Verizon has officially launched its satellite messaging service, making it available to select Android smartphone users.
The service, which was previously announced, comes at no additional cost for Verizon customers. However, only those with a Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S25 series can use the feature. This new capability allows users to send and receive text messages via satellite outside regular cellular coverage. The recipient, however, can be on any network or device.
Unlike the emergency SOS satellite features in the latest iPhones and Pixel 9, this service is designed for standard messaging in remote areas.
Satellite-based texting has been gaining momentum in recent months. Apple recently introduced non-emergency satellite messaging with iOS 18, while T-Mobile’s Starlink-powered service is currently in an open trial phase. T-Mobile plans to charge a monthly fee once the service launches this summer. Meanwhile, AT&T and Verizon are working with AST SpaceMobile to expand satellite connectivity further, aiming to support video calls and multimedia messaging. If successful, these advancements could significantly reduce cellular dead zones.
Verizon has already begun rolling out necessary upgrades for this service, with full deployment expected over the next two weeks. As telecom companies shift their focus beyond just 5G, the competition increasingly looks like a space race.
