Following the announcement in February, the $150 device is available today.

Details:

• The Motorola Satellite Link Hotspot gives you full blown messaging via satellite.
• Motorola’s messaging service works just like SMS but it can only be delivered to other people running special Bullitt Satellite Messenger app.
• The service will do SMS forwarding, so if you punch in a random number, that person will receive a message prompting them to download the Bullitt app so they can talk to you.
• It’s suggested that you should set this up with people beforehand, but sounds like a great way to communicate when you are off the grid.
• Multiple plans are available. You will want to check the source article for more details.
• This is not a lightening speed service like cellular SMS. It could take you 10 seconds or longer to connect to a satellite before you can send a message.
• Specs for this bluetooth box include a 600 mAh battery which is said to be enough for up to four full days of runtime. It is powered by a MediaTek MT6825 satellite connectivity chip, which is built to use the new 3GPP NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) standard.
• It is rated IP68 and is supposed to be waterproof up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.
• It has GPS for location tracking.
• Buttons on the side of the device let you “check in” quickly or trigger an emergency call.
• According to Ars Technica, Motorola says the device can be found at AT&T, REI Co-op, BassPro.com, B&H Photo, Nomadic Supply, BlackOvis.com, GoHunt.com, and other major retailers.

Source: Ars Technica

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