Apple, Huawei, Honor and Oppo are three companies that have offered satellite communication on their devices for communication purposes in situations where there is no cellular network. Now it appears that Google will start offering the same communication system on their new Google Pixel, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet this year according to a report by Android Authority.
Satellite communication is believed to be limited to text transmission only. Because it is designed for emergency communication, there are several available options will be given such as sharing the location, what type of emergency and how many people need help. There's also a leaked animation showing how the phone needs to be pointed at the sky to contact the nearest satellite.
Google is believed to use Samsung-made modems to support this feature. An interesting choice because Samsung itself has not yet offered a device with a satellite communication system. This may also be the earliest sign that Samsung is also ready to provide the same feature on their devices.
We have previously reported that Messages has started testing the transmission of emergency messages using satellites. Like Apple, this feature may be free initially before being subject to a monthly subscription.