Being reachable in an emergency is not always possible via the mobile network. This is exactly where the emergency SMS via satellite comes in. The Bullitt Group has been working on a corresponding solution for years, which has now been presented at the CES in Las Vegas.
In recent years, the British company Bullitt has been working with partners such as Mediatek on the satellite-based emergency solution called Bullitt Satellite Connect. In the event of a lack of network coverage, both emergency SMS and conventional text messages should be able to be sent via satellite. Bullitt is explicitly promoting the offering as a solution for traditional users, not just first responders.
Bullitt Satellite Connect launches in Europe and other markets
TECHBOOK had the opportunity to try Bullitt Satellite Connect at CES in Las Vegas. The smartphones used during the presentation were still prototypes, but Bullitt would like to launch the first smartphone with a satellite function at the MWC at the end of February. The payment plan required for use is already in place.
The corresponding smartphone comes from Motorola’s Defy series, which is known for its outdoor features. However, the core of the satellite function is the Mediatek modem, which Bullitt developed together with the chip manufacturer. In principle, the modem can be built on any chip, which makes its use very flexible, according to the company. One wants to license the solution to other manufacturers in the future and thus increase its distribution. After launching in North America and Europe, Bullitt is looking to expand into other markets.
Even if Bullitt speaks of an emergency SMS during the presentation, regular users should also benefit from the satellite function. The service always jumps in automatically when there is no mobile network available. To do this, Bullitt uses satellites that are already in orbit and are operated by the company Skylo, which was founded in 2017. The modem sends the messages to the satellites over the L and S bands.
This is what news via satellite costs
In principle, the Bullitt satellite function works like a normal messenger. Users have to install an app, create an account and also need a corresponding tariff that covers the sending of regular news via satellite. To start with, Bullitt is offering various tariffs. All offers include emergency SMS via satellite free of charge for the first year.
If users also want to send regular news via satellite, they pay from US$ 4.99 per month. This allows up to 30 messages to be sent. The next tiers in the plan include 125 messages for $9.99 per month and 400 messages for $29.99. There is also a yearly subscription with 250 messages for $59.99.
When composing the messages, however, users should be careful, because billing is based on the amount of data, i.e. the length of the message – similar to SMS. According to Bullitt, about 140 characters fit into a message, which can also include emojis. Long texts should therefore not be written, as the quota is then quickly used up.
As already mentioned, the quota of booked messages in the package is only charged if there is no mobile network or WLAN available. Otherwise, the Bullitt app can be used like a normal messenger.
Also read: This is how the emergency call SOS works via satellite in the iPhone 14
This is how Bullitt’s satellite emergency SMS works
But how long does a message sent via satellite actually take to arrive? When tested in the Red Canyon outside of Las Vegas, it averaged about 30 to 45 seconds. The delay is caused by the fact that the message must first be played to the satellite and then played back again.
Users should also note that an emergency SMS sent via Bullitt Satellite Connect does not automatically end up with the local police or fire department. Rather, it is routed to one of two emergency centers operated by partner FocusPoint. The centers are in Florida and South Africa. The employees here query the most important data about the emergency and then inform the nearest authorities.
When sending regular messages via satellite, the recipient can also be in the normal mobile network. However, when the message is received, a message appears indicating that the message was sent via satellite. A reply to the sender is possible free of charge via the mobile network, but only works if the recipient also has the Bullitt app installed.
Other manufacturers are also developing emergency SMS via satellite
In general, the topic of emergency SMS via satellite is popular with several manufacturers. For example, Apple launched emergency SMS via satellite in 2022 at the start of the iPhone 14 series. The American company relies on Globalstar satellites. And chip manufacturer Qualcomm presented its own solution alongside Bullitt at CES 2023.
Qualcomm relies on Iridium satellites in low earth orbit and technology from Garmin. The modem is integrated into the new Snapdragon 8 Gen2 and uses the L-band for radio transmission to the satellites. Unlike Bullitt, however, Qualcomm sees itself primarily as a supplier of technology, so we were not able to quote prices for the offer.