Satellite communications 2025: when will it become available on smartphones and how much will it cost

The year 2025 could be a breakthrough in satellite connectivity directly to smartphones. We will see how leading companies prepare to introduce direct connectivity to satellites and learn what technological innovations are already bringing us closer to staying connected even in the most distant corners of the planet.

To begin with, 2025 promises to be the year when commercial direct satellite communications services begin to launch on a large scale.

Starlink Direct-to-Cell from SpaceX

Starlink plans to enable standard smartphones to connect directly to its satellites without additional equipment. The messaging service, followed by voice and data services, is expected to be launched as early as the end of 2025.

AST SpaceMobile satellite network

AST SpaceMobile is working on a space network that will provide cellular broadband for regular, unmodified smartphones.

Project BlueWalker 3 and subsequent satellites are some of the largest commercial communications vehicles in low-Earth orbit. Their goal is to cover hard-to-reach regions where there is no ground infrastructure.

Apple’s satellite communications expansion

Apple is evolving its satellite capabilities: at first, it was an emergency SOS feature, but now the iPhone can get plain text satellite communications in iMessage if there are no cell towers nearby. This could be an important incentive for iPhone owners to upgrade their devices.

Integration into standard smartphones

A satellite communication module operating in the L band* is already being introduced into the production of ordinary phones. At first, it will be used for messaging and emergency signals, but in time, the functionality will be expanded.

*L band is the frequency range of the radio frequency spectrum from 1 to 2 gigahertz (GHz), corresponding to wavelengths between 30 and 15 centimeters. It is used for satellite navigation as GPS, for mobile telecommunications operating at 800-900 and 1800-1900 MHz, and in long-range detection radars, particularly for air traffic control, providing a range of up to 450 km.

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

5G standards include support for non-terrestrial networks (not terrestrial networks) so that a smartphone can communicate directly with a satellite. This feature is especially important for mountainous regions, oceanic spaces, and remote areas where there is no terrestrial network.

Image: ONE NZ

However, the global success of satellite communications will depend not only on individual companies but also on global projects and research initiatives, such as Sweden’s 6G research. This country has launched extensive research projects to integrate satellite communications into future 6G networks. The aim is to improve global coverage and establish satellite-to-smartphone connectivity as a standard feature in future technologies.

All of this indicates that 2025 could be the next phase of the combination of smartphones and satellites. It is about reshaping communication systems globally.

Samsung is not standing on the sidelines either. Now the company is actively developing its satellite communication solutions to strengthen coverage in regions where cellular communication is absent or unstable.

5G NTN modem: standardized development

In February 2023, Samsung announced a universal 5G NTN modem that will allow smartphones to communicate directly with satellites. The technology will be integrated into Exynos modems and will enable two-way text messaging, as well as photo and video sharing via satellite.

Integration into future Galaxy devices

Galaxy S25 Ultra will have a satellite module to keep users connected even in remote areas and during emergencies.

While the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports satellite communications, the implementation of this feature may differ. Apple focuses on emergency messages, while Samsung can offer a wider range of services, including voice calls via satellite.

Cooperation with Starlink

Samsung is partnering with Starlink to test satellite services. In December 2024, One NZ launched a text satellite service, which is initially supported by certain Samsung smartphones: Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy S24 Ultra. According to plans, the work does not stop there: the list of devices will be expanded, and in addition to text messages, there will be functions for voice calls and data transfer.

Key issues

How much will it cost

The cost of satellite calls for smartphones will depend on the selected operator and tariff plan. For example, in China, the operator China Telecom offers packages of minutes for satellite calls:

  • 50 minutes for 200 yuan (approximately 1200 hryvnia)
  • 100 minutes for 300 yuan (approximately 1,800 hryvnia)
  • 200 minutes for 500 yuan (approximately 3,000 hryvnia)

Without purchasing the package, each minute costs 9 yuan (approximately 50 hryvnia).

In Ukraine, it is estimated that the cost of satellite Internet services may be comparable to Starlink tariffs, which are about $70-$100 per month.

However, the exact prices and conditions for Ukrainian users will be known after the official launch of the service and the announcement of tariffs by telecom operators.

Will it work in all regions

Satellite communications will have global coverage but with certain limitations. Some countries may impose regulations or bans for safety or technical reasons. In general, coverage will be available almost everywhere except polar regions or areas with severe weather conditions.

Speed limits

Direct satellite communication with smartphones has certain speed limitations. Elon Musk noted that such communication will have 10-100 times lower bandwidth compared to the use of specialized antennas optimized for satellite communication.

For example, AST SpaceMobile achieved download speeds of 14 Mbps during testing of a direct satellite link with a typical smartphone. These figures indicate that satellite connectivity on smartphones is suitable for basic tasks such as messaging and voice calls, but may not be sufficient for resource-intensive applications such as streaming high-quality video. It is also worth considering that the speed may vary depending on the number of connected users, weather conditions and other factors.

As we can see, satellite communication with smartphones will soon become an integral part of the telecommunications market. The foundation for providing access to the network in remote or inaccessible regions without bulky additional equipment or specialized phones is laid.

Major companies – Apple, SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Samsung and others – are investing resources and increasing collaboration to spread this technology around the world. Global initiatives, such as Sweden’s research toward 6G, confirm big plans to bring satellite communications into everyday life.

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