Satellite connectivity is quickly becoming a key feature for smartphones, giving users a backup when traditional cellular networks fail. Two major options are now available in the US: Verizon Skylo and T-Mobile T-Satellite (powered by SpaceX’s Starlink). We tested both services in remote areas, including farmland near San Francisco and the rugged surroundings of Lake Tahoe, to see how they compare.
What is Verizon Skylo?
Skylo is a Mountain View–based company that partners with satellite providers like Viasat, Echostar, and Terrestar Solutions. Instead of launching its own satellites, Skylo builds the software that allows select Android devices to connect with high-orbit geostationary satellites.
Initially, Skylo focused on emergency SOS messaging. In 2025, Verizon expanded the service to allow SMS text messaging when subscribers lose their cellular signal. Currently, it’s available on the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung foldables, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 devices.
How Skylo Works
Skylo activates only in dead zones. Once a phone loses its cellular signal, a satellite icon appears. Users must manually connect through a prompt, and the phone will guide them to point toward the correct satellite in the sky. Texts typically send in 10–20 seconds, but delays up to 2 minutes can occur. One advantage: Verizon includes Skylo’s satellite messaging at no extra cost.
What is T-Mobile T-Satellite?
T-Satellite uses SpaceX’s Starlink constellation of over 600 low-Earth orbit satellites. Unlike Skylo, this system connects automatically when a dead zone is detected—no need to manually aim the phone. It’s available as a secondary eSIM and works even for AT&T or Verizon users, though it costs about $10 per month unless you’re on T-Mobile’s top-tier plans.
The big difference is that T-Satellite supports MMS and RCS messaging, allowing users to send photos, audio, video clips, and enjoy features like typing indicators and read receipts. Sending video can still take several minutes, but the broader media support makes it feel more modern.
Real-World Testing
- Skylo successfully delivered SMS in remote areas, but setup required holding the phone toward the sky, and the connection often dropped after locking the screen. Reconnection meant repeating the process, which can get tiring.
- T-Satellite connected seamlessly and supported image sharing, giving it a usability advantage. However, it does involve a monthly fee for most users.
Both services experienced lag, with some texts taking 20 seconds to several minutes. In stress tests, Skylo occasionally delivered SMS out of order, while T-Satellite maintained better consistency.
Skylo vs. T-Satellite: Key Differences
| Feature | Verizon Skylo | T-Mobile T-Satellite |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Provider | Viasat, Echostar, Terrestar (Geostationary) | SpaceX Starlink (Low-Earth Orbit) |
| Setup | Manual connect + aim at satellite | Automatic connection |
| Messaging | SMS only | SMS + MMS + RCS |
| Cost | Free for Verizon users | $10/month (free on some premium plans) |
| Device Support | Galaxy S25, Samsung foldables, Pixel 9/10 | Works as eSIM on many Android phones |
Verdict
Both Skylo and T-Satellite show how quickly satellite connectivity is evolving. Verizon’s Skylo is an excellent free safety net for Android users, especially for emergency SMS when hiking or driving through rural zones. However, for users who want richer features like photo and video sharing, T-Mobile’s T-Satellite currently has the edge thanks to Starlink’s growing LEO network and RCS support.
As the technology matures, we may soon see satellite connections become as seamless as switching between Wi-Fi and cellular. For now, Skylo is best for cost-conscious users who just want SMS in emergencies, while T-Satellite is the better choice for anyone who needs multimedia messaging on the go.