Two Big US Carriers Now Support Satellite SOS On The Pixel 9
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google has announced expanded Satellite SOS support rolling out with its March 2025 Pixel Drop.
- You can now utilize the feature in two additional US states, Canada, and parts of Europe.
- Verizon and T-Mobile subscribers who own a Pixel 9 series device can also fully utilize the carriers’ Satellite SOS features.
Mobile satellite messaging is fast becoming a must-have feature on modern smartphones. With the March 2025 Pixel Drop, Google is expanding the Pixel 9’s Satellite SOS support to more regions and introducing broadened support for two major US carriers.
Per Google’s official announcement, users in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, and the UK can use Google’s Satellite SOS to receive help from emergency services when their device cannot connect to Wi-Fi or a mobile network. This feature is available on Pixel 9 phones.
Notably, there’s also news if you’d rather use a carrier for your emergency needs. If you’re a Verizon or T-Mobile subscriber and own a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you can also utilize Satellite SOS smarts via your respective carrier for emergencies. This comes after our own Authority Insights investigation found that Google is making room for carriers in its Satellite SOS program.
Each carrier has its own set of stipulations. Verizon users’ service may not work in parts of Alaska and is only available in English and Spanish within the US. T-Mobile limits the service to “eligible” US users who speak English or Spanish.
Satellite SOS is a better-have-than-not feature but remains pretty rough around the edges. This is mainly due to spotty global support. That said, it remains a relatively fresh feature that requires plenty of development. Thankfully, it appears that Google and US carriers are planning to offer users just that.
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