Satellite Connectivity for Android Phones: A New Era of Emergency Communication

Introduction: Expanding Satellite Connectivity Beyond iPhones

For years, iPhones have held the exclusive ability to send emergency messages via satellites, a feature that has been lifesaving for many users in remote or dangerous situations. However, Android users have long awaited similar capabilities, and the wait is finally over. In 2025, the landscape of satellite-to-phone connectivity is set to expand dramatically. While a few Android models, such as the Google Pixel 9 series, have already introduced satellite messaging, Verizon is now bringing this feature to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, marking a significant step forward for Android users. This development is part of a broader trend, with phone manufacturers and carriers alike racing to provide satellite connectivity to their customers. T-Mobile, for instance, is currently beta-testing its own system in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink network, while Verizon has demonstrated how its subscribers will be able to use Galaxy S25 phones to send messages via satellites. The year 2025 is shaping up to be the year when satellite connectivity becomes mainstream, offering users greater safety and connectivity options, regardless of their location.

Verizon’s Partnership with Skylo: Bridging the Gap in Satellite Messaging

Verizon first announced its collaboration with Skylo, a satellite connectivity provider, in August 2023, with the goal of providing its mobile subscribers with access to satellite networks. Skylo’s technology allows users to send SMS messages via satellites when traditional cellular networks are unavailable. In a recent demonstration, Skylo showcased how this feature would work for Verizon subscribers using Samsung Galaxy S25 phones. The demonstration utilized a reference device equipped with an Exynos 5400 modem, the same modem used in the Google Pixel 9, to simulate satellite-only connectivity. During the demo, I observed how an SMS message was sent to my personal cellphone number, taking around 8 seconds on one occasion and 27 seconds on another. When I responded, the message took 17 seconds to reach the sender’s device. Although the reference device was configured to communicate with a test server rather than an actual emergency responder, the demonstration highlighted the potential for routing SMS texts through satellites in real-world scenarios.

The service is not just limited to personal messaging; it also includes the ability to connect with emergency responders, similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. In the demo, I saw how users would answer a questionnaire to assess the severity of their situation, which would then be reviewed by a live person and forwarded to the appropriate emergency services. This feature could be a game-changer for individuals in remote areas or during emergencies where traditional communication networks are down. Pete Saladino, Skylo’s global head of marketing, emphasized the seamless production-level experience that Skylo has worked hard to achieve, using existing satellites to provide coverage.

How Skylo’s Satellite Service Works: Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Skylo’s approach to satellite connectivity differs from Apple’s. While Apple has invested heavily in Globalstar’s constellation of satellites to support its iPhone 14, 15, and 16 series, Skylo does not own its satellites. Instead, it partners with multiple providers, including ViaSat, EchoStar, and Inmarsat, to utilize their existing satellites. This approach allows Skylo to act as a signal manager, ensuring that Samsung Galaxy S25 owners with Verizon service can access satellite networks already in orbit. This strategy gives Verizon a significant advantage in the race to provide satellite coverage, as Skylo’s network is already operational and covers a vast area of 50 million square kilometers, approximately five times the land area of the United States. While Skylo’s network providers have varying satellite sizes and capabilities, the company aims to provide a uniform experience, ensuring that users can send messages and access services consistently, regardless of their location. For example, Skylo wants to ensure that users can send photos in one part of the globe just as easily as they can in another, under the same service plan.

The Carrier Race for Satellite Coverage: T-Mobile and AT&T’s Moves

While Verizon is making strides with Skylo, other carriers are also vying for a piece of the satellite connectivity market. T-Mobile, for instance, has partnered with SpaceX to integrate its subscribers with Starlink’s satellite network. The beta testing phase of this collaboration began in late 2024, marking a new phase in the race for satellite-to-phone connectivity. Interestingly, this service is not exclusive to T-Mobile users; it is also available to Verizon and AT&T subscribers, showcasing the collaborative potential of satellite technology. AT&T, on the other hand, is working with AST SpaceMobile, which recently received FCC approval to begin testing its satellite network. While these developments are promising, Skylo’s use of already-deployed satellites gives it a head start, as it does not need to wait for new satellites to be launched. Pixel 9 phones already have satellite connectivity through a separate agreement with Skylo, further expanding the reach of this technology.

Beyond SMS: The Future of Satellite Connectivity

While the current capabilities of satellite connectivity are limited to SMS messaging and small data transfers, such as Apple’s iMessage, the future holds much promise. Skylo is actively working on delivering voice calls via satellites, with plans to roll out this feature as early as the end of 2025, though it may take until mid-2026 to become fully operational. This advancement would significantly enhance the utility of satellite connectivity, enabling users to communicate more effectively in emergency situations. For now, the primary focus remains on SMS messaging, which, while basic, is a crucial step toward more sophisticated communication options. As the technology evolves, we can expect to see more features being added, potentially including image and video transmissions, as well as more advanced data services. The integration of satellite connectivity into smartphones is not just about convenience; it is about safety and accessibility, particularly for those who find themselves in remote or disaster-stricken areas.

Conclusion: A New Era of Connectivity for All

The expansion of satellite connectivity to Android phones, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S25 series through Verizon and Skylo, marks the beginning of a new era in communication technology. This development is not just about catching up to iPhones; it is about providing users with a more reliable and accessible way to stay connected, no matter where they are in the world. As carriers and phone manufacturers continue to invest in satellite technology, we can expect to see even more innovative features and improvements in the coming years. Whether it’s through partnerships with existing satellite networks or the development of new constellations, the goal is clear: to ensure that no one is left disconnected, even in the most challenging situations. With companies like Skylo, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Apple leading the charge, the future of satellite connectivity looks brighter than ever, promising a safer and more connected world for all.