Tag: Verizon

  • Verizon Allows Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 Owners to Text via Satellite

    Verizon Allows Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 Owners to Text via Satellite

    Key Takeaways

    1. Verizon is launching satellite texting options for select customers, allowing texts without service.
    2. The service is currently limited to Samsung Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 users, with an additional cost.
    3. Verizon plans to expand connectivity features, including video calls via satellite in the future.
    4. This service provides a competitive edge for Verizon, especially useful in emergencies and for outdoor activities.
    5. The initiative aims to connect over 99% of the US population through satellite technology.

    Starting today, Verizon is rolling out satellite texting options for certain customers in the US, enabling them to send texts to “any other customer device” even when there is no service available. The company is touting this as a first for any major mobile provider in the US.

    Recent Developments

    This announcement follows Verizon’s earlier reveal of plans to eventually facilitate video calls through satellite, making satellite texting just the initial move towards connecting over 99 percent of the US population via satellite technology.

    Limitations of the Service

    However, there is a catch: the satellite texting feature is exclusively for owners of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series or Google Pixel 9 series, and it comes at an extra cost on their existing plans. The announcement did not mention support for other smartphones, including Apple models, but it is likely that more devices will be included in the future.

    Competitive Advantages

    In addition to broadening its user base, the ability to send texts from nearly anywhere gives Verizon a competitive advantage, especially in emergencies. This feature can be particularly beneficial for campers and travelers who often find themselves in areas with poor reception.

    Verizon’s new service is a significant step forward in mobile communication, providing solutions for people in rugged or remote locations.

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  • Verizon and AT&T Hit by Major Chinese Cyberattack

    Verizon and AT&T Hit by Major Chinese Cyberattack

    A Chinese state-backed hacking group, referred to as Salt Typhoon, has allegedly infiltrated the systems of prominent U.S. broadband companies, such as Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. This cyber intrusion is reported to have lasted for several months, and it’s a significant issue. Authorities are currently viewing it as a major national security concern. The hackers might have accessed systems used for legal wiretapping requests, raising alarm about the potential compromise of U.S. intelligence and communication data.

    Ongoing Investigations

    Although the breach was only recently uncovered, the full scope of it remains under investigation by U.S. government agencies and private cybersecurity companies. Investigators think that the hackers focused on network infrastructure to capture internet traffic, which could impact millions of Americans. There are also signs that providers outside the U.S. might have faced similar threats.

    Verizon’s Response

    In reaction to the breach, Verizon has established a “war room” at its facility in Ashburn, Virginia, collaborating with the FBI, Microsoft, and Google’s Mandiant—a cybersecurity firm that specializes in threat detection, incident response, and security consulting—to evaluate the situation. While U.S. officials have not yet verified whether the attackers accessed lists of surveillance targets or their communications, the severity of the incident warranted a briefing for President Joe Biden, according to reports.

    Broader Implications

    The Salt Typhoon operation, which has been active since 2020, is part of a wider Chinese espionage campaign, with signs indicating possible involvement from China’s Ministry of State Security. The FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies continue to probe the extent of the breach and what sensitive data may have been taken. Microsoft, along with other cybersecurity companies, is helping to assess the level of data compromise.

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