Satellite-Based Mobile Phone Services: Master Thread

[BBCWatcher]

Updated April 16, 2026

Mobile phone manufacturers and cellular carriers are increasingly offering satellite-based connectivity to fill in terrestrial cellular network gaps. This thread is dedicated to discussing compatible phones and carrier offerings for satellite-based communications. Singapore has excellent, nationwide terrestrial cellular network coverage. However, satellite communication services can be relevant outside Singapore in remote areas, in oceanic waters, and in unusual situations when terrestrial cellular networks fail.

Caution: conventional mobile phones with satellite communication capabilities are often not appropriate for "mission-critical" roles that require rugged devices expressly designed for explorers, mariners, aviators, and other adventurers. Examples include Garmin's inReach satellite communicators and devices that work with COSPAS-SARSAT satellites (EPIRBs and PLBs).

Note that a radio broadcast receiver can be quite helpful in emergency situations. Some mobile phones include built-in FM radio receivers. (Unfortunately not iPhones.) Remember that you'll need a reliable backup power source for your radio and/or phone.

Practically any phone can communicate via satellites using "gateway" devices such as the HMD OffGrid.

 

[BBCWatcher]

Updated April 16, 2026

Apple

• iPhone 14 (and later) supports Apple's own satellite services in select countries unless your iPhone is originally from Armenia, Belarus, mainland China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, or Russia. If your iPhone is originally from Hong Kong or Macao, it must be an iPhone 16e or later to support Apple's satellite features.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 supports Apple's satellite services in select countries — except if your watch originated in one of the countries/territories listed above for iPhone 14 (and later).
• iPhone 13 (and later) supports Starlink-based satellite services offered by T-Mobile in the United States. Since iPhone 13 models do not support Apple's own emergency satellite services, T-Mobile offers free "T-911" emergency satellite service if you have an iPhone 13 even if you don't have T-Mobile service. You simply need any U.S. carrier's SIM or eSIM (even a free trial eSIM should work) to get a U.S. mobile number, and then you need to fill out a simple T-911 enrollment form.
• One NZ offers Starlink-based satellite services for iPhone 13 (and later) in New Zealand. About 40% of New Zealand's land area does not have terrestrial cellular coverage. You probably need a One NZ SIM or eSIM to use their satellite services.

Android

• An increasing number of Android-based phones include satellite communications capabilities in select areas and sometimes subject to carrier provisioning. Examples include Google's Pixel 9 series (and higher) and Samsung's Galaxy S24 series (and higher).

 

[BBCWatcher]

[Reserved for future use.]

 

[Jirachi]

I don't want StarLink.

 

[BBCWatcher]

I don't want StarLink.

OK, so don't use it. You're not required to use satellite communications. But if Starlink is your only option, and if you're stuck in rural Montana in a snowstorm with a busted transmission, maybe you'll make an exception?

 

[Iamnotai]

how much would a month subscription cost?

 

[BBCWatcher]

how much would a month subscription cost?

A subscription for what?

 

[BBCWatcher]

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar, the company that operates the satellites Apple uses. Amazon and Apple plan for future expansion of Apple's satellite services to a new generation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Amazon/Globalstar satellites. When rolled out it should mean more and better coverage including coverage in polar and oceanic regions presently beyond Globalstar's service area.

 

[keenklee]

Amazon is acquiring Globalstar, the company that operates the satellites Apple uses. Amazon and Apple plan for future expansion of Apple's satellite services to a new generation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Amazon/Globalstar satellites. When rolled out it should mean more and better coverage including coverage in polar and oceanic regions presently beyond Globalstar's service area.

IMHO.
Was reading already got a working solution - SpaceX / T-Mobile (The "T-Satellite" Service)
Can make whatsapp call.

 

[froztheart]

Need this tech to advance faster!