All phones are satellite phones, already.

[Irving]

This article says that every cell phone made in the last ten years is capable of being a satellite phone. Ubiquitilink figured out how to make this work, then went out and proved that it does. Sounds like a basic global network will be coming soon.

https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/25/ub...tellite-phone/

[MrPrena]

DirectTV and ATT makes sense.
It will be a good (and expensive) supplemental subscription.

[TRnCO]

I hope a global network comes soon. It always amazes me how easy it is to find dead spots about any where a guy goes. Eastern plains to the mtns.

[Sawin]

I'm not the least bit surprised. My iPhone, even with zero coverage or cellular data turned off, still works as a GPS on an App called "Topo Maps" somehow. I've used it hiking in the back country on more than one occasion and the little blue dot (that represents my location) is always right on the mark...

[CS1983]

OnX does the same thing. It's pretty handy.

[davsel]

I'm not the least bit surprised. My iPhone, even with zero coverage or cellular data turned off, still works as a GPS on an App called "Topo Maps" somehow. I've used it hiking in the back country on more than one occasion and the little blue dot (that represents my location) is always right on the mark...

Receiving a GPS signal from a satellite is much easier than sending a signal to a satellite.

[davsel]

Misleading article headline.
There are a lot of things that need to be modified and launched before being able to even send a simple text.

[Great-Kazoo]

This article says that every cell phone made in the last ten years is capable of being a satellite phone. Ubiquitilink figured out how to make this work, then went out and proved that it does. Sounds like a basic global network will be coming soon.

https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/25/ub...tellite-phone/

Rise of the machines .

[Sawin]

Receiving a GPS signal from a satellite is much easier than sending a signal to a satellite.

A very fair and valid point.

[MrPrena]

I am already using apps.
Kakao talk
Line
And plan to add WhatsApp for another free voice.

I talk with my friends all over the globe for free, thanks to apps.