What are the limitations of sending SMS via satellite

Connection Requirements

1. Clear View of the Sky: To send messages via satellite, users need to be outdoors with an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon. Heavy foliage or surrounding obstructions can hinder the ability to connect to a satellite, impacting message delivery[1][2].

2. Device Compatibility: Only iPhone 14 models and later with iOS 18 or newer support satellite messaging. Additionally, recipients must have compatible devices to receive messages sent via satellite; for instance, iMessages can only be received by those on iOS 18 or later[1][5].

Message Limitations

1. No Multimedia Support: Users cannot send or receive photos, videos, audio messages, stickers, or group messages through satellite connections. The service is limited to text messages and emojis[1][2].

2. Character Limits: SMS messages are restricted to 140 characters when sent via satellite, while iMessages can go up to 500 characters. This limitation can affect the clarity and detail of communications[3][4].

3. Initial Contact Requirement: For SMS communication, users must first send a message to a contact before that contact can reply via satellite. This means that only designated emergency contacts can reach you without prior communication[5][6].

Reliability Issues

1. Delayed Sending Time: Messages may take longer to send compared to traditional cellular networks. In ideal conditions, sending a message could take about 30 seconds, but this duration increases significantly under less favorable conditions[1][2].

2. Limited Service Availability: Currently, satellite messaging is only available in specific regions (such as the U.S. and Canada), which restricts its usability for international travelers or those in remote areas outside these regions[5][6].

These limitations highlight the challenges associated with using SMS via satellite, particularly in terms of connectivity requirements and message functionality.