Orange & Skylo Launch Satellite SMS for Mobile Gaps
Orange has announced the launch of “Message Satellite”, a service that enables customers in mainland France to send and receive SMS and share geolocation information through satellite links when mobile or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable. The announcement, during the Orange OpenTech event in Paris, marks the introduction of a new satellite-supported messaging service for 5G and 5G+ users.
The offer is delivered in partnership with Skylo, a non-terrestrial network operator that supplies the Direct-to-Device technology used in the service.
“Message Satellite” is available to the general public from 11 December 2025 and to professional and corporate customers from 2026. The launch forms part of Orange’s wider plan to include mobile, terrestrial, satellite and submarine systems in its connectivity portfolio.
Orange positions the service as a step in expanding the use of satellite networks alongside its existing platforms.
Initially, the service will be available exclusively to users with a Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 handset. Orange states that compatibility will expand as the offer develops.
The service currently works in France and 36 additional countries and is designed for scenarios where terrestrial coverage is limited or unavailable.
Direct-to-Device technology and Orange core integration
The service uses Direct-to-Device technology, allowing a smartphone to connect directly to a satellite without additional equipment. Users access a dedicated SMS interface on their handset, write the message and establish a link with the satellite, which forwards the SMS to Orange’s mobile core.
The return path follows the same process, allowing customers to receive SMS messages from contacts on terrestrial networks.
Direct-to-Device technology and Orange core integration
The service uses Direct-to-Device technology, allowing a smartphone to connect directly to a satellite without additional equipment.
Users access a dedicated SMS interface on their handset, write the message and establish a link with the satellite, which forwards the SMS to Orange’s mobile core.
The return path follows the same process, allowing customers to receive SMS messages from contacts on terrestrial networks.
By design, the mechanism predicts text-based communication in areas without mobile signal, including mountainous regions, coastal areas and rural zones in France and abroad.
Orange outlines use cases that include outdoor activities, travel, logistics and operations in remote environments, as well as situations where terrestrial networks are disrupted after natural events.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange France, says: “The ‘Message Satellite’ offer addresses the fundamental need to stay connected with loved ones, even when away.
"With this new offer, Orange provides a simple, useful innovation that strengthens service continuity for our customers, wherever they are.
"Being the first operator in France to launch this option demonstrates our leadership and our ambition to provide high-quality connectivity everywhere and for everyone”.
After the initial reference, Jérôme states that the comment is part of Orange’s approach to broadening access to connectivity across the mobile and satellite domains.
Orange service roadmap using Message Satellite technology
Michaël Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, states: “Orange combines the best available technologies to meet our customers’ connectivity needs.
The Direct-to-Device technology is part of the approach, providing readily available and targeted connectivity on your smartphone even in the absence of mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.
The launch of this technology in France to enable the sending and receiving of SMS messages is a major first step for the Group, paving the way for an enrichment of services available to Orange customers as technological evolutions continue”.
Michaël positions the satellite SMS introduction as a foundation for Orange’s long-term plans in non-terrestrial networks.
Orange notes that the service opens an additional path for the continuity of messaging services in locations where traditional networks cannot operate, particularly in environments without mobile infrastructure.
The combination of Skylo’s satellite network and Orange’s core systems forms a hybrid model that can operate across multiple countries without requiring changes to the smartphone hardware.
It continues to develop its portfolio across mobile, fixed, satellite and submarine segments and indicates that satellite messaging will support future expansions in its connectivity strategy.
