Google announced Aug. 13 the new Pixel 9 phone will include Satellite SOS. Screenshot via Google

Google is adding satellite capabilities to its new Pixel 9 phone to provide emergency messaging outside of cellular networks. 

According to Google’s Pixel 9 announcement on Aug. 13, Pixel 9 will be the first Android phone to include Satellite SOS. The service will allow users to contact emergency responders and share location via satellite, without cellular service. Google said this service will first be available in the U.S. on Pixel 9 devices on any carrier plan. The service will be free for the first two years. 

Google is working with Skylo and Garmin on the feature. 

Google follows Apple in equipping phones with the ability to connect directly to satellites. Apple introduced satellite capabilities to the iPhone 14 in 2022, and recently expanded the availability beyond emergency messaging, allowing users to send regular messages when cell networks are not available. Apple works with Globalstar for the satellite segment. 

Skylo does not operate its own satellites — the company is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider that works with multiple satellite operators with licensed spectrum. The company’s technology optimizes satellite links to cellular devices across constellation types and it has a radio access network infrastructure installed in Earth Stations globally. 

“Skylo is honored to be the satellite service partner for Google Pixel. Our service has been meticulously developed with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google as well as all our supporting ecosystem partners,” commented Parth Trivedi, co-founder and CEO of Skylo.

Skylo, which raised $37 million in funding earlier this year, has sent more than 10 million messages over its satellite network. 

Garmin also announced its satellite SOS emergency response service was integrated into Google’s Android smartphone ecosystem to make this possible. Under the agreement, Pixel users in the U.S. may be able to connect with Garmin Response emergency response coordination services when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is not available using Pixel’s Satellite SOS feature. 

Explaining how the service works, Garmin said that emergency incident coordinators gather information and activate the company’s network of law enforcement agencies, emergency services providers, search and rescue professionals, embassies, coast guards, and more. 

“Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven, premium satellite emergency response coordination services to the Android ecosystem, starting with Google Pixel 9 in the U.S. Each year, Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS activations, likely saving lives in the process. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google to help people connect to emergency services when they need them,” commented Brad Trenkle, Garmin co-COO. 

Google noted this is the first Android phone to include satellite connectivity. Qualcomm previously developed a chip that was compatible with Iridium’s satellite network for Android cell phones, but Qualcomm ended the agreement last year after manufacturers did not get onboard. 

The ecosystem connecting satellites directly to cell phones is rapidly developing as different equipment manufacturers and network providers team up with satellite companies. SpaceX, for example, is now in testing for direct-to-cell Starlink satellites with partner T-Mobile. And Verizon recently announced a $100 million deal with AST SpaceMobile for satellite direct-to-cell service for its customers.