This little device caught my eye the other day whilst browsing a few articles across the inter web! Due to be released in the 2nd quarter of 2023, this tiny business card size device (70mm by 50mm by 11mm and weighing 70g) utilises MediaTek’s 3GPP NTN-standard modem to support Bullitt Satellite Connect, plus an eSIM and independent GPS. It connects via Bluetooth 5.1 to any iOS (14 or later) or Android (10 or later) smartphone. It’s been built to IP68/MIL-STD-810H standards, so its made to survive knocks and water.
If, like me, you do a lot of touring on your bike, especially in remoter areas not always covered by your 3G/4G/5G network, this little device could be an answer to prayers during an emergency, or even just for keeping your loved one’s minds at ease whilst you’re away. Powered by a 600mAh battery, it can be used by any smart phone with IOS 14 or later installed, as well as Android 10 or later devices, and connects via BlueTooth 5.1. This would allow the owner to lend it to a friend or family member to use as it’s not locked to a single user or network. Bullitt Satellite Connect (BSC) uses GEO (geostationary) Inmarsat and EchoStar satellites, managed by Bullitt’s satellite network service partner Skylo. A text message (up to 140 characters) with location information included, from a smart phone paired with the Motorola Defy Satellite Link (and with the Bullitt Satellite Messenger (BSM) app installed) travels circa 22,300 miles to the nearest GEO satellite and then is relayed back to a Skylo ground station, where it travels via a cellular or Wi-Fi internet connection to its recipient. The recipient will then be prompted to download the BSM app upon receiving their first satellite message as an SMS on a regular smartphone. Replies via BSM take the opposite route (Wi-Fi or cellular to ground station, to satellite, to satellite phone). At retailers across the globe the device only will cost $99 / €99 / £99. You’ll then need to pay a yearly subscription charge of $149 / €169 / £149, which will include up to 30 satellite messages per month plus SOS Assist.
From Motorola
“The Defy range of rugged devices have broad appeal, and the Motorola Defy Satellite Link is especially relevant to all of us who have ever found ourselves outside of traditional messaging coverage.” said Dave Carroll, vice president, strategic brand partnerships at Motorola in a statement. “Adding assured connectivity with two-way satellite messaging at such an affordable price broadens the appeal of the Motorola Defy range and we look forward to bringing the Motorola Defy Satellite Link to a new segment of mobile phone users in the coming months.”
Motorola Defy Satellite Link specifications
| Dimensions | 70mm x 50mm x 11mm |
| Weight | 70g |
| Physical keys | power, SOS & Check In |
| Ruggedness | drop-tested onto steel • IP68 dust/water ingress protection • MIL-STD-810H (vibration, humidity & salt mist, thermal shock) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Satellite connectivity | Bullitt Satellite Connect (2-way messaging, location sharing, SOS) |
| SIM | eSIM |
| Positioning | GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou |
| Audio | buzzer |
| Standalone capability | Check In & SOS |
| Battery capacity | 600mAh |
| Battery charging | USB-C |
| Price | device only: from $99 / €119 / £99 • with one-year Essentials satellite messaging plan (up to 30msgs/month + SOS Assist): from $149 / €169/ £149 |
| Availability | Q2 2023 |
Thanks for finding this. Looks like it will kill Somewear Labs unit at $280 for the unit and $165 annual for the lowest subscription. This unit looks interesting.