The stable version of Android 15 is rolling out and it is bringing satellite messaging. This will allow many Android smartphones to communicate using satellites.
How will Satellite Messaging work on Android 15?
Android devices with an active carrier plan usually don’t face any connectivity issues, especially in cities. There are ample cellular towers in the vicinity of the user to offer a reliable, strong, and stable wireless connection.
Android smartphones also can communicate using Wi-Fi. However, remote locations might not have Wi-Fi or a stable cellular connection. To help in such situations, Android 15 is bringing satellite connectivity to Android phones.
The stable version of Android 15 is finally rolling out and it will introduce several new features. However, one of the most anticipated features that even the Apple iPhone has, is satellite messaging.
According to Google, with satellite connectivity, Android smartphone users need not worry about losing touch with others. If they are in a network “dead zone”, users will now be able to connect to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and continue sending and receiving messages without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection
How will satellite communication work on Android devices?
Apple recently unlocked satellite messaging in iOS for iPhones. However, it is important to note that Apple calls this feature “Emergency SOS”. This essentially means iPhone users are limited to communication with emergency services.
Apple’s satellite messaging works as an SOS feature in emergencies. That’s not the case with satellite messaging on Android 15. Google isn’t limiting this feature to messaging emergency services.
If available, users will be able to message anyone they wish. Moreover, the feature would ensure basic communication stays alive even when a mobile connection disappears.
Satellite connectivity on Android devices will have to be compatible with carrier messaging apps. Needless to say, very few carriers in the US offer the option to activate satellite messaging. Moreover, Google is rolling out the Android 15 update to its Pixel smartphones first.
T-Mobile is working with SpaceX to use the latter’s satellites to help regions affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. This means certain T-Mobile plan users will be able to use the new feature by navigating to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > T-Mobile and tapping on Satellite Messaging. However, these devices will have to first obtain and install the official Android 15 update.
