Hasta La Gadget!

Amazon may not be happy with just piggybacking on other wireless carrier’s signals for Whispernet-style offerings, as Bloomberg has heard it’s trying out technology that would let it create its own wireless network. The technology used in the tests is from Globalstar, which is seeking to convert its spectrum — intended for use by satellite-connected devices like the Global Phone pictured above — for strictly ground-based use. The report points out a letter from Globalstar technical adviser Jarvinian to the FCC indicating it was helping a “major technology company” assess the performance benefits available earlier this year. The usual people with knowledge of the situation have filled in the blanks, however whether the tests are continuing or if Amazon will ever make real use of it is unknown. If things do move forward Amazon would hardly be alone in its efforts with Dish Network’s similar push to use spectrum it owns for LTE. If Globalstar really can do LTE / public WiFi better we’re ready to hear about it, although hopefully it will connect to more hardware than just some future Kindle Fire 4.

Filed under: Wireless, Amazon

Comments

Source: Bloomberg

Finally, a phone made in the year 2013 that Zack Morris can approve of. All kidding aside, Spot’s aptly titled Global Phone isn’t the most — shall we say, svelte — of handsets, but it’s capable of communicating in places that your iPhone could only dream of. Spot is actually a subsidiary of satellite communications giant Globalstar, who is no stranger to providing satellite-based service to argonauts the world over. The Global Phone is one of the company’s first consumer-facing phones, taking the intrigue and mystery out of procuring one of those fancy sat phones — you know, the ones that can seemingly only be acquired by James Bond’s nemeses.

The target market for this handset is obvious: if you’re an avid hiker, explorer, boater or adventurer, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll end up in a locale where traditional cell networks provide no coverage. In fact, it’s shockingly easy to find dead zones these days — just head to your nearest national park and stroll up a marked trail for a bit. At $499 for the device itself and month-to-month plans starting at $25, it’s actually a reasonably priced addition to one’s off-the-grid arsenal. (Have you seen the prices on subzero sleeping bags these days?)

But, is it a worthwhile addition? I recently traversed 1,600 miles of mostly desolate territory in the US Southwest in order to find out, and the answer lies just after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: Spot Global Phone product page