- May 28, 2011
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Anyone else get this notification?
- Thread starter PsychDoc
- Start date
Have read about this being a capability on the S26 series, but this is the first I've read about it being on an actual phone.
- May 28, 2011
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Yes, it just popped up as a notification.
Is this something we'd have to pay for if needed or would it be part of our plans with our carriers? And is its availability carrier-specific?
[Edit] Here's what a search with Grok came back with:
"Yeah, that notification's legit—the Galaxy S26 Ultra has built-in satellite texting, and Google Messages is one of the apps that can tap into it when you're out of cell range. It's not carrier-specific in the sense that the phone hardware supports it globally, but whether you actually get to use it—and how—totally depends on your carrier.
Right now in the US, it's rolling out mainly through Verizon and T-Mobile. Verizon keeps it free for basic texting and SOS—like, no extra charge, just works if you're on their plan. T-Mobile's a bit mixed: emergency stuff's often free (even for non-customers if you register), but fuller texting or data might hit you with about fifteen bucks a month on some plans—though they've been making more of it free lately.
It's not something you pay per message; it's usually bundled into your carrier service or a small add-on. And yeah, it's satellite-specific—uses Starlink or Skylo networks directly from your phone, no tower needed, just clear sky view. Super handy for hikes or remote spots, but texts are short and slow compared to normal.
If you're on AT&T or someone else, it's coming soon, but not there yet. Check your carrier app or settings under "Satellite" or "Emergency" to see what's active—should tell you if it's free or not. Cool feature, right?"
Is this something we'd have to pay for if needed or would it be part of our plans with our carriers? And is its availability carrier-specific?
[Edit] Here's what a search with Grok came back with:
"Yeah, that notification's legit—the Galaxy S26 Ultra has built-in satellite texting, and Google Messages is one of the apps that can tap into it when you're out of cell range. It's not carrier-specific in the sense that the phone hardware supports it globally, but whether you actually get to use it—and how—totally depends on your carrier.
Right now in the US, it's rolling out mainly through Verizon and T-Mobile. Verizon keeps it free for basic texting and SOS—like, no extra charge, just works if you're on their plan. T-Mobile's a bit mixed: emergency stuff's often free (even for non-customers if you register), but fuller texting or data might hit you with about fifteen bucks a month on some plans—though they've been making more of it free lately.
It's not something you pay per message; it's usually bundled into your carrier service or a small add-on. And yeah, it's satellite-specific—uses Starlink or Skylo networks directly from your phone, no tower needed, just clear sky view. Super handy for hikes or remote spots, but texts are short and slow compared to normal.
If you're on AT&T or someone else, it's coming soon, but not there yet. Check your carrier app or settings under "Satellite" or "Emergency" to see what's active—should tell you if it's free or not. Cool feature, right?"
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- May 28, 2011
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I guess Verizon has done just that. Wow, who knew.
Rose4uKY
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- May 28, 2011
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I bought mine unlocked also. Popped in my Verizon sym card and that notification showed up on my phone so it seems that's now part of the Verizon network.
Pretty cool if you're somewhere with no cell service.
- May 28, 2011
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Here's a more official link describing this...
news.samsung.com
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
- Feb 6, 2017
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Mine had that banner when I first set-up the s25u.. satellite in my T-Mobile account it transferred to my s26u
Talderon
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- Jun 5, 2011
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T-Mobile has had this capability for a couple years now. I had it on my S23U and when I upgraded to the Fold 7, had it on that. I was in the Beta Test group for like 18 months. Where I live, if I drive outside the city limits, I pretty much don't have cell service, so having this was great, but I did not use it enough to pay the $9.99/mo. to keep it on my plan.
Rose4uKY
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- May 8, 2010
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