Satellite messaging comes to Xfinity and Spectrum

The integration of satellite connectivity into traditional mobile services represents a forward-thinking approach to overcoming geographical network limitations and providing uninterrupted communication capabilities to users.

Satellite messaging

Comcast and Charter introduced satellite-based emergency messaging for their mobile customers, following Verizon’s lead a day earlier. The new feature is available to Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile users but only on Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 devices.

The service is powered by Skylo, a non-terrestrial network provider that also helped launch Google’s Satellite SOS feature on the Pixel 9. The function is currently limited to sending emergency messages when users are outside Wi-Fi or cellular coverage.

Both companies plan to expand the feature soon, allowing users to send and receive regular SMS texts via satellite. This move places Comcast and Charter among many carriers exploring satellite connectivity.

Other telecom giants are also advancing in this space. T-Mobile is working with Starlink to offer direct-to-cell satellite messaging, while AT&T is developing capabilities similar to AST SpaceMobile, signalling a broader shift in how mobile networks handle connectivity in remote areas.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.