All articles tagged with #satellite texting
T-Mobile has made its satellite-based emergency texting service, T-911, free for all compatible phones, allowing users to text emergency numbers like 911, 988, and the Veteran Crisis Line even in areas without land-based coverage. The service is easy to enable via the T-Life app for T-Mobile customers and through an eSIM process for other carriers, providing a crucial safety feature for users in remote locations.
T-Mobile has launched T-Satellite, a satellite texting service in partnership with Starlink, allowing most recent smartphones to send texts from anywhere, including emergency services, for $10/month or free with certain plans. The service expands coverage into areas without cellular towers and will support data in third-party apps by October, with plans to include MMS and images soon. AT&T and Verizon are developing similar services, but T-Mobile's partnership with Starlink gives it a technological edge.
T-Mobile and SpaceX's Direct to Cell service, which uses Starlink satellites to provide connectivity in remote areas, is set to launch in the US this fall. Initially supporting only text messaging, the service will be available on most T-Mobile phones without additional hardware. Voice and data services are expected next year.
First responders in Los Angeles County have praised Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone, stating that it has saved lives and drastically improved emergency response times. The feature has been used in over a dozen rescues, providing immediate notification and allowing for two-way communication between the person in need and emergency services. The precise location provided by the iPhone has been particularly beneficial in emergency situations, cutting out the need for finding cell service and reducing response times. Concerns about abuse or false activations have been addressed through collaboration between first responders and Apple.
Qualcomm's plan to provide satellite texting services has been abandoned due to lack of interest from phone makers, signaling a setback in the advancement of communication technology.
Google is reportedly partnering with Garmin to bring two-way satellite texting to Android phones through the Google Messages app. The code found in the latest version of the app suggests that users may be able to access emergency satellite connectivity for texting. Garmin already offers satellite-based texting products through its partnership with Iridium, and Google may leverage this existing ecosystem to provide emergency communication features to Android users. Apple and Huawei have already introduced similar satellite-based emergency SOS systems, while Samsung is rumored to debut the feature with the Galaxy S24 next year.
Google Messages may soon offer satellite-based SOS texting in partnership with Garmin, according to evidence found in the app's code. Garmin already provides emergency response services via satellite in over 150 countries, giving Google Messages an advantage over Apple's limited satellite communication service. However, the launch date and supported devices for the feature are still unknown.