On August 29, 2023, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro—the world’s first mass-market smartphone capable of true satellite voice calls in the modern sense—quietly appeared on major e-commerce platforms. The term “satellite communication” once again pulled public attention away from terrestrial base stations and up toward the sky.

Two years have now passed, and more and more smartphone manufacturers are announcing support for “satellite communication.” Yet in today’s marketing language, the meaning of this term has become vague and muddled. The features being advertised—whether emergency messaging, satellite calling, or the promise of future satellite internet—rely on completely different technical paths, cost structures, and usage constraints.

So let’s start from the past and present to peek into the possible future.

What “Satellite Communication” Actually Means

The concept of “communication” is extremely broad—anything from simple signal transmission to high-definition video calls falls under this umbrella. So before we go any further, we need to clarify: what do smartphone makers actually mean when they say “satellite communication”?

In my view, the earliest meaningful starting point was Apple’s introduction of Emergency SOS¹ via Satellite on the iPhone 14 in 2022. This feature allowed users in remote areas—without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage—to contact emergency services through satellites.

In this workflow, the iPhone acts only as a signal source. The entire satellite communication process supports only one-way transmission of fixed-format “satellite messages” to a satellite.

That same year, Huawei introduced a similar feature on the Mate 50 series, based on China’s BeiDou satellite short messaging system. Compared with Apple’s fixed templates, Huawei allowed users to send custom short messages—meaning that even without any ground network, users could still send a self-written “satellite SMS.”

But at the time, whether it was Apple’s structured emergency prompts or Huawei’s custom short messages, both were heavily constrained by bandwidth and could only transmit small amounts of text.

The breakthrough came a year later, when the Huawei Mate 60 Pro added satellite voice calling—the first time a mass-market smartphone could directly make a satellite voice call.

So let’s answer the first question: from a communication-mode perspective, the “satellite communication” available on consumer smartphones today can actually be categorized into three types:

• Emergency Satellite SOS: Sends fixed-format emergency help messages
• Satellite Messaging (Short Burst Text): Sends custom short text messages
• Satellite Calling: Direct two-way satellite voice communication

The “Past” of Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is hardly a new concept. Ever since the launch ²of the world’s first artificial satellite—Sputnik 1—humanity has been exploring ways to extend “communication” beyond the confines of Earth.

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, marking the beginning of the space age. The satellite operated for 92 days, orbiting Earth roughly 1,400 times and traveling about 60 million kilometers.

During its mission, Sputnik 1 transmitted continuous “beep-beep-beep” radio signals at frequencies of 20.005 and 40.002 MHz—a simple yet groundbreaking form of one-way communication, broadcast to all of humanity.

From that moment on, communication was no longer restricted to the ground. In the 1990s, Motorola proposed a visionary idea: to build a global, dead-zone–free communication system using dozens of low-Earth-orbit satellites—an ambitious attempt at unifying worldwide communication. This move began shifting satellite communication from state-level applications to personal communication systems.

Motorola soon invested in and founded Iridium, deploying a constellation of 66 low-orbit satellites to form a global satellite communication network.³

Here’s a fun bit of trivia:

The original Iridium design called for 77 satellites, arranged as 7 orbital planes with 11 satellites each. This mirrored the 77 electrons orbiting the nucleus of the element iridium (Ir)—hence the name “Iridium.” Later, engineers found that 66 satellites were sufficient, but the name remained.

Yet, reality fell short of ambition. Although Iridium’s technology was groundbreaking and truly achieved global coverage, its practical use cases turned out to be far narrower than anticipated.

Meanwhile, terrestrial cellular networks advanced far faster than the industry expected. Costs dropped rapidly. With the rise and global adoption of the GSM standard⁴, ground networks became cheaper to deploy, easier to use, and capable of providing clearer voice quality. International roaming agreements further made cross-border communication hassle-free—all of which made cellular networks far more appealing than bulky, expensive satellite phones.

For the average consumer, “making a call from the top of Mount Everest” was intriguing—but never a daily necessity.

