Vodafone Idea (Vi) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based AST SpaceMobile to provide satellite-powered mobile connectivity across India. This collaboration aims to expand mobile coverage in remote and hard-to-reach areas by leveraging AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular technology, which delivers 4G and 5G connectivity directly to standard smartphones without additional equipment. The partnership represents a significant step toward enhancing India's telecom infrastructure, particularly in regions with limited terrestrial network access. Meanwhile, in the United States, T-Mobile has officially launched its satellite texting service, T-Satellite, powered by SpaceX's Starlink, on July 23, 2025. The service supports SMS on both Android and iOS devices and MMS on Android, covering 500,000 square miles, including areas beyond traditional cellular networks. T-Satellite is available to T-Mobile customers as part of the "Experience Beyond" plan or for $10 per month, and it also supports users on other carriers such as AT&T and Verizon. Additionally, SpaceX has deployed Starlink Minis to all first responder vehicles in flood-affected Kerr County, Texas, restoring vital communications after severe flooding disrupted traditional radio and cellular networks. Starlink is also providing one month of free service to thousands of customers in the flood-impacted Texas regions, and T-Mobile has enabled basic texting via Starlink satellites for users in several Texas counties, including Kerr, Kendall, Llano, Travis, and Comal. This initiative supports emergency alerts and text-to-911 capabilities, enhancing disaster response communications in affected areas.