Bullitt, which makes rugged smartphones, is due to launch a satellite-connected handset in February.
A British smartphone maker hopes to steal a march on Apple and Tesla boss Elon Musk with a new satellite-connected handset, the BBC has learned.
If there is no wi-fi or mobile network signal, the idea is the Bullitt phone will automatically link to one of two global satellite networks.
There is speculation that Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 14 could have emergency satellite connectivity.
Mr Musk is also working on a satellite phone service with T-Mobile.
However, last month he said plans were hampered by “regulatory approval” of satellite launches and added that the service would be unlikely to become available before the end of 2023.
Bullitt’s service is due to launch in February 2023 and will initially enable users to send and receive text messages only.
The recipient will receive the message in the form of an SMS and can reply if they download Bullitt’s app. It is free to use for them – but the Bullitt phone owner will have to pay a monthly subscription for the service.