In the battle between the “space network” and the “ground network,” Iridium simply could not stand against the far more economical and mature ground-based mobile communication systems, eventually ending in commercial failure.

Even today, mass-market communication is overwhelmingly dominated by terrestrial networks. Yet satellite communication continues to play an irreplaceable role in defense, national security, emergency rescue, and other professional domains.

The “Present” of Satellite Communication in Smartphones

If satellite phones in the Iridium era were standalone devices for a small group of professional users, then in the past two years, satellites have increasingly sought to intersect with consumer smart devices. Many smartphone manufacturers have begun integrating satellite links directly into regular smartphones. But this does not mean that today’s smartphones possess full-fledged satellite communication capabilities—we are still in an exploratory stage of the technology.

To avoid misunderstandings, it’s important to emphasize upfront: there is no unified standard for smartphone–satellite integration yet, and naturally the user experience differs across devices.
Manufacturers vary significantly in the scope of supported features, wording, communication protocols, and usage methods.

Against this backdrop, understanding what companies mean when they advertise “satellite messaging” or “satellite calling” is crucial. To avoid confusion, I collected several recent smartphone models claiming satellite capabilities along with their official descriptions

Model	Official Description
HUAWEI nova 14 Ultra	TianTong satellite calling, supports satellite paging. One-time satellite acquisition, always online, can receive satellite message alerts without manual aiming. 130° ultra-wide connection angle, 9-second ultra-fast acquisition. Beidou satellite messaging supports freely editable texts and image sending.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Dual-Satellite Edition	Supports TianTong + Beidou dual-satellite communication. Can send/receive satellite messages and make/receive satellite calls. Supports satellite voice AI enhancement for clearer rescue calls.
Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Satellite Edition	One-click rescue messaging in no-signal environments; stay connected in extreme weather. Only available in the “satellite messaging edition.”
OPPO Find X9 Pro Satellite Edition	Supports satellite messaging in remote, no-signal areas. Faster satellite acquisition and more stable connections. Lightweight for travel; reliable communication in critical moments.

We can see that “satellite communication” is treated as a major selling point; all manufacturers highlight it prominently on their official pages. But upon closer reading, differences emerge:

HUAWEI nova 14 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra explicitly support both satellite messaging and satellite calling. Redmi Note 15 Pro+ Satellite Edition and OPPO Find X9 Pro Satellite Edition only mention satellite messaging.

This is because the underlying technologies differ drastically: Why Their “Satellite Communication” Capabilities Differ Currently, satellite messaging in consumer smartphones mainly relies on Beidou Satellite Short Message Service, while satellite calling relies on TianTong satellites, and the hardware requirements are completely different.

TianTong Satellite Calling ：Uses the TianTong-1 GEO satellite system. For stable calling, phones must integrate: stronger dedicated satellite antennas high-power RF front-end chips more complex modems Ground services are managed by domestic operators; users must subscribe according to operator rules. Functionality may be limited by coverage and regional licensing.

Beidou Short Message (Short Burst Data)： Relies on the Beidou-3 short message service. Requires far less bandwidth than voice calling. Lower antenna and amplifier requirements. Typically supports text + location; in recent years supports limited “rich content” via extreme compression and segmentation.

Because specialized satellite components must be added, satellite-capable phones cost more than standard versions. For example, the OPPO Find X9 Pro Satellite Edition (Beidou messaging) costs 300 RMB more than the standard version. Devices supporting satellite calling (TianTong) require even more advanced hardware and are typically even more expensive.

Types and Pricing Models

Now that we have a basic understanding of “satellite communication” and how different smartphone manufacturers integrate these capabilities, we can take a more experience-oriented look at how these services actually reach users. Overall, current satellite communication offerings can be divided into three practical categories:

• Carrier-led model: Mobile carriers integrate satellite networks into their numbers, plans, and core network, while smartphones only provide the necessary hardware and feature access.
• Satellite-service-provider-led model: Satellite companies provide communication capabilities directly, with smartphones connecting via dedicated apps or built-in “emergency” functions.
• Device-manufacturer-led model: Smartphone makers deeply integrate hardware and software to connect directly to systems like TianTong-1 or Beidou short-message services, making satellite communication a native phone capability rather than an external network add-on.

