Verizon boosts Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 with Satellite texting
Good news for Verizon users with a Galaxy S25 or Pixel 9! You can now send and receive text messages using satellite technology when you’re out of cell service range. Even better, anyone can get your messages—no special phone or plan is needed.
Verizon is rolling out a big satellite upgrade for Samsung’s Galaxy S25 and Google’s Pixel 9 series. This cool new feature comes free of charge, showing off Verizon’s lead in the U.S. phone market. The company has kicked off its Satellite Messaging service across the U.S. Verizon already had satellite connections for phones, but now it’s officially launching the texting feature, starting with Samsung and Google’s newest top models.
Unlike the emergency SOS tools on iPhones or Pixels, Verizon’s satellite service is unique. Updates to turn it on start today and will keep going for the next couple of weeks. Looking ahead, Verizon plans to add satellite-powered phone calls too. They’ve been testing other neat stuff like video calls through satellites.
This news follows Verizon’s recent experiments with satellite data and video calling. T-Mobile is also jumping in with its own satellite texting service, powered by Starlink. It’s in a testing phase now for many devices, but it’ll cost extra starting this summer.
“We’re all about keeping our customers connected,” said Joe Russo, a top leader at Verizon’s Global Network and Technology team. “Our network is the biggest in America, reaching 99% of the places people go. Adding satellite texting proves we’re serious about keeping you linked up, no matter where you are. Our customers want more, and we’re always finding new ways to deliver.”
