Samsung has announced the expansion of satellite communication across select smartphones, including the recently launched Galaxy S26 series. The service is coordinated through its partnership with operators in North America and Japan.
Samsung says that since the world is growing more reliant on AI, the need for connectivity has become more pronounced. The satellite connectivity allows users to connect even when there are no mobile networks around. So, it’s useful in rescue and emergency situations where traditional fiber and cellular services are offline or not available.
“Samsung has a rich legacy in wireless communication technologies, and we strive to be at the forefront of innovation in this space through open collaboration with global partners,” said Won-Joon Choi, President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of the R&D Office, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “As satellite connectivity becomes an important part of the mobile landscape, we are committed to ensuring Galaxy users have reliable access to communication, especially when they need it most.”
Samsung started satellite services on Galaxy phones, starting with the Galaxy A series devices. The company has shared that it continues to expand the service across a wider number of models.
The South Korean tech giant says that it will unlock satellite services on phones “in phases based on regional network availability and regulatory requirements”. It unlocks messaging and data services to users.
Samsung unlocks Satellite Connectivity in America, Europe, and Asia
In the US
Samsung has provided text and data services in the US through T-Satellite with Starlink since 2025. It’s available on select Galaxy phones and A series models launched after the Galaxy S21 series. Verizon also provides eSOS and text services on all Galaxy phones following the S25 series. Samsung says that it’s working closely with AT&T to launch support for satellite communications on Galaxy phones.
In Europe
In Europe, Virgin Media O2 is providing satellite services on select Galaxy phones. The company started joint trials with MasOrange in Spain. It’s coordinating with Vodafone to bring the service to its flagship phones.
More: Virgin Media O2 launches satellite-to-mobile service
In Asia (Japan)
Satellite-based text, data, and the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System are provided on Galaxy S22 models and later flagships and Galaxy A series phones through KDDI since 2025. Samsung has shared that it will bring satellite communication to Galaxy phones through SoftBank and DOCOMO in 2026. It’s also working with Rakuten Mobile for the same.
The leading phone maker says that it will continue to prop up efforts to bring satellite services to more Galaxy phones in the future.