Advertisement

Globalstar's new service turns your WiFi device into a satellite phone

Your choices for satellite communication devices are relatively limited, especially if you'd prefer to use your own gear while chatting in the wilderness. You're going get a much wider selection of hardware once Globalstar's Sat-Fi service goes live, though. The subscription offering revolves around a satellite hotspot (not yet pictured) that lets you make calls and send data on Globalstar's network using most any WiFi-capable device. You can share the connection between multiple gadgets, and you can even use an existing phone number. Just be patient if you're eager to sign up for an always-available data link. The company doesn't expect the FCC to approve the hotspot until some time in the second quarter of the year, and you'll have to wait until shortly afterward to use the service itself.