In the summer of 1999, well before I embarked on my journey as a tech writer at CNET, I found myself navigating a 16,000-pound Mitsubishi delivery truck across the streets of Milwaukee, executing overnight deliveries for a well-loved local bakery chain. My employer, keenly aware of the challenges posed by the harsh Wisconsin winters, provided me with a cell phone, the Qualcomm QCP-860, serving as a crucial lifeline to call for assistance or to reach him if emergency struck. This small gesture made a significant impact on my peace of mind, enabling me to drive my route five nights a week with greater confidence, secure in the knowledge that I could reach out for help whenever it was needed.
Fast-forward 25 years, and although our mobile devices still provide that cherished sense of security, advancements in technology allow them to offer even greater assurances for our safety. Among these innovations is Google’s Pixel 9 series, which now features a cutting-edge capability known as Satellite SOS. This remarkable technology connects users to emergency services via satellite when conventional cellular signals are absent, a true lifesaver for individuals venturing into areas devoid of reception or Wi-Fi.
Stephanie Scott, group product manager for Pixel phones at Google, shared with CNET, “We’re already starting to get inbound stories from users that have been able to use the feature successfully, which is really awesome.” She highlighted, “For myself, I actually enjoy knowing that it’s there when I’m doing things like hiking, especially in the coastal areas where you don’t always have great reception.”
Satellite SOS is a vital component of Google’s extensive suite of safety features, which also encompasses Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection. Joining the ranks of Apple and T-Mobile, Google stands at the forefront of the smartphone satellite connectivity movement aimed at enhancing personal safety and ensuring a robust connection between users and emergency responders.
As one of the standout highlights of the Pixel 9 lineup, Google’s Satellite SOS feature is designed with a noble intent: to provide users a reliable means of seeking assistance, even in dire scenarios where other forms of communication may fail. Seeking clarity on this innovative service, I traveled to Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, to experience it firsthand.
Watch this: In-Depth Hands-On: I Tried Google’s Pixel 9 Satellite SOS
How Pixel 9 Satellite SOS works
Upon failure to connect to 911 due to lack of reception, users are guided through a straightforward interface to initiate the process for Satellite SOS.
The first point to grasp about Satellite SOS is its user-friendliness. “The moment you try to dial 911, when you’re in a place without service, you get that prompt [for Satellite SOS],” stated Aisha Sharif, product manager for Pixel software at Google. “We try to make it super easy and accessible for users to find this in those times where you need it most.”
During my demonstration, I utilized the Pixel 9 Pro in a courtyard, with the guidance of Google’s Party Pallerlamudi and engineer Arvind Ramesh. To simulate a loss of signal, the Pixel 9 Pro was placed in a shielded box, preventing any radio signals from reaching the device—this approach was taken to recreate a scenario where cellular reception is entirely unavailable. The device was connected to a PC to mirror its screen while securely encased in the box.
As expected, when the Pixel 9 Pro lost cellular connectivity, a small satellite icon replaced the familiar network symbol. After attempting to dial 911 with no success, a new Satellite SOS button deftly appeared on the screen, signifying an alternate method for emergency communication.
I then removed the Pixel 9 Pro from the shielded box and activated the Satellite SOS button. This action initiated a concise questionnaire to assess my emergency situation and relay the pertinent information to responders. Users can choose from several categories including Illness or Injury, Vehicle or Vessel, Lost, Missing, or Trapped, Crime, Fire, or Something Else.
The questionnaire took mere seconds to complete, and afterward, a message popped up instructing me to be in an open area with a clear line of sight to the sky. It’s essential to remember that satellite connectivity isn’t analogous to dialing up Wi-Fi; said satellites orbit at 17,000 mph, and external barriers—such as buildings and trees—can hinder connectivity.
After a moment of processing, my screen displayed an animation depicting a hand holding a Pixel phone alongside a satellite icon, visually prompting me to adjust my position to align the satellite icon. Even in what seemed like an open courtyard, nearby buildings challenged the connection. Following the interface prompts, I relocated about 30 feet away to ensure an unobstructed view of the sky, positioning the phone flat within my palm, screen-side up for optimal reception.
To my satisfaction, the Pixel 9 Pro connected to a satellite in a matter of about 30 seconds, though it can take longer based on surrounding conditions. While Satellite SOS is an invaluable lifeline, one must remain cognizant of the situational constraints that can affect its functionality.
