Samsung Galaxy S26 Launches with Innovative Satellite Communication Feature

Taylor Keatsman

Published: January 28, 2026 2:11 PM ET

Samsung is set to unveil its latest high-end smartphones, the Galaxy S26 series, featuring innovative satellite communication capabilities. The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra have recently received certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), indicating readiness for launch.

Satellite Communication Feature

The standout feature of the Galaxy S26 series is its ability to send and receive messages via satellite. This functionality allows users to maintain connectivity even when cellular networks are unavailable. Such capability is supported through the partnership with Skylo, a prominent Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service provider.

FCC Certification Details

The US variants of the smartphones bear the following FCC IDs:

Galaxy S26: A3LSMS942U
Galaxy S26+: A3LSMS947U
Galaxy S26 Ultra: A3LSMS948U

These FCC certifications encompass both carrier-locked and factory-unlocked models. Each smartphone in the series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (for Galaxy) chip, ensuring high performance across various cellular networks.

Network Compatibility

The Galaxy S26 series supports a wide range of cellular technologies, including:

2G (GSM)
3G (WCDMA)
4G (LTE)
5G NR (mmWave and sub-6GHz)

In addition to cellular networks, the devices will feature Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS), and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, which use terrestrial flexible-use spectrum to enhance connectivity.

Additional Features

The Galaxy S26 series is designed with several advanced features, including:

Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)
NFC (Near Field Communication)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Wireless charging (WPT)

Expected Launch Timeline

Samsung is anticipated to announce the Galaxy S26 series during the last week of February 2026. Pre-orders for the devices may commence on the same day in select markets, while general availability is expected in the second week of March 2026.

The innovative satellite communication feature of the Galaxy S26 series marks a significant advancement in smartphone technology, positioning Samsung as a leader in connectivity solutions.