Satellite SOS on Galaxy S25. Satellite emergency messages.
The function of sending SOS messages via satellite is already known to Apple users, saving several lives and helping people in extreme situations. With the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung introduced hardware support for satellite connectivity, but this option is not available to all users.
Strange, even though the Galaxy S25 supports satellite connectivity, Samsung has not provided clear details about functionality and leaves to choose mobile operators activating this function.
Satellite sauce on Galaxy S25
Among the notable updates brought by the Galaxy S25 series is hardware support for satellite connectivity via Snapdragon Satellite technology. Although the hardware is ready, Samsung avoided giving details about the availability of this feature, suggesting that it is currently inactive. However, Verizon customers who want a Galaxy S25 device have this feature active on their network.
Samsung did not mention the functionality of direct (Direct-to-Devic, D2D) functionality by satellite during the Galaxy Unpacked event. Qualcomm, however, confirmed that the devices in the Galaxy S25 series are the first commercial phones to support Snapdragon Satellite.
The consultant in the field of satellites, Christian FRHR. Von der Ropp, stressed (through LightReading) that Samsung delegated to Telecom operators the responsibility to provide satellite services on the Galaxy S25 series. Verizon fulfilled his party, concluding an agreement with Skylo to allow the satellite messaging function in the US.
Related: Samsung and Apple in the battle for AI supremacy on phones.
Christian noted that Google handled the situation better with the Pixel 9 series, through a direct deal with Skylo, the monopoly operator of NTN's 5G satellites. This eliminates the need for users to depend on operators and allows access to the feature on all devices in supported regions, regardless of network. It's an appropriate approach for a service dedicated to emergency situations, the same one followed by Apple.
What does satellite emergency messaging help with?
SATEL SOS messages are a very important function for emergency situations in areas without mobile network coverage, such as isolated mountain areas, deserts or regions with difficult access. By directly connecting to satellites, users can send messages to emergency services to request help, even in the absence of a traditional signal. Apple has already demonstrated the usefulness of this technology, saving lives in limit situations, such as mountain accidents or wandering situations in the wild, where the satellite sauce function has made it possible to rapidly alert the rescue teams.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S25 series provides support for satellite connectivity, but SOS messages can only be sent by Verizon users. This is good news for Verizon customers, but not as favorable for the Android ecosystem in general.
