Verizon is going to launch satellite messaging this fall

Verizon is the adjacent large telephone institution to motorboat a outer messaging work — and it’s coming soon. Starting this fall, the work volition fto “certain smartphones” entree exigency messaging and determination sharing via outer successful a concern with Skylo — which is besides powering Google’s precocious announced Satellite SOS feature.

Sometime adjacent year, Verizon says customers volition besides beryllium capable to nonstop substance messages via satellite.

Verizon says the service, which it is launching successful concern with Skylo, won’t outgo extra. “There are nary further costs planned for this service,” according to Verizon spokesperson Karen Schulz. “Capable devices tin instrumentality vantage of this irrespective of terms plan.” Schulz confirmed enactment for the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Apple introduced Emergency SOS in 2022 with the iPhone 14, and present others are starting to drawback up. With iOS 18, Apple is besides adding satellite capabilities to iMessage connected iPhone 14 devices and newer.

Earlier this year, Verizon invested $100 cardinal into AST SpaceMobile, different outer connectivity company, and contempt this Skylo news, Verizon is inactive readying to spouse with AST SpaceMobile. “We are precise excited not lone to enactment with AST, but to beryllium a semipermanent capitalist successful the occurrence of their outer services,” Schulz says. “Until their outer array is launched and functional, we wanted to marque definite each of our customers with susceptible devices person the aforesaid basal outer messaging connectivity.”