Experiencing the process firsthand proved enlightening: notwithstanding the absence of a real emergency, I was struck by the clarity and ease with which the service operates.
The Pixel 9’s special modem and partnerships
Satellite SOS supports the Pixel 9 series, including the 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. Unfortunately, older Pixel models lack the specialized modem required for bidirectional satellite communication.
Google has collaborated with key industry players to facilitate the Satellite SOS feature. During the demonstration, I received SMS replies from Garmin Response, the dedicated service for handling emergency SOS messages. Garmin Response operates 24 hours a day to address callers’ needs and liaise with suitable emergency services.
Google’s partnership with satellite service provider Skylo also plays a critical role, offering invaluable connectivity beyond traditional cellular networks.
Currently, Satellite SOS is available solely in the continental U.S. and functions when Google Messages serves as the default messaging application. It comes at no cost for the first two years of service; however, Google has not disclosed future pricing or the possibility of extending availability to other Android devices equipped for satellite functionality.
If you are a Pixel 9 series owner, you can test a mini Satellite SOS demo that allows you to connect to a satellite without dialing 911. Access this feature through Settings by tapping Safety & Emergency, followed by Satellite SOS, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Final thoughts
As a technology journalist, witnessing the advent of safety features such as satellite connectivity within Pixel phones excites me. Notably, Apple is also in the mix, offering a comparable service for the iPhone, free for the first two years—yet they too have yet to disclose information regarding future costs. Additionally, with the rollout of iOS 18, iPhone 14 models and newer have acquired the ability to send SMS via satellite.
The landscape for satellite connectivity is evolving, with U.S. carriers aggressively pursuing this technology. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, for instance, the Federal Communications Commission awarded T-Mobile and its partner SpaceX emergency authorization, enabling the implementation of their Direct-to-Cell satellite service. This initiative allowed T-Mobile subscribers in North Carolina, who were without cellular service, to receive critical emergency alerts and SMS functionality via satellite.
Google’s Satellite SOS services represent a remarkable leap from the days spent driving a bakery truck laden with wedding cakes along icy Wisconsin roads with merely a cell phone to rely on. As impressive as the current offerings are, we find ourselves merely on the cusp of smartphone satellite connectivity capabilities, and I’m left imagining the myriad uses this groundbreaking technology will unfold in the coming years.
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**Interview with Stephanie Scott, Group Product Manager for Pixel Phones at Google**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Stephanie. The new Satellite SOS feature in the Google Pixel 9 is generating a lot of buzz. Can you explain how this technology enhances user safety in areas with poor reception?
**Stephanie Scott:** Absolutely! The Satellite SOS feature is designed to connect users to emergency services when cellular signals are unavailable. This means that if you’re in a remote location—like hiking in the mountains or traveling through rural areas—you can still reach emergency responders. It’s built into the system, making it easy for anyone to use in a time of need.
**Interviewer:** How does the process actually work for users when they need to activate Satellite SOS?
**Stephanie Scott:** It’s quite straightforward. If a user tries to call 911 and there’s no signal, they’ll receive a prompt for Satellite SOS. From there, they answer a simple questionnaire about their emergency, which helps us relay critical information to responders. We want to make the experience as seamless as possible, especially when every second counts.
**Interviewer:** I understand that you’ve received positive feedback from users already. Can you share some of those success stories?
**Stephanie Scott:** Yes, we’ve started to hear remarkable stories from users who successfully utilized the feature in genuine emergencies. Many have expressed relief knowing that they had that reliable connection when they needed it most, especially in places where cell service is spotty.
**Interviewer:** With the feature being available exclusively in the U.S. for now, do you envision expanding this service to other regions or devices in the future?
**Stephanie Scott:** While we currently focus on the continental U.S. and our Pixel 9 series, we’re definitely exploring options for future expansion. The technology we’ve developed has immense potential, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance our users’ safety.
**Interviewer:** That’s encouraging! As a final thought, what do you hope users take away from using the Pixel 9 with the Satellite SOS feature?
**Stephanie Scott:** We hope users feel empowered and secure knowing they have a lifeline in emergencies, even when traditional communication methods fail. Safety is at the core of what we do, and we want our technology to provide peace of mind, whether you’re on a challenging hike or navigating an unforeseen situation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Stephanie. It sounds like Google is truly pushing the envelope in smartphone safety technology!
**Stephanie Scott:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuously improving user safety.
