Sending a text from places with no mobile signal used to need a special device. Now more mid-range phones can do it through satellites overhead.
Key takeaways
- The phone guides you to point it at the sky, then sends short compressed messages to a satellite, which relays them to the ground.
- Messages take from a few seconds to a minute to send, and you need a clear view of the sky.
- Most carriers include a free trial period, then charge a small monthly fee.
How it works
The phone guides you to point it at the sky, then sends short compressed messages to a satellite, which relays them to the ground.
The limits
Messages take from a few seconds to a minute to send, and you need a clear view of the sky. It is made for emergencies and short check-ins, not long chats.
Cost
Most carriers include a free trial period, then charge a small monthly fee. Emergency messages stay free.
