After years of speculation, Samsung smartphones are finally gaining satellite connectivity. The Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy Z Fold 6 are receiving satellite messaging features in the US. It appears to be a beta program limited to T-Mobile postpaid customers. A wider rollout is expected next year.
T-Mobile offers satellite messaging features to Galaxy phones
Samsung has long been rumored to bring satellite communication to its flagship smartphones, but the feature has remained absent until now. Earlier this year, T-Mobile took the matter into its own hands and signed a partnership with SpaceX to deliver satellite connectivity to its customers via Starlink satellites. It invited interested postpaid users with supported phones to sign up for a beta program.
The carrier has now started rolling out satellite messaging features to registered users. Several Galaxy S24+, S24 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 6 recently confirmed receiving a new option called ‘Satellite Networks’ in their phones’ Connections settings. Of course, the feature works only for users with an eligible postpaid plan.
If available, satellite connectivity enables you to send and receive text messages even when you aren’t connected to a mobile network. This can be handy when you are in remote places or hiking in the mountains. You can send emergency messages if you need help. Your phone automatically connects to a Starlink satellite when there’s no mobile network available.
“For the best connection, keep a clear view of the sky,” T-Mobile advises. It also warns users that the weather conditions and structures around them may affect satellite connectivity. You cannot make calls via a satellite and messages may take longer to deliver too. You may be able to call emergency services if a mobile network is available near you, though. It looks like Starlink can help relay the signal.
Technically, this Starlink-powered satellite connectivity should work on all modern LTE-enabled smartphones. However, T-Mobile currently only supports a handful of Galaxy devices, among others. Hopefully, the carrier will extend support to more devices after the beta program ends sometime next year. It remains to be seen if Samsung offers native satellite connectivity in the Galaxy S25 series.
