The competition to connect smartphone users with satellites has intensified. Bullitt, a British mobile phone business, produces a satellite-enabled smartphone with 5G connectivity and a 6.6-inch screen. It will be available in two models: the Caterpillar-branded Cat S75 and the “rugged” Motorola Defy 2, which North American outdoor fans may be more familiar with.

Motorola’s vice president of strategic brand alliances, Dave Carroll, stated that the addition of guaranteed connectivity with two-way satellite messaging broadens the Motorola Defy 2’s appeal to anyone who is located outside of traditional messaging coverage. In the following months, we anticipate offering the Motorola Defy 2 to a new section of mobile phone consumers.

The phone will be able to transmit regular SMS messages across a distance of 35,000 kilometers to satellites flying above the equator.

The benefit for users is that their phones will now have connectivity in vast regions of the world where connectivity is still limited or nonexistent.

In the mobile market, this type of satellite communication is becoming more prevalent. For instance, Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro versions support Emergency SOS via satellite. Also, Apple is investing $450 million to extend its satellite networking infrastructure.

In addition, chipmaker Qualcomm is collaborating with telecom giant Iridium to deliver satellite access to new Snapdragon-powered Android smartphones.

Dave Floyd, co-founder of Bullitt, stated, “This is the definition of democratizing satellite communications and assures clients have access to constant communication whenever they need it.”