Samsung Brings Satellite Communication Support to Galaxy Smartphones Across the Globe

Collaboration with leading telecom operators across North America, Europe and Japan supports satellite-based communication on select Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S26 series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the continued expansion of satellite communication capabilities for select Galaxy smartphones — including the Galaxy S26 series — through ongoing partnerships with leading global telecommunications operators in North America,^[1] Europe,^[2] and Japan.^[3] This expansion reflects Samsung’s continued commitment to enhancing user safety and providing seamless mobile experiences through next-generation connectivity — particularly in the era of AI as everyday infrastructure.

“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.”

As AI is becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, the importance of reliable connectivity grows more than ever. Designed to support emergency response and essential communication when traditional mobile networks are unavailable, satellite communication is taking on increased significance within commercial mobile networks by providing stabler and more seamless network services. Since 2025, Samsung has supported satellite communication on select Galaxy flagship smartphones and Galaxy A series. The company is also continuously expanding the number of supported models, strengthening the underlying infrastructure that enables Galaxy devices to deliver a truly natural and seamless AI experience.

With capabilities rolling out in phases based on regional network availability and regulatory requirements, Samsung will continue working with network operators and satellite providers to ensure users have reliable access to critical communication tools at crucial moments. This will enable more Galaxy users to access satellite-based messaging and data services — in addition to emergency assistance — in areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable.

Expanding Satellite Connectivity Through Regional Partnerships

In the U.S., T911, text and data services have been supported in collaboration with T-Satellite with Starlink by T-Mobile since 2025 on select Galaxy flagship and Galaxy A series models released after the Galaxy S21 series. Meanwhile, Verizon offers eSOS and text services on all Galaxy flagship models following the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung is also working with AT&T to support satellite communication features on Galaxy smartphones.

In Europe, in collaboration with Virgin Media O2, satellite communication will now be available on select Galaxy smartphones.

Chris Bournes, Commercial Director at Virgin Media O2 said: “The launch of O2 Satellite on Samsung Galaxy devices was a defining moment for UK mobile connectivity and a statement of our intent to keep innovating and ensure our customers can stay connected no matter where they are.

By switching on O2 Satellite, we became the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service that, overnight, brought new mobile coverage to an area around the size of Greater Tokyo for the first time. At O2, we are committed to providing our customers with the best network experience possible and this is the latest example of us delivering it.”

Joint trials will begin in March with MasOrange in Spain.

Samsung is also working with Vodafone to support satellite communication features on Galaxy smartphones.

In Japan, since 2025, satellite communication-based text, data functions and the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) have been provided on Galaxy S22 and later flagship and Galaxy A series devices through KDDI. Additionally, in collaboration with SoftBank and docomo, satellite communication features will be available on select Galaxy flagship and Galaxy A series devices starting in 2026. Samsung is also working with Rakuten Mobile to gradually support satellite communication features on Galaxy smartphones.

Samsung is also working with more telecommunications operators to expand support across other Galaxy product categories.

[1]Satellite communication features may begin rolling out in the United States in accordance with each carrier’s rollout plan. Supported carriers include Verizon and T-Mobile. Device compatibility and supported features may vary by model, network and market. Availability of satellite communication may vary depending on the OS/One UI version.

[2]Satellite communication features may begin rolling out in the United Kingdom in accordance with each carrier’s rollout plan. Supported carriers include Virgin Media O2. Device compatibility and supported features may vary by model, network and market. Availability of satellite communication may vary depending on the OS/One UI version.

[3]Satellite communication features may begin rolling out in Japan in accordance with each carrier’s rollout plan. Supported carriers include KDDI. Device compatibility and supported features may vary by model, network and market. Availability of satellite communication may vary depending on the OS/One UI version.