Verizon and T-Cell Google Pixel customers have a brand new instrument that might actually save their lives

Many Pixel telephones are now capable of sending text messages via satellite, a characteristic that gives essential communication in areas the place conventional cell service is unavailable. This functionality, not too long ago highlighted in Google’s March 2025 Google Pixel characteristic drop, is designed to boost emergency communication, significantly in distant or disaster-stricken areas.For T-Cell and Dash Pixel customers in america, the characteristic was initially activated for particular Pixel fashions, together with the Pixel 7 collection, Pixel 8, and eight Professional. Nevertheless, with this latest characteristic drop, it has expanded to the Pixel 9 collection in addition to been launched to new areas with Verizon now in tow. This enlargement addresses a vital want for dependable communication in conditions the place typical networks fail.For Verizon customers, the replace permits emergency service connectivity by way of satellite tv for pc, powered by Skylo satellite tv for pc eSOS and SMS messaging. Nevertheless, this characteristic is at the moment restricted to the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold fashions, and operates in English and Spanish inside america. It is essential to notice that this technique is designed for textual content messaging solely, and doesn’t assist voice calls, video, group messages, media attachments, emojis, encryption, or detailed sender/recipient exercise.Equally, T-Cell customers achieve the flexibility to textual content 911 throughout emergencies, using Starlink satellite tv for pc connectivity. This characteristic can also be unique to the Pixel 9 collection and operates below related limitations, primarily targeted on textual content messaging. Each Verizon and T-Cell have said that connection and response instances can differ relying on location and environmental situations, and require a transparent line of sight to the satellite tv for pc.