Dimension	Carrier-Led Model	Satellite-Service-Provider-Led Model	Device-Manufacturer-Led Model
Core Difference	Carriers treat satellites as extensions of terrestrial networks, offering seamless communication	Professional satellite communication services extended down from enterprise use to consumer use	Deep hardware–software integration makes satellite support part of the phone itself
Primary Operator	Telecom carriers (e.g., China Telecom)	Satellite operators (e.g., Globalstar, Iridium, Starlink)	Smartphone manufacturers (e.g., Huawei, Apple)
Typical Examples	China Telecom	Starlink Satellite Hotspot Service	Huawei’s “Beidou Satellite Message” & “TianTong Satellite Calling,” Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite
Business Model	Treated as a telecom value-added service, billed monthly or per-use (e.g., TianTong satellite fees)	Users pay satellite service providers directly	Hardware price premium (bundled in flagship models); future subscription services possible
User Experience	Strongly linked to a phone number; calling/sending messages feels like normal use	Often requires extra hardware; scenarios limited; experience independent	Deep system integration (e.g., Huawei’s Changlian app); different satellite features (messaging/calling) may rely on different partners

These three categories are not industry standards but rather a practical summary of current offerings. In real products, hybrid models may appear. From a user perspective, the biggest differences show up in pricing structures.

Example: Carrier-Led Satellite Services：

China Telecom was the first to launch TianTong-based satellite calling in September 2023.
This service requires a China Telecom SIM card and activation of the relevant plan.
China Unicom followed, obtaining its satellite communication license ⁵from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in September 2025 and beginning trials in some regions.
China Mobile is expected to join, eventually forming “three-carrier satellite coverage.”

Currently, the China Telecom app allows online activation. The simplified pricing is as follows:

• Monthly fee: 10 RMB/month, 2-year contract, includes 2 minutes of free satellite calling (incoming or outgoing)
• Satellite calling: 9 RMB per minute (both outgoing and incoming)
• Satellite SMS: 5 RMB per message (receiving is free)

Similarly, satellite-service-provider-led offerings also tend to follow a standalone subscription model, though they usually require additional dedicated hardware (such as a Starlink Kit).
Meanwhile, device-manufacturer-led models are, in the short term, more likely to monetize through hardware premiums and system-level feature bundling. In the long run, however, they may also evolve into yet another form of “subscription plan.”

Limitations of Satellite Communication

“Does having satellite communication mean I’ll never see ‘No Service’ again?” No.

Here’s a fun fact: the most crucial information in product promotions often isn’t in the bold headline—it’s hidden in the fine print. Take the Huawei nova 14 Ultra as an example. At the bottom of its official product page, two key notices are listed:

1. Using Tiantong satellite communication requires activating relevant services from Tiantong satellite service operators. Whether the function works depends on the operator’s service deployment. For flight and communication safety, satellite communication must not be used when airplane doors are closed.
   The satellite paging function requires coverage within satellite signal range and automatically activates under weak-signal conditions. A single activation lasts up to 24 hours.
2. The nova 14 Ultra provides hardware support for BeiDou Satellite Messaging but must be used in open, unobstructed areas. Before first use, activation must occur in an environment with ground network coverage through the Huawei MeeTime app or via operator services.
   Only MeeTime supports sending BeiDou satellite image messages; images are compressed with quality limited by satellite network bandwidth. Free-form text length is also constrained by bandwidth. This feature is limited to mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan).

Huawei also publishes a spec comparison chart detailing the differences between Operator BeiDou Satellite SMS, MeeTime BeiDou Satellite Messaging, and Tiantong Satellite Communication—clarifying usage conditions and limitations.

