- Samsung develops AI modem to power Starlink’s 6G network
- SpaceX spent $17 billion acquiring spectrum to expand its 6G NTN plans
- Next phase of Starlink aims for direct satellite-to-device communication worldwide
Samsung is reportedly developing an AI-enhanced modem for Elon Musk’s Starlink network, a move that could mark the start of a new phase in satellite-to-device communication.
The reports of Korean Economic Daily say this collaboration aims to eliminate reliance on traditional base station infrastructure, potentially allowing smartphones, SME routers and other connected devices to connect directly to satellites.
The partnership aligns with SpaceX’s recent push into 6G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), supported by a announced $17 billion spectrum acquisition.
The role of AI in Starlink’s 6G vision
At the heart of the new design is a neural processing unit that will “predict satellite trajectories and optimize signal links in real time.”
This would address a long-standing limitation of current-generation modems, which struggle to maintain consistent, high-speed links with fast-moving low-Earth orbit satellites.
Samsung’s presentation shows that the new Exynos modem can improve beam identification and channel prediction 55 and 42 times respectively compared to existing models.
Such capabilities could enable smoother switching between on-orbit nodes, which is essential for reliable satellite and direct-to-device broadband services.
If the technology proves effective, it could reshape the way modems and routers handle connectivity in remote or mobile environments.
Instead of going through complex systems on the ground, the AI modem could connect devices directly to Starlink’s expanding constellation.
For consumer hardware, this might mean laptops or smartphones that can maintain coverage in areas previously inaccessible by terrestrial networks.
For enterprise and SMB modem deployments, it could support high-bandwidth communications in locations where fiber or 5G signals remain inconsistent.
The move also reflects Samsung’s growing ambition to expand its semiconductor business beyond smartphones and memory.
Industry observers note that the company’s joint work with Tesla on advanced AI chips was already moving in this direction.
Now, by working with Starlink, Samsung seems to want to position itself as a key player in next-generation communications infrastructure.
However, AI-based signal optimization requires a lot of power and processing resources, and early 6G NTN devices may struggle to balance efficiency and performance.
The Starlink-Samsung partnership represents an ambitious step toward merging AI and orbital communication, although its impact remains to be proven.
Whether this AI modem becomes a defining part of Musk’s 6G NTN vision will depend on how it balances power consumption, cost and performance in space-related networks.
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