Pixel 9 getting satellite messaging support from multiple carriers in the US

Imagine you’re hiking deep in the mountains with no cell signal. You slip, hurt your ankle, and need help fast. With Google’s Pixel 9, that’s no longer a nightmare scenario. The phone’s new satellite messaging feature, called Satellite SOS, lets you reach emergency services even without cellular or Wi-Fi. Now, several big US carriers are jumping on board to bring this life-saving tech to their customers.

The entire Pixel 9 lineup — Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold—comes with this satellite capability. It’s built for emergencies, letting you text 911 when you’re off the grid. The feature runs on Skylo’s satellite network, which keeps you connected when traditional signals fail. In the US, Verizon and T-Mobile are already supporting it. If you’re with either carrier and own a Pixel 9, you can use Satellite SOS as of March 2025. Meanwhile, Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile are gearing up to join in. Their customers will have to wait a few more weeks for the rollout, but it’s coming soon.

This feature isn’t just for the lower 48 states. Google expanded it to Alaska and Hawaii in March 2025, making sure even the most remote US users can stay safe. For anyone who loves adventure or lives in spotty coverage areas, this is a big deal. Better yet, it’s free for the first two years, no matter your carrier plan. After that, pricing details are still up in the air, but for now, it’s a no-cost safety boost.

Here’s where things stand with the carriers:

The tech behind this relies on Skylo and a 5G standard called 3GPP release 17 NTN. It’s a sign of where smartphones are heading — Apple’s iPhones have something similar, but Google’s tying it tighter to carrier networks. Down the road, this could grow beyond emergencies into everyday messaging, changing how we connect in far-off places. For now, though, the Pixel 9’s satellite support is a huge step forward for safety and peace of mind across the US.