Samsung develops AI-powered modem for Starlink’s satellite network

Samsung is reportedly developing an AI-enhanced modem for Elon Musk’s Starlink network, marking a potential breakthrough in satellite-to-device communication that could eliminate the need for traditional base station infrastructure. This collaboration aims to enable smartphones, routers, and other connected devices to link directly with satellites, aligning with SpaceX’s $17 billion push into 6G non-terrestrial networks.

The big picture: This partnership represents a fundamental shift toward space-based connectivity infrastructure, where AI-powered modems could replace ground-based cellular towers and fiber networks for global internet access.

How the AI technology works: Samsung’s new Exynos modem features a neural processing unit that can predict satellite trajectories and optimize signal links in real time.

• The AI system addresses a critical limitation in current modems, which struggle to maintain consistent connections with fast-moving low Earth orbit satellites.
• Samsung’s presentation shows the new modem can improve beam identification and channel prediction by 55 and 42 times, respectively, compared with existing models.
• These capabilities enable smoother switching between orbiting nodes, essential for reliable satellite broadband and direct-to-device services.

In plain English: Think of current modems like trying to catch a baseball thrown by someone running past you at 17,000 mph—that’s roughly how fast satellites move overhead. Samsung’s AI acts like a super-smart prediction system that can anticipate exactly where the satellite will be and adjust the connection accordingly, making the “catch” much more reliable.

What this means for consumers: The technology could revolutionize connectivity in remote areas and mobile environments by bypassing traditional ground-based systems.

• Laptops and smartphones could maintain coverage in areas previously unreachable by terrestrial networks.
• Enterprise and small business modem deployments could support high-bandwidth communication where fiber or 5G signals remain inconsistent.
• Devices would route directly through Starlink’s expanding satellite constellation rather than complex ground-based infrastructure.

Samsung’s strategic positioning: This collaboration reflects Samsung’s growing ambition to expand beyond smartphones and memory into next-generation communication infrastructure.

• The company’s joint work with Tesla on advanced AI chips already pointed toward this semiconductor diversification.
• By partnering with Starlink, Samsung positions itself as a key player in orbital communication technology.
• The move aligns with the company’s broader push into AI-driven hardware solutions.

The challenges ahead: AI-driven signal optimization demands significant energy and processing resources, creating potential performance trade-offs.

• Early 6G non-terrestrial network devices may struggle to balance efficiency with performance requirements.
• Power consumption, cost, and performance optimization in space-linked networks remain critical hurdles.
• The full impact of merging AI and orbital communication technology remains to be proven.

Why this matters: Success could reshape global internet infrastructure by making satellite connectivity as seamless as terrestrial networks, particularly benefiting underserved regions and mobile applications where traditional infrastructure is impractical or unavailable.