From these disclosures, it becomes clear that satellite communication is not an “always-on” communication method. Its availability depends not just on whether your phone supports the feature, but also on factors such as:

• Satellite communication services (calling or messaging) must be activated in advance
• Availability varies by geographic region and satellite coverage
• Must be used in open, unobstructed environments while waiting for the satellite to pass overhead
• Text length and image quality are heavily limited by satellite network bandwidth

Additionally, as discussed earlier, different satellite systems (e.g., Tiantong vs. BeiDou short message) differ significantly in transmission method, capacity, and bandwidth. Therefore, today’s satellite communication should be considered a supplemental tool for specific scenarios, not a replacement for terrestrial mobile networks.

Our Last Line of Defense

Despite its many prerequisites and environmental limitations, satellite communication remains the final lifeline capable of sending out a distress signal when all conventional methods fail. Whether this lifeline is truly reliable depends largely on whether you are prepared in advance:

• Activate the necessary services early: This is the foundation for everything. You must activate the relevant satellite services before you need them—via your carrier or through built-in apps (such as Huawei’s MeeTime). In real emergencies, you often won’t have the conditions to activate new services.
• Test the feature regularly: Periodically open the satellite communication test demo, practice satellite linking, and try sending messages. Get familiar with the full workflow so that even under stress your muscle memory can guide you through a distress call.
• Fully understand the boundaries and limitations of satellite communication: Carefully read the detailed instructions on official websites. Stay aware that satellite communication isn’t magic—it’s affected by geographic coverage, weather, obstructions, bandwidth, and more.

These are the preparations we can make at this stage. And for a technology that’s still rapidly evolving, we can only stay hopeful—whether it will truly shine in more critical scenarios remains to be seen.

The Future

Right now, the satellite communication features released by smartphone manufacturers remain fragmented—no unified standards and inconsistent user experiences. This rush to embrace “satellite” feels reminiscent of past waves like “full-screen displays” or “Dynamic Island” hype. Whether driven by genuine technical exploration or marketing pressure, the ultimate shape of “satellite communication” will be decided by the market and real-world demand.

It’s difficult to predict what comes next. Consider the “universal charger” that was wildly popular twenty years ago—celebrated for its genius-level compatibility. Yet it still faded quietly as devices became standardized and integrated.

Based on current trends and existing challenges, satellite communication may evolve in the following directions:

• Expanded coverage: Denser low-orbit constellations and more flexible coverage strategies may gradually fill the gaps left by terrestrial networks.
• Broader device adoption: As chip costs drop and antennas shrink, satellite capabilities will likely trickle down from premium flagships to mid-range devices.
• Lower usage barriers: Entry points, connection wait times, and message formats will be streamlined so that users can operate the feature even under pressure.
• Satellite internet access: With improved density, frequency utilization, and ground-station capacity, we may one day see stable low-speed internet access in remote areas.
• Regional interoperability: Although global satellite interconnectivity faces immense legal, spectrum, and commercial hurdles, regional cooperation will likely increase.

In the foreseeable future, satellite communication will remain a complement to terrestrial networks, with its core value concentrated in critical moments: when users lose signal, encounter extreme environments, or face emergencies, they can still maintain minimal communication. It is not meant for daily heavy use—but it may be the kind of capability that stays unnoticed until the moment it matters most.

Looking back at how satellite communication has evolved, we can see that while embedding it into smartphones is not yet mature enough for full-scale adoption, it is clearly transitioning—from a specialized tool to a feature gradually entering everyday scenarios.

That concludes this article. I hope it has helped answer your questions about satellite communication on smartphones.As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

1. ^{Using “Send SOS Emergency Contact via Satellite” on iPhone} ↩︎
2. ^{Wikipedia: Sputnik 1} ↩︎
3. Wikipedia: Iridium Communications, Inc. ↩︎
4. ^{GSM, short for Global System for Mobile Communications, efficiently enables large-scale, high-capacity mobile voice communications through TDMA and cellular network architecture. It stands as the most mainstream and successful standard among second-generation (2G) cellular network technologies, laying the foundation for modern digital mobile communications.} ↩︎
5. ^{The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has granted China Unicom a license to operate satellite mobile communications services.} ↩︎