Just a day after Verizon made headlines with its support for satellite messaging on the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 series, two more U.S. carriers are joining the move. Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile — both of which operate on Verizon’s network — have officially confirmed that they, too, are enabling satellite-based emergency messaging for compatible devices.
Emergency Connectivity Gets a Boost
According to a joint announcement from Charter Communications and Comcast, the satellite messaging functionality is being delivered in partnership with Skylo, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider. This feature allows users to send and receive emergency text messages when they’re outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage — a crucial tool for remote travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone in an emergency situation.
Currently supported on:
- Samsung Galaxy S25 series
- Google Pixel 9 series
The feature is available now, but full SMS texting over satellite will be enabled in the coming weeks. For now, the focus is on emergency messaging only, though wider use may be possible down the line.
How It Works
When a Pixel 9 or Galaxy S25 user finds themselves in an area with no signal, their phone will automatically prompt them to switch to satellite mode (if enabled). They’ll then be able to:
- Connect to a satellite signal using Skylo’s network
- Send and receive emergency text messages
- Share location data with emergency responders
This comes as part of a broader industry push to integrate satellite communications into mainstream smartphones without requiring special hardware or accessories. Apple already implemented its own satellite SOS feature last year, but the new rollout across Android devices is a significant leap for non-iPhone users.
More Devices Coming Soon
Charter and Comcast have also teased that satellite messaging will be expanded to additional devices in the future, including iPhones, although most modern iPhones already include a similar feature for emergencies.
The feature rollout is currently underway, with broader availability expected in the next few weeks. Users are encouraged to check for software updates and ensure satellite messaging is enabled in device settings once the feature goes live.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
