When you hear the word “satellite phone”, your mind may cause clumsy images of mobile monsters directly from the spy thriller. In general, in remote locations of unavailable cellular networks, rather bulky and utilitarian traditional satellite phones are often required. However, today, satellite connections can also be found in conventional smartphones thanks to new hardware innovations and unique partnerships with satellite network providers.
They can't completely replace traditional satellite phones, but in emergencies, this feature may be a real lifeguard. This connectivity has been proven to be useful in saving people from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, and the deadly fires in Maui. Several emergency SOS texting cases have also been reported, which saved the lost hikers. While satellite connectivity is not currently available in every phone, it is obvious that it does require it, and it wouldn't be surprised to see more of this feature in the coming years.
What is satellite connectivity in a phone?
If the phone has satellite connectivity, it can be connected to the satellite when there is no cellular signal. This feature debuts Apple's iPhone 14 In 2022, it has since been included in subsequent iPhones and certain Android phones Google's Pixel 9 and Samsung's Galaxy S25. Some phones have satellite connectivity for a while (such as the recent iPhone and Pixel 9), while others require specific carriers due to partnerships and hardware compatibility (such as the Galaxy S25 phone on Verizon).
Apple works with Globalstar, its affiliates and third-party network providers to provide satellite connectivity. However, Apple does not provide satellite connections in models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Kazakhstan or Russia. Google partnered with Skylo to provide its satellite service, which currently works only on mainland America and Pixel 9 devices.
Recently, several American airlines have also begun providing satellite connections. For example, Verizon has partnered with Skylo to provide its satellite messaging services to specific phones with satellites, such as the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 series. T-Mobile, on the other hand, works with SpaceX's Starlink, which uses “direct to battery” technology, which does not require a phone to have a dedicated satellite modem.
Regardless of the satellite connectivity a phone has, one important thing still needs to work properly: connect with the satellite. These satellites are not only hundreds of miles away in space, but also orbiting the Earth at a rapid speed. You absolutely need to be outside in order to have the best satellite connection. You also need to admire the sky directly and stay away from tall trees or dense foliage. Even then, the message may still take 30 seconds or more to send, depending on the rest of the surroundings, the length of the message, and the state of the satellite network.
How to use satellite connection?
Satellite connectivity on Android.
The most obvious benefit of satellite connection in a phone is SOS messaging. Apple says it serves emergency SOS, while Google says it serves satellite SOS. As the name suggests, these services allow you to contact an emergency dispatcher when there is no telephone signal. Apple has also added other related satellite connectivity features to its iPhone, such as roadside assistance through satellites and sending locations through satellites (by Find My Feature).
In 2024, Apple added a message to iOS 18 through satellite capabilities that allows satellites to send iMessages or SMS messages to anyone, not just emergency services. It supports emojis, Tapbacks, and Imagessage bubbles and screen effects, but you cannot send or receive photos or videos and does not support group chats. The recipient must also have iOS 18 or updated to receive iMessages (replying to SMS messages via satellite, iOS 17.6 or higher or non-apps are required). No matter which carrier you use for your phone, it can be used.
Verizon customers with Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9 phones can send and receive text messages via satellite as well as SOS emergency services. Those using T-Mobile's Starlink service, called T-Satellite, can also send and receive messages to anyone. Currently, image messaging, voice calls, and data are not supported, but T-Mobile plans to add them soon.
A particularly interesting aspect of the T-Satellite is that it is open not only to T-Mobile customers, but also to customers of other operators. The service is currently free during the Beta trial, but once the full service is launched in July, Next’s T-Mobile customers will remain free, or experience more plans. Otherwise, for other plans, Verizon and AT&T customers, T-Satellite is $10 per month for T-Mobile customers.
At the time of writing, Verizon offers its satellite messaging service for free. Both Apple and Google said they will provide their respective satellite services for free in the first two years. It's unclear what's going on, but Apple has previously expanded satellite services for iPhone 14 owners.
How do I know if my phone has a satellite connection?
Emergency SOS is probably one of the most important features of any phone this year.
As of this writing, only some phones have built-in satellite connectivity. In the US, this includes the iPhone 14 and the updated Pixel 9 series as well as the Galaxy S25. When you lose connection to the cellular network, the recent iPhone and Pixel 9 series can connect to satellites, while the Galaxy S25 requires a carrier like Verizon. The Pixel 9 can also use Verizon's satellite service. These phones are equipped with dedicated hardware and satellite modems for immediate satellite connectivity.
However, due to T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink, more phones may have satellite connections even on existing hardware. T-Mobile's Starlink Satellite Service (also known as T-Satellite) is currently compatible with “satellite optimized” phones, such as the iPhone 14 and the updated Pixel 9 series, The Pixel 9 Series Motorola Razr Plus 2024this Galaxy S24 and updated Galaxy A36 series, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. In this case, “satellite optimization” simply means being able to connect seamlessly with satellites without a cellular network.
If you can find the “Satellite” option in the settings or control center, it is usually when you are not out of Wi-Fi or cellular coverage, you will know that your phone is satellite connectivity. There will usually be a satellite icon or a “sat” symbol where the cellular symbol will be in it.
Watch the following: In-depth: I tried Google's Pixel 9 SOS
Can I use satellite connectivity when I have cellular signals?
No, you can't usually have both satellite and cellular connections. When Wi-Fi or cellular network is unavailable, the satellite connection is designed to be used as a backup.
What are the limitations of satellite connections?
Currently, satellite connections are limited to text messaging and do not support multimedia, voice calls or data. As mentioned earlier, there are potential physical limitations. If you are indoors or under heavy leaves, or if you don't have a clear view of the sky, satellite connection can be a problem. There is also a lack of coverage in the water along the coast.
Updated on May 7: T-Satellite is free for the next GO5G T-Mobile customers, or experience more plans, while other T-Mobile plans and other users of Verizon and AT&T subscribers are $10 per month.
