Orange has become the first European operator to bring a two-way satellite communication service called Message Satellite, with Skylo. The service allows customers from France to send and receive SMS via satellite constellation without needing any cellular or WiFi coverage.
Orange says that the service has already been rolled out in France and 36 countries. With this wireless service, Orange also strengthens its presence in mobile, terrestrial, satellite, and submarine communications. The Message Satellite service is scheduled for launch for the general public on December 11, 2025, and for enterprises in 2026.
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Orange, Skylo partner for two-way satellite connectivity
Orange says that its satellite messaging service relies on Direct to Device technology, which unlocks the ability to connect through a satellite. The service works with a satellite connecting a user to a satellite that sends or receives the message via Orange’s cellular network.
It’s currently available to users of Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 smartphones, but there’s a plan for expansion to other handsets in the near future. Orange’s 5G and 5G+ users are eligible for this service.
Benefits:
- Extended coverage: Satellite coverage ensures that you stay connected with your family and friends even when there’s no WiFi or cellular signals available. It’s super useful when you are on an expedition to remote areas
- Rescue operations: One key advantage of satellite communication is that it can play a super useful role in emergency situations. Many have saved themselves by sending a quick text message over satellite when there’s no other option available. Satellite connectivity is veritably for emergency situations when you need to make a call without limited to no cellular coverage.
What’s been said about Message Satellite?
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange France, said: “The ‘Message Satellite’ offer addresses the fundamental need to stay connected with loved ones, even when away. With this new offer, Orange provides a useful and simple innovation that strengthens service continuity for our customers, wherever they are. Being the first operator in France to launch this option demonstrates our leadership and our ambition to provide high-quality connectivity everywhere and for everyone”.
“Orange combines the best available technologies to meet our customers’ connectivity needs. The Direct to Device technology is part of this approach, providing readily available and targeted connectivity on your smartphone even in the absence of mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. The launch of this technology in France to enable the sending and receiving of SMS messages is a major first step for the Group, paving the way for an enrichment of services available to Orange customers as technological evolutions continue,” adds Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale.
*The Skylo coverage area includes Germany, England, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain (excluding Canary Islands), Estonia, Finland, mainland France (including Corsica) and Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand.
Orange, Skylo’s Satellite Message service comes at €5 a month, but for the first six months, subscribers can enjoy the service for free.