French carrier Orange announced that it will launch its satellite-powered SMS feature in France. Although the carrier is available across Europe and Africa, it will initially limit its ‘Satellite Message’ service to its home market. The feature will be rolled out to the public from December 11, 2025. Companies and business customers can start using it in 2026 (via 9to5Google).
Orange is working with Skylo and will use its satellite network for the messaging function. This is the same satellite operator that Google is working with to provide emergency satellite connectivity on Pixel devices in the US. Verizon also uses Skylo’s satellites to power its own satellite-based text messaging service.
Initially, Orange says the satellite messaging feature will only work on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 family. The carrier will expand satellite messaging to more devices and regions once the temporary exclusivity ends. This will also include other European countries including Germany, Spain, Switzerland and even the United States and Canada.
Only free for the first six months
Orange will offer free satellite messaging to its Orange 5G and 5G+ subscribers for the first six months. After that, the position costs €5 per month. By comparison, emergency satellite connections are free on Pixels and iPhones in the US.
Once the feature rolls out in December, Pixel users will be able to send a text message to emergency services or their friends, including their location, when there is no mobile network or Wi-Fi coverage.
Admittedly, Apple’s implementation of satellite connectivity is much more polished than what Pixel phones or Orange’s Satellite Message offer. In addition to the ability to contact emergency services, it also offers features such as Roadside Assistance and Find My. These are all useful and potentially life-saving options.
Apple also supports a much broader list of countries, making the satellite system much more practical for travelers.
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