with Verizon to provide direct-to-cellular AST SpaceMobile service when needed for Verizon customers starting next year, enabling Verizon customers to stay connected even when outside of the footprint of Verizon's terrestrial mobile network. The agreement follows successful voice and video calls testing - as well as two-way RCS messaging - between standard, unmodified smartphones and a BlueBird satellite in space.
The iPhone 17 is Apple's most advanced phone yet, delivering blistering speed with the new A19 chip, a ProMotion Super Retina XDR display that makes every scroll feel fluid, and a camera system designed to rival pro gear. But power is only as good as the signal behind it, and that's where most carriers hit a wall. What sets the iPhone 17 apart on T-Mobile is T-Satellite with Starlink, which gives you an extra layer of coverage where no carrier towers can reach.
The latest report on the global status of 5G non-terrestrial, networks (NTN) and satellite connectivity from the GSA has revealed that satellite connectivity is moving from niche to mainstream, whether in rural broadband or direct-to-cell use cases, with nearly 200 publicly announced operator-satellite partnerships in almost 100 countries and territories - of these, 34 operators have launched commercial services. The Non-terrestrial 5G networks and satellite
iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users are getting another year of free access to satellite connectivity features, according to a footnote on Apple's newsroom posts for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. "The free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Apple's satellite features prior to 12 a.m. PT on September 9, 2025," Apple says.
