Wait, so this will allow phones with supported hardware to SMS and calls anywhere in the world, even in the middle of nowhere with no cellular coverage?
I believe it’s SMS and SOS only through the messenger app. You have to subscribe through the app during signup for a a certain number of messages during subscription.
Yes and it'll likely be expensive, but it can very much save lives. When you're very remote and need to tell someone your location, or you need help, that's where it really shines. From what I hear too, it's not exactly fast either so probably not for real time texting or chatting willy nilly.
afaik both the t-mobile/starlink deal and the apple version of this are equilivent of 3g. So likely you're not gonna want to browse the internet or anything. But if you're a sailor at sea this could be a great way to be able to text. Or if you're in am emergancy you'll be able to call for help.
There is already a bluetooth device you can purchase that works with most any smartphone - it allows you to subscribe to a text messaging service which uses satellite communication (only a few messages per month if I recall correctly). I forget the brand but it hit the market like a year ago.