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noiseproduct2026-07-09

Space42 and Skylo complete SMS and SOS test on Thuraya-4

Space42 · Skylo

Space42 and Skylo tested two-way SMS and SOS messaging to standard Android phones via the Thuraya-4 satellite.

Image: satellitetoday.com
// sources · 2 attached
  1. [1]trade presssatellitetoday.com↗
  2. [2]trade press · corroborationsatelliteprome.com↗

what happened

Space42 and Skylo Technologies said July 9 they completed testing of direct-to-device SMS and SOS messaging on standard Android devices in the UAE, using Space42's Thuraya-4 geostationary satellite and Skylo's 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network platform. The companies said commercial D2D messaging is expected to roll out later this year, contingent on regulatory approval.

why it matters

Thuraya-4 is geostationary, so a working D2D messaging path gives Space42 global reach without a LEO constellation buildout, competing for mobile-operator partnerships against AST SpaceMobile's and Starlink's LEO-based direct-to-device services. Commercial terms still depend on regulatory approvals in each target market.

signal-to-noise

WIDELY REPORTED
4/5
leadtier 3 of 5 on its owncorrob+1 earned from 1 rule
calculation
3base tier 3 from lead source class "trade" (Via Satellite) satellitetoday.com+12 distinct sources (>=2)
= 4current score, recomputed by the engine on every change
scorer v2how scores work →

quick facts

Companies
Space42, Skylo
Category
product
Impact
noise
SNR
4 / 5
Event date
2026-07-09
Published
2026-07-10 18:46 UTC
#connectivity#direct-to-device#mena

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