Samsung Galaxy Phones Get Global Satellite Connectivity
▼ Summary
– Samsung is expanding satellite communication capabilities for select Galaxy smartphones, including the upcoming S26 series, through partnerships with telecom operators in North America, Europe, and Japan.
– This initiative aims to enhance user safety and provide seamless connectivity, especially for emergency communication when traditional mobile networks are unavailable.
– The expansion is part of Samsung’s strategy to support reliable AI experiences and will roll out in phases based on regional network availability and regulatory requirements.
– Specific partnerships include working with T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T in the U.S., Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone in Europe, and KDDI, SoftBank, and others in Japan.
– Samsung has supported satellite features on select models since 2025 and plans to extend support to more Galaxy devices and product categories in the future.
Samsung is significantly broadening the availability of satellite connectivity for its Galaxy smartphones, bringing this critical feature to users across North America, Europe, and Japan. This strategic expansion, involving partnerships with major telecom operators, underscores the company’s focus on user safety and reliable communication, ensuring Galaxy devices remain connected even when traditional cellular networks are not accessible. The move is a key part of enhancing the overall mobile experience in an age where constant connectivity supports advanced AI functionalities.
Samsung has a rich legacy in wireless communication technologies, and we strive to be at the forefront of innovation in this space through open collaboration with global partners, stated Won-Joon Choi, President and Head of the R&D Office for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business. He emphasized that as satellite connectivity becomes integral to the mobile ecosystem, the company is dedicated to providing Galaxy users with dependable communication tools precisely when they are needed most.
The integration of artificial intelligence into daily routines makes reliable network access more crucial than ever. Satellite communication is designed to support emergency responses and essential messaging where standard mobile coverage fails, thereby gaining greater importance within commercial networks for delivering stable and seamless service. Samsung began supporting this technology on select flagship and Galaxy A series phones in 2025 and continues to increase the number of compatible models. This effort strengthens the foundational infrastructure that allows Galaxy devices to offer a genuinely smooth and intuitive AI experience.
Deployments will occur in phases, dependent on local network readiness and regulatory approvals. Samsung is committed to ongoing collaboration with network operators and satellite service providers to guarantee users can reach critical communication services during important moments. This initiative will allow a growing number of Galaxy owners to utilize satellite-based messaging, data services, and emergency assistance in locations lacking conventional mobile networks.
The expansion is being driven by specific regional partnerships. In the United States, services including T911, text, and data have been available since 2025 on certain models through a collaboration with T-Mobile utilizing Starlink technology. Verizon provides eSOS and text services on flagship models from the Galaxy S25 series onward. Samsung is additionally working with AT&T to enable these satellite features.
Across Europe, satellite connectivity will become available on select Galaxy smartphones in partnership with Virgin Media O2. Joint trials are scheduled to begin in Spain with MasOrange during March. Collaborative efforts are also underway with Vodafone to support the functionality on Galaxy devices.
In Japan, satellite-based text, data, and the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) have been offered on applicable devices via KDDI since 2025. Furthermore, starting in 2026, satellite features will be introduced on select models through collaborations with SoftBank and docomo. Samsung is also working with Rakuten Mobile to gradually roll out support.
Looking forward, Samsung is engaging with additional telecommunications operators to extend satellite communication support to other product categories within the Galaxy ecosystem.
(Source: samsung.com)
