Motorola has announced a new satellite messaging gadget that will allow users to send and receive messages, as well as make emergency calls even when their phone is out of cellular service. The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is a rugged dongle that connects via Bluetooth to your Android or iOS phone, and through a special app, provides satellite communication capabilities.

Satellite communication is quickly becoming a popular mobile trend, with big names like Apple and Qualcomm adding satellite connectivity to their devices. The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is the result of a collaboration between three companies, including the Bullitt Group, which is also responsible for producing the Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75 phones with satellite connectivity.

The device uses the MediaTek MT6825 chipset to perform the satellite connection and requires only the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app on your phone to work. Once connected, the Defy Satellite Link allows you to send and receive messages, share your location, and communicate with an emergency service in case of an accident. It operates even in areas with no cellular service, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, or people living in areas with poor network coverage.

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is designed to withstand tough conditions, with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating and is built to meet MIL-Spec 810H toughness standards. It weighs only 70 grams and is 11mm thick, making it small enough to attach to a bag or lanyard with its fabric strap and metal loop. The device has a 600mAh battery that can last several days and a built-in GPS for location sharing.

The Bullitt Satellite Messenger app provides access to an emergency service provided by FocusPoint International, allowing users to get help in case of an emergency. The app requires a subscription, starting at $5 per month, which includes access to the SOS emergency service. Replies to messages over a normal cellular or Wi-Fi connection are free.

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link will be available from April for $99. A bundle that includes the dongle and a year’s subscription to the basic messaging and emergency plan costs $149. The device is compatible with phones running at least iOS 14 or Android 10.

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link is part of Bullitt and MediaTek’s efforts to make satellite communication more accessible and useful to everyone. It joins the Cat S75 and Motorola Defy 2 smartphones with satellite connectivity and is set to be a game-changer for anyone who needs to stay connected in areas with poor network coverage or no cellular service.