Verizon Blazes New Trail: Satellite Texting Now Available on Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25

Verizon has revealed that it will now facilitate the sending of text messages via satellite on select devices from the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 series. Both Google and Samsung’s latest smartphones have satellite connectivity, yet they have not fully utilized this capability beyond the Satellite SOS feature introduced in Android 15.

According to Verizon, the ability to send texts via satellite will be accessible when Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25 devices are «out of reach of terrestrial cellular networks,» and users should expect similar limitations as with other satellite technologies, including the need to ensure a clear line of sight to the sky without significant obstructions like buildings or trees. It’s important to highlight that the necessary updates to «activate this service begin today and will roll out over the next two weeks,» so users may want to hold off slightly longer before embarking on their next off-grid journey.

Apple launched Messages via Satellite with iOS 18, which operates independently of carriers; this could serve as a useful example of how Verizon’s satellite messaging will function once it is fully implemented on the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S25.

The carrier is collaborating with satellite service providers AST SpaceMobile and Skylo to enhance its satellite-connected offerings, and there have been trials with AST to facilitate video calls via satellite. Rival providers such as T-Mobile have already introduced satellite messaging through a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Update, March 20, 1:41PM ET: Included details about Verizon’s additional partner for satellite services.