When you hear the words “satellite phone,” your mind probably conjures up an image of a clunky mobile monstrosity straight out of a spy thriller. Usually rather bulky and utilitarian, traditional satellite phones are typically required in remote locations where cellular networks are unavailable. Nowadays, however, satellite connectivity can be found in regular smartphones too, thanks to new hardware innovations and unique partnerships with satellite network providers.
They can’t fully replace traditional satellite phones, but in an emergency situation, this feature can be a real lifesaver. This kind of connectivity has already proven useful in rescuing people from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the deadly fires in Maui. There are also several reported cases of the Emergency SOS texting feature rescuing lost hikers. While satellite connectivity isn’t in every phone right now, it’s clear that there’s a real need for it, and don’t be surprised to see even more of this feature in years to come.
What is satellite connectivity in phones?
Kevin Heinz/CNET
If a phone has satellite connectivity, it can connect to a satellite when you don’t have a cellular signal. This feature debuted in Apple’s iPhone 14 in 2022 and has since been incorporated in subsequent iPhones as well as certain Android phones like Google’s Pixel 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy S25. Some phones have satellite connectivity regardless of carrier for a period of time (like recent iPhones and the Pixel 9), while others require a specific carrier due to partnerships and hardware compatibility (like Galaxy S25 phones on Verizon).
Apple provides satellite connectivity in partnership with Globalstar, its affiliates and third-party network providers. However, Apple doesn’t provide satellite connectivity in models purchased in Armenia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan or Russia. Google partnered with Skylo for its satellite service, which currently works only in the continental US and on Pixel 9 devices.
Several US carriers have also recently started to provide satellite connectivity. Verizon, for example, has partnered with Skylo to provide its satellite messaging service to specific satellite-enabled phones like the Galaxy S25 and the Pixel 9 series. T-Mobile, on the other hand, has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink, which uses a “direct-to-cell” technology that doesn’t require the phone to have a specialized satellite modem.
Regardless of the kind of satellite connectivity your phone has, it still needs one important thing to work properly: connection with a satellite. Not only are these satellites hundreds of miles away in space, but they also orbit the Earth at a quick pace. You definitely need to be outside for the best satellite connection possible. You also want a direct view of the sky and to be away from tall trees or heavy foliage. Even then, a message might take 30 seconds or more to send depending on the rest of your surroundings, the length of the message and the status of the satellite network.
How can I use satellite connectivity?
Satellite connectivity on Android.
James Martin/CNET
The most obvious benefit of satellite connectivity in phones is SOS messaging. Apple calls its service Emergency SOS, while Google calls its service Satellite SOS. Like the names suggest, these services let you contact an emergency dispatcher when you have no phone signal. Apple also added other related satellite connectivity features to its iPhones, such as Roadside Assistance via satellite and Send Location via satellite (via the Find My feature).
In 2024, Apple added a Messages via satellite feature to iOS 18 that allows iMessages or SMS messages to be sent and received by satellite to anyone, not just emergency services. It supports emoji, tapbacks, and iMessage bubbles and screen effects, but you can’t send or receive photos or videos, and it doesn’t support group chats. The recipient must also have iOS 18 or newer to receive iMessages (replying to an SMS message via satellite requires iOS 17.6 or later or a non-Apple phone). This works no matter which carrier you use for your phone.
Verizon customers who have either a Galaxy S25 or a Pixel 9 handset can send and receive text messages via satellite to any device, along with SOS emergency services. Those who use T-Mobile’s Starlink service, called T-Satellite, can send and receive messages to anyone as well. Right now, picture messaging, voice calls and data aren’t supported, but T-Mobile plans to add them soon.
One especially interesting aspect of T-Satellite, is that it’s open not just to T-Mobile customers but those from other carriers as well. The service is free for now during its beta trial period, but once the full service launches in July, and will remain free for T-Mobile customers on Go5G Next or Experience More plans. Otherwise, T-Satellite is $10 a month for T-Mobile customers on other plans, as well as for Verizon and AT&T customers.
As of this writing, Verizon is offering its satellite messaging service for free. Apple and Google have both said they’ll provide their respective satellite services for free for the first two years. It’s unclear what happens after that, but Apple has previously extended satellite service for iPhone 14 owners.
How do I know if my phone has satellite connectivity?
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Kevin Heinz/CNET
As of this writing, only certain phones come with built-in satellite connectivity. In the US this includes the iPhone 14 and newer, the Pixel 9 series as well as the Galaxy S25. The 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 carrier like Verizon. The Pixel 9 can also use Verizon’s satellite service. These phones come with specialized hardware and satellite modems that enable satellite connectivity right off the bat.
Thanks to T-Mobile’s partnership with Starlink, however, more phones could have satellite connectivity 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 newer, the Pixel 9 series, the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, the Galaxy S24 and newer, the Galaxy A36 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. In this instance, “satellite optimization” simply means being able to seamlessly connect with a satellite in the absence of a cellular network.
You’ll know your phone has satellite connectivity if you can find the “Satellite” option in Settings or Control Center, usually when you’re out of Wi-Fi or cellular network coverage. There’ll often be a satellite icon or “SAT” symbol where the cellular symbol would be.
Watch this: In-Depth Hands-On: I Tried Google’s Pixel 9 Satellite SOS
06:25
Can I use satellite connectivity while having a cellular signal?
No, you generally can’t have satellite and cellular connectivity at the same time. Satellite connectivity is designed to be used as a fallback when Wi-Fi or cellular networks are not available.
What are the limitations of satellite connectivity?
At the moment, satellite connectivity is limited to text messaging, with no support for multimedia, voice calls or data. As mentioned earlier, there are also potential physical restrictions to contend with. If you’re indoors or under heavy foliage or you don’t have a clear line of sight of the sky, satellite connectivity could be an issue. There is also a lack of coverage in the water off the coasts.
Update, May 7: T-Satellite is free for T-Mobile customers on Go5G Next or Experience More plans and is $10 per month for other users on other T-Mobile plans and for Verizon and AT&T subscribers.
