Verizon’s Satellite Capabilities: Expanding Beyond Emergency SOS
Introduction
Verizon is expanding its satellite capabilities to provide more than just emergency services. By partnering with various satellite technology companies, the company is aiming to offer direct-to-device satellite-based SMS, voice calling, and potentially even full data access and video applications.
Initial Availability and Technology
Currently, the satellite services are available on a limited number of devices. This is due to a specialized hardware requirement.
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Supported Devices:
- Pixel 9 series
- Galaxy S25 series
- Technology Requirement: These devices include the necessary hardware (such as the Snapdragon X80 5G modem or Exynos modem) to facilitate "Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)" communication, enabling them to connect to satellites.
- This specialized hardware allows for satellite SOS and messaging capabilities.
Current Initiatives
Verizon is actively working on several projects to bring advanced satellite services.
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Skylo Technologies Partnership:
- Verizon is collaborating with Skylo Technologies to offer satellite-based SMS and voice calling.
- This partnership aims to provide users with the ability to send text messages and make voice calls via satellite when cellular coverage is unavailable.
- AST SpaceMobile Partnership:
- Verizon has also partnered with AST SpaceMobile.
- The goal is to test a full suite of connectivity options including data access, voice calls, and video applications.
- This would enable cellular functions over satellite, without the need for specialized hardware modifications.
Future Services: SMS, Voice Calling, and Beyond
Verizon aims to introduce several new satellite services in the near future.
- Satellite SMS: Verizon plans to roll out satellite-based SMS services. This will enable direct messaging between devices via satellite networks.
- Satellite Voice Calling: Following SMS, Verizon is planning to offer satellite-connected voice services, allowing users to make calls in areas without cellular coverage.
- Data, Video, and More: The partnership with AST SpaceMobile suggests ambitions to provide full data access, video applications, and cellular-like functionality over satellite.
Comparison with Other Providers
- T-Mobile and Starlink: Test programs are ongoing to provide a cellular-like experience for sending texts, making calls, and using the internet through a direct-to-device service.
Timeline and Rollout
While a specific timeline has not been provided, the various partnerships suggest that satellite services are likely to launch soon.
- Anticipated Launch: Satellite SMS is expected to be the first service to launch, with other mobile services likely to follow.
- Rollout Strategy: It’s unknown whether Verizon will begin with a test program or proceed directly to a full-scale rollout .