Here is everything you need to know about satellite connectivity in phones

The words “satellite phone” probably evoke an image of an awkward mobile monstrosity straight out of a spy thriller. These traditional voluminous and utility satellite phones are generally necessary in distant places where cellular networks are not available. Nowadays, however, satellite connectivity can also be found in regular smartphones, thanks to new material innovations and unique partnerships with Satellite Networks suppliers.

They cannot fully replace traditional satellite phones, but in an emergency situation, this feature can be a real life buoy. This type of connectivity has already been useful to save people from Hurricaneness Milton and Helene, recent Los Angeles forest fires and mortal fires in Maui. There are also several cases reported to operating SOS Emergency SEMS for loss of lost hikers. Although satellite connectivity is not in each phone right now, it is clear that there is a real need for this and do not be surprised to see even more of this functionality in the years to come.

What is satellite connectivity in phones?

If a phone has satellite connectivity, it can connect to a satellite when you don’t have a cellular signal. This feature made its debut Apple iPhone 14 in 2022 and has since been incorporated into subsequent iPhones as well as certain Android phones as Google Pixel 9 And Samsung Galaxy S25. Some phones have satellite connectivity independently of the carrier for a period of time (such as recent iPhones and Pixel 9), while others need a specific operator due to partnerships and hardware compatibility (such as Galaxy S25 phones on Verizon).

Apple provides satellite connectivity in partnership with Globalstar, its affiliates and its third -party network suppliers. However, Apple does not provide satellite connectivity in the models purchased in Armenia, Bélarus, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan or Russia. Google has teamed up with Skylo for its satellite service, which is currently only working in US continental devices and on Pixel 9.

Several American carriers have also recently started providing satellite connectivity. Verizon, for example, has teamed up with Skylo to provide its satellite messaging service with specific Satellite phones such as the Galaxy S25 and the Pixel 9 series. T-Mobile, on the other hand, has teamed up with Starlink de Spacex, which uses a “direct cell” technology which does not require the phone to have a specialized satellite modem.

Whatever the type of satellite connectivity of your phone, it still needs an important thing to function properly: connection with a satellite. Not only are these satellites hundreds of kilometers in space, but they also orbit the earth at a rapid pace. You must certainly be outside for the best possible satellite connection. You also want a direct view of the sky and be far from large trees or heavy foliage. Even then, a message can take 30 seconds or more to send depending on the rest of your environment, the length of the message and the state of the satellite network.

How can I use satellite connectivity?

The most obvious advantage of satellite connectivity in phones is SOS messaging. Apple calls for its SOS emergency service, while Google calls its SOS satellite service. As the names suggest, these services allow you to contact an emergency distributor when you do not have a telephone signal. Apple has also added other satellite connectivity features related to its iPhones, such as road assistance via satellite and sending the location via satellite (via search functionality).

In 2024, Apple added messages via the satellite functionality to iOS 18 which allows you to send and receive SMS messages or SMS messages to anyone, not only for emergency services. He supports emoji, tapbacks, bubbles and iMessage screen effects, but you cannot send or receive photos or videos, and he does not support group cats. The recipient must also have iOS 18 or more recent to receive images (responding to an SMS via satellite requires iOS 17.6 or subsequent or a non -Apple phone). It works, whatever the carrier you use for your phone.

Verizon customers who have a Galaxy S25 or a Pixel 9 handset can send and receive text messages via satellite on any device, as well as SOS emergency services. Those who use T-Mobile Starlink service, called T-Satellite, can also send messages to anyone. Currently, photo messaging, voice calls and data are not supported, but T-Mobile plans to add them soon.

A particularly interesting aspect of T-Satellite is that it is open not only to T-Mobile customers, but also to those of other carriers. The service is free for the moment during its trial period in beta version, which ends on July 22. Once the full service will be launched in July, it will remain free for T-Mobile customers on Go5g Next or will experience more plans. Otherwise, T-Satellite costs $ 10 per month for T-Mobile customers on other plans, as well as for Verizon and AT&T customers.

To date, Verizon offers its free satellite messaging service. Apple and Google both said they would provide their respective satellite services for free for the first two years. We do not know what is happening after that, but Apple has already extended the satellite service for the owners of the iPhone 14.

How do I know if my phone has satellite connectivity?

To date, only certain phones have been delivered with integrated satellite connectivity. In the United States, this includes the iPhone 14 and the new, the Pixel 9 series as well as the Galaxy S25. Recent iPhones and the Pixel 9 series can connect to satellites when you lose your connection to a cellular network, while the Galaxy S25 requires a transporter like Verizon. Pixel 9 can also use the Verizon satellite service. These phones are delivered with specialized hardware and satellite modems which allow satellite connectivity from the start.

Thanks to T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink, however, more phones may have satellite connectivity even on existing equipment. The T-Mobile Starlink Satellite Service (also known as T-Satellite) is currently compatible with “Satellite Optimized” phones such as the iPhone 14 and the more recent series, the Pixel 9 series, the series Motorola Razr Plus 2024THE Galaxy S24 And more recent, the Galaxy A36 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Plé 6. In this case, “the optimization of the satellite” simply means being able to connect transparently with a satellite in the absence of a cellular network.

You will know that your phone has satellite connectivity if you can find the “satellite” option in the settings or the control center, usually when you are on Wi-Fi or a cell coverage. There will often be a satellite icon or a “sat” symbol where the cell symbol would be.

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Can I use satellite connectivity while having a cellular signal?

No, you generally cannot have satellite and cellular connectivity at the same time. Satellite connectivity is designed to be used as aid when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are not available.

What are the limits of satellite connectivity?

Currently, satellite connectivity is limited to text messaging, without supporting multimedia, voice calls or data. As mentioned above, there are also potential physical restrictions to face. If you are inside or under heavy foliage or if you have no clear view of the sky, satellite connectivity could be a problem. There is also a lack of cover in water off the coast.

Update, May 7: T-Satellite is free for T-Mobile customers on Go5g Next or experiment with more plans and is $ 10 per month for other users on other T-Mobile plans and for Verizon and AT&T subscribers.

Update, July 11: The free period of the T-Satellite program is almost over. The beta program will end on July 22.