Galileo’s Open Service (OS) is a free Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) service for global users. It is embedded in almost all smart devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, wearable health devices, in-vehicle navigation devices, and many more. Any device requiring precise positioning or navigation continuously communicates with PNT satellites such as Galileo.
Enabled devices pick up signals from orbiting satellites to triangulate your position, telling you where you are and helping you get where you need to go. Galileo OS, operational since 2016, is the world’s most accurate system, with accuracy down to around 1 metre.
In July 2025, Galileo OS was augmented with the Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA), which allows devices to automatically authenticate signals received from the satellites.
OSNMA technology is unique to Galileo. Galileo users with an OSNMA-enabled receiver will be informed whether the received signal is authentic.
Other Galileo services
The Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) provides free access to an accurate positioning solution using a Precise Point Positioning algorithm in real-time.
The Galileo Search and Rescue Service (SAR) swiftly relays distress signals to search and rescue crews, thereby supporting life-saving missions.
The Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) is a robust, encrypted navigation service for the European Union and partner countries’ government-authorised users.