Catenaa, Sunday, December 07, 2025-Orange plans to roll out a direct-to-cell messaging service in France, allowing 5G users to send SMS and geolocation information without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage. The service, called Message Satellite, will launch on December 11 and initially supports Google Pixel 9 and 10 handsets.
Orange partnered with Skylo, a narrowband non-terrestrial network (NB-NTN) provider that leases satellite capacity rather than operating its own fleet. The service will be free for the first six months, after which it will cost €5 per month. Orange said it plans to expand the service to businesses and add more devices and capabilities in 2026.
The offering positions Orange as the first European carrier to bring direct-to-cell messaging commercially to consumers, though rivals like Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 are actively developing similar solutions using satellites operated by AST SpaceMobile and Starlink. Both competitors have yet to announce specific launch dates for consumer services in Europe.
Orange’s service focuses on basic messaging, with more advanced data or voice services expected later. The telco highlighted the technology’s potential to maintain connectivity in remote or coverage-challenged areas, marking a first step toward broader satellite-based direct-to-device offerings.
Orange CEO of Wholesale, Michaël Trabbia, said the launch is a “major first step” and represents the company’s strategy to combine multiple technologies to meet customer connectivity needs even when traditional networks are unavailable.
Message Satellite will initially target consumers on 5G plans in France, offering SMS and location services, with expansion to more devices, business customers, and additional capabilities expected in 2026.
Orange’s Message Satellite will let French 5G users send SMS and geolocation without coverage, marking Europe’s first consumer-facing direct-to-cell service.
