The prospect of contacting a satellite to send a text or contact emergency services may soon be an effortless reality as startups move from proof of concept to actual product. Canadians on the Rogers network, which just inked a deal with Lynk, will get direct satellite-phone connections across the country; and not to be outdone, AST SpaceMobile claims to have made the first satellite voice call using a regular cell phone as well.<\/p>\n

Connecting a stock smartphone like last year\u2019s Samsung or iPhone to a satellite would have sounded like a fantasy a few years ago, when we all knew it was impossible. But now companies are jostling for position as it becomes clear that satellite services will be a compelling offering on any mobile plan or phone model over the next few years.<\/p>\n

Lynk\u2019s approach is to offer as universal as possible an SMS service to as much of the planet as possible, in the hopes that no one who needs help or is off the grid for any other reason will ever have to face \u201cno signal.\u201d It has demonstrated texting from the middle of nowhere (in fact the founder texted me) and also can blanket an area unexpected without signal \u2014 due to a power outage or natural disaster \u2014 with crucial info like where to find shelter.<\/p>\n