Space42 and Skylo demonstrate satellite SMS on Android phones in UAE

Space42 and Skylo Technologies completed a successful test of Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) SMS and SOS messaging on standard Android smartphones using the Thuraya‑4 satellite. The trial, carried out in the United Arab Emirates, showed two‑way communication without additional hardware, confirming that existing SIM cards and mobile‑operator infrastructure can support satellite messaging.

Ali Al Hashmi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said, "The focus on Direct‑to‑Device capability forms the core of our strategy to become a global leader in Non‑Terrestrial Networks." Parth Trivedi, CEO and co‑founder of Skylo, added, "Standards are what let satellite messaging work on the phone already in your pocket."

The companies aim to launch a commercial D2D service by the end of 2026, with plans to add location sharing, IoT data and automotive connectivity.