Orange will launch Message Satellite, its direct-to-device messaging service, in France on 11 December through a partnership with Skylo Technologies, using MSS spectrum via EchoStar and Viasat-Inmarsat satellites. Initially available to 5G users with a Pixel 9 or 10, the service will be free for six months before costing €5 per month. Positioned as “backup connectivity,” it supports SMS with a clear sky view and is expected to expand to more devices and eventually add voice and limited data. Orange frames the launch as a European first, complementing its existing satellite broadband and backhaul offerings.
Orange noted the service will also be available in 36 countries and is well-suited for remote areas such as mountains and at sea. While launching as a consumer offering, Orange plans to expand it to business sectors like logistics and transport. Skylo, which already supports similar services for Verizon and has trialed with Deutsche Telekom, now works with around 20 operators and is seeing growing demand for NTN solutions
Read more: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/orange/orange-poised-for-european-first-d2d-launch/