An alternative satellite messaging service was spotted in the latest beta version of Android 14, and it may be included in Android 15.
According to an Android Authority report, the Android beta now shows a new “Satellite Messaging” page that states users can “send and receive text messages by satellite as part of an eligible account.” Next is a button that users can tap once it arrives to add the feature to their mobile plan.
In terms of functionality, users can take advantage of it when they don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. In addition to emergency services, users can contact anyone they know. It is claimed that the antennas would support 2 to 4MB of data transmission per cell area.
It has been speculated that T-Mobile could be Google’s primary source of satellite-based text messages, allowing users to contact friends and family and access emergency services. T-Mobile is partnering with SpaceX in 2022 to try to eliminate the dead zone, with plans to possibly launch in 2024.
