Orange launches Skylo-based satellite SMS across Europe, says it is a European first

Orange will offer a ‘Message Satellite’ SMS service using Skylo Direct-to-Device technology, launching Dec. 11 and initially available in France and 36 other countries. The operator says it is the first European carrier to provide satellite SMS and plans to add mobile internet and voice over time.

Discovered 2025-11-18T05:22:02.250729-08:00 | 2025-11-18T05:22:02.250729-08:00

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Orange's Skylo-based 'Message Satellite' launches Dec. 11 and is available in France and 36 other countries; the operator positions itself as the first European mobile carrier to offer satellite SMS, with mobile internet and voice planned.
The move accelerates commercial Direct-to-Device deployments in Europe, joining initiatives such as a Europe-led direct-to-smartphone satellite constellation and a planned Starlink Direct-to-Cell rollout.
Key technical and commercial trade-offs — spectrum, handset support, coverage and service scope — will determine winners; see a pragmatic take on satellite direct-to-device for comparative constraints across Skylo, Globalstar, Iridium and Viasat.

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La Dépêche Via Satellite lefigaro.fr latribune.fr