Google’s Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 ‌series phones will be the ​first smartphones capable of ⁣utilizing ‌satellite SMS ​functionality​ on Orange,a major telecommunications carrier in Europe. This ⁣breakthrough expands connectivity to areas with limited or no‍ cellular coverage.

Orange, headquartered in⁢ France, ​operates ⁤in over 25 countries across Europe and Africa, serving over 280 million customers as of September 30, 2023. The carrier is set to launch satellite⁤ SMS in Europe this December,‍ enabling text messaging even when traditional cellular networks‍ are unavailable, including in ⁣regions where Orange doesn’t directly provide​ service.

How Satellite SMS Works with Orange & Google

The satellite SMS ⁤feature is powered by Skylo, a leading provider of non-terrestrial network (NTN) ⁣connectivity. Skylo utilizes a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to relay messages when‌ terrestrial networks are out of reach.⁢ Google already integrates skylo’s technology for its Satellite SOS‍ feature ⁣on Pixel phones​ and the Pixel Watch⁤ 4, offering emergency messaging capabilities.

Currently, the Pixel 9 and Pixel‌ 10 series are the only devices compatible ‍with Orange’s ⁤satellite SMS service. ‍Orange has indicated that⁢ support for additional devices will be added in ​the future, stating that they are working to expand compatibility.

What This Means ‍for Users

This⁢ partnership addresses a critical need for reliable communication in remote⁢ areas,offering peace of mind for travelers,outdoor enthusiasts,and⁣ individuals ​living in regions with limited infrastructure. ⁣⁣ Satellite SMS provides ‍a vital lifeline ⁣in emergency situations⁣ where traditional communication methods fail.

The availability ​of satellite SMS is notably significant in Europe, where mountainous regions and sparsely populated areas frequently enough experience cellular dead zones. According to the European Commission, approximately 2% of‍ the EU population (around 10 million people) ‍still lacks ‌access to⁤ 4G coverage. Satellite connectivity offers a solution to bridge this digital divide.

Beyond⁣ SMS: The Future of NTN Connectivity

Orange’s move into ‍satellite SMS is part of a broader trend towards non-terrestrial network ⁢(NTN) integration. NTN technologies,including satellite and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS),are poised‍ to play an increasingly significant ‌role in expanding global connectivity. The 3GPP, the organization that develops mobile⁢ telecommunications standards, has been working to integrate NTN into 5G and future 6G networks.