Satellite Smart Phone
Courtesy of AT&T
During the 1990s, many believed satellite phones were the future of mobile communications. Rapidly expanding terrestrial cellular networks gobbled up most of the market instead. Still, satellite phones retained some technical advantages over cellular ones, principally in remote or rugged areas that are difficult to cover economically with cell towers. Now the TerreStar Genus smart phone is combining the best of both worlds, using a cellular connection when available and tapping into a satellite feed when people wander out of range of a cell tower.
Deep Dive
Uncategorized
Our best illustrations of 2022
Our artists’ thought-provoking, playful creations bring our stories to life, often saying more with an image than words ever could.
How CRISPR is making farmed animals bigger, stronger, and healthier
These gene-edited fish, pigs, and other animals could soon be on the menu.
The Download: the Saudi sci-fi megacity, and sleeping babies’ brains
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.