Deutsche Telekom and Google have completed the first SMS transmission over a geostationary (GEO) satellite to a commercial smartphone in Europe. A Google Pixel 9 successfully sent and received peer-to-peer (P2P) SMS messages from a location without cellular coverage in Greece using the Skylo satellite service. The test builds on an earlier demonstration by Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary Cosmote in November 2024, which used a test device. The companies plan to launch the first commercial Direct-to-Handset (D2H) messaging services in Germany and Europe by the end of 2025, aligning with the increasing availability of compatible smartphones.
The test involved a Google Pixel 9 with a Cosmote SIM card, connecting directly to Skylo’s satellite network using licensed Mobile Satellite Spectrum (MSS). The integration follows the 3GPP Release 17 standard for Direct-to-Handset (D2H) connectivity, ensuring interoperability with terrestrial mobile networks. This technology will allow users to send and receive messages in areas without traditional cellular coverage, supporting emergency communications and disaster response scenarios. Deutsche Telekom will showcase this capability at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona from March 3-6.
The service aims to expand connectivity options for consumers, particularly in remote or underserved regions. When launched, it will integrate with Deutsche Telekom’s mobile network to provide seamless connectivity without requiring specialized hardware. Future updates may extend functionality beyond messaging to additional mobile services. Google has already enabled emergency satellite communication on the Pixel 9 with its Satellite SOS feature and continues to explore broader applications for Direct-to-Handset technology.
• First successful SMS transmission over a GEO satellite to a commercial smartphone in Europe
• Google Pixel 9 sent and received messages in a no-coverage area in Greece using Skylo’s satellite service
• Follows 3GPP Release 17 standards for Direct-to-Handset (D2H) integration with terrestrial networks
• Commercial D2H messaging services expected to launch in Germany and Europe by late 2025
• Supports emergency communication and disaster response when terrestrial networks are unavailable
• Demonstrated with a Cosmote SIM card, leveraging licensed Mobile Satellite Spectrum (MSS)
• Deutsche Telekom will showcase the technology at MWC 2025 in Barcelona from March 3-6
“Staying connected is not just a convenience – it is a necessity. Successfully demonstrating SMS via satellite on a Google Pixel 9 commercial smartphone marks a crucial step towards ensuring our customers have seamless communication wherever they go,” said Antje Williams, Head of Satellite Communication at Deutsche Telekom.
