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Communicating From Off the Grid

Globalstar has a satellite Wi-Fi hotspot

You’ve heard of Wi-Fi, now here’s Sat-Fi.

Globalstar, a satellite communications company, has what might be a handy product for those venturing in the great outdoors or for use during emergencies — Globalstar Sat-Fi.

Globalstar Sat-Fi consists of two products: a satellite communications-Wi-Fi hotspot/interface and an Android/iOS smartphone/tablet/laptop app. The interface allows for any Wi-Fi-compatible communications device, voice or data, via the app to be converted to a satellite-friendly bidirectional signal. Emails and SMS are compatible.

The interface can handle up to eight users at a time. Globalstar says the data rate can be as high as 9.6 kbps.

Globalstar Chairman and CEO Jay Monroe said, “Although we live in a connected world, there are billions of people who work, play and live in remote locations lacking reliable and affordable voice and data communications. Globalstar’s Sat-Fi technology will allow government users and subscribers including oil & gas, marine, natural resource and emergency response to use their own device to stay connected when cellular coverage is not available.”

He described it as ideal for those who find themselves often “off the grid.”

Plans start at $40 a month. Sat-Fi equipment is priced at $999.

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