Samsung to expand satellite communication with Galaxy phones

Samsung announces the expansion of satellite communication to Galaxy smartphones of the S22 to S26 series. More services are to become available worldwide, in the USA, Japan, and Europe. With this, Samsung aims to improve user safety and offer “seamless mobile experiences through next-generation connectivity”.

In Samsung's announcement, the company specifies in the footnotes, however, that satellite communication functions in Europe are initially to become available in the United Kingdom according to provider plans; Samsung currently names “Virgin Media O2” as a supported provider. The availability of satellite communication may depend on the operating system and One UI version and also varies in supported functions depending on the mobile phone model, network, and market. In the USA, for example, Verizon and T-Mobile are on board, in Japan KDDI. Whether Samsung has something similar in store for the DACH region or at least for Germany, the company has not yet been able to answer us upon request.

The announcement is full of usual marketing phrases, but at its core, Samsung has recognized that reliable connections are becoming increasingly important. Satellite communication was developed for emergency measures and rudimentary communication when conventional mobile networks are unavailable, Samsung explains. However, the importance of satellite communication within commercial mobile networks is increasing to stabilize them and offer services more seamlessly.

Samsung: Satellite communication available from 2025

According to Samsung, this form of communication has been supported on selected Galaxy flagship models and the Galaxy A series since 2025. The company has since been expanding the number of supported models. Samsung distributes these functions in phases, depending on regional network capabilities and regulatory requirements. Samsung intends to continue working with network and satellite providers to ultimately provide reliable access to critical communication tools in important moments. Especially in regions where there are no classic mobile networks, Samsung users should receive access to satellite-based messaging and data services in addition to emergency assistance.

In the USA, according to Samsung, text and data services are available due to a collaboration between T-Satellite and Starlink via T-Mobile for devices released after the Galaxy S21. Verizon offers eSOS and text messages for devices after the S25. Samsung is still working with AT&T on an offering for upcoming smartphones. In addition to the offering from Virgin Media O2 in the United Kingdom, Samsung is launching initial trials together with MasOrange in Spain. Samsung is also working with Vodafone on satellite communication for Galaxy phones. In Japan, text messages via satellite have been available since 2025, data functions and connection to the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) since the Galaxy S22 and in the Galaxy A series; all with the provider KDDI. This year, satellite communication is also to come to devices in the Softbank and docomo networks. The collaboration with Rakuten Mobile for satellite communication is underway without a more precise timeline.

Currently, numerous mobile network providers and smartphone manufacturers have plans for satellite-based (emergency) communication. Deutsche Telekom announced a cooperation with Elon Musk's Starlink at the MWC in Barcelona this Monday to offer such options on suitable end devices. Processor manufacturer for mobile communications MediaTek also announced a Starlink cooperation with this goal today, Tuesday. Satellite communication is now also coming to cars.

(dmk)