Satellite SOS is coming to the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, allowing users to contact emergency services without the need for a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Screenshots from Reddit user winner00 show a notification and info page with details about the new feature. The images were shared to X (formerly Twitter) by Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman.
As promised, Google is now rolling out Satellite SOS to Google Pixel 9 users in the US. Satellite SOS is free for the first two years after activation. The satellite provider is Skylo and emergency response is handled by Garmin. Thanks to winner00 for the screenshots! pic.twitter.com/92lBbGCjbhAugust 22, 2024
Satellite SOS allows Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro users to communicate with emergency services over non-terrestrial networks like satellites. The service is currently limited to the U.S.
The Pixel 9 family’s satellite connectivity comes courtesy of the Exynos 5400 modem in the new Tensor G4 chip. This allows users to connect to non-terrestrial networks via the Release 17 cellular standard.
As Rahman points out, the satellite link is provided by SkyLo and emergency response is handled by Garmin.
Like Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, which also uses satellites, Pixel 9 users can use Google’s version of the service for free for two years. After that, users will have to pay a subscription fee.
Google hasn’t yet announced which other countries Satellite SOS will be available in, nor what the subscription will cost once the two free years are up. For reference, Apple’s satellite connectivity service is available in 16 countries, most of which are in Europe and North America.
According to GarminGarmin Response offers emergency services in 150 countries and every ocean around the world. However, it is unlikely that Google can offer such coverage.
The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the first Android phones with satellite connectivity outside of China, where some manufacturers offer the ability to make satellite phone calls directly. Android Authority Notes: Huawei Mate 60 family has this capability.
Currently, both Google and Apple’s satellite services are intended for emergencies only, but we hope to see these services develop further over time.
