Some T-Mobile US subscribers using the Samsung Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6 smartphones have reported a new satellite messaging feature called Satellite Networks in their device’s settings menu.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra,
Announced in August 2022, the T-Mobile Starlink service is finally approaching the start of beta testing, writes the resource SamMobile. Let us recall that in September of this year, T-Mobile, together with SpaceX, successfully tested the emergency notification system for citizens via Starlink satellites.
To gain access to the satellite messaging feature, users must enroll in the beta testing of T-Mobile’s Starlink service. The new service will allow you to send and receive text messages even in the absence of a cellular network. The smartphone settings indicate that the quality of signal reception may be affected by the weather (for example, cloudiness) and nearby infrastructure. The menu also explains that sending and receiving text messages via the satellite system may take longer than usual.
Technically, this feature should be supported by any phone with LTE connectivity. However, T-Mobile and Starlink have currently implemented support for the new feature only on select mobile device models, and Samsung smartphones are included in this list.
Users are reporting that a new menu with satellite messaging feature has appeared on their phones after installing the December 2024 security patch. Once beta testing is complete and the stable version is released, this feature should work with all modern LTE-enabled phones.
Starlink also partners with other cellular operators around the world, including Optus, Rogers, Entel, Kiddi, One NZ and Salt, to provide services in Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru and Switzerland respectively.