Reading's Bullitt prepares to launch satellite phone

Bullitt, a Reading-based mobile hardware maker, is intending to rival Apple and Elon Musk with a new satellite-connected smartphone.

In a press release, Bullitt Group say they have been working with a world-leading chipset manufacturer and a satellite network to develop a messaging service for their devices capable of seamlessly switching between Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite networks.

To make it work, the firm have been developing a customised chipset, proprietary OTT application and a core network requiring infrastructure to be installed in satellite ground stations around the world.

Bullitt are known for creating hard-wearing phones sold through the Motorola and CAT brands. The brand sees the move into satellite phones as extending the reliability of their handsets.

The satellite messaging service will be available to anyone using a Bullitt phone, regardless of their network operator, as long as they are signed up to the satellite service plan. The cost of the message will be covered from this plan with no cost to the recipient.

Speaking to the BBC, Richard Wharton, Bullitt’s co-founder, said: "What we've got is a smartphone launching in February that will be capable of two-way messaging, via satellite, with global coverage.

"I'm hoping that we've managed to jump ahead."

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Bullitt’s announcement comes at a time when satellite capability is at the forefront of tech news, with Apple’s upcoming iPhone 14 rumoured to include satellite capability and speculation that Tesla CEO Elon Musk is working on a similar device with network provider T-Mobile.

Musk has said previously that because of issues surround regulatory approval, the service is unlikely to be available before the end of 2023. Bullit, however, are hoping to launch in March of 2023, although their service covers only messaging.

Musk has also implied that phones on his platform may have to wait up to 30 minutes to connect to a satellite, whereas the BBC report that Bullitt believe the deals they have made with two unnamed global satellite networks means their phones would connect in seconds.

Bullitt’s offering is also expected to be better than Apple’s which, if the rumours are correct, will only be available for emergency calls within North America. Bullitt’s service would be available anywhere on the globe without standard network coverage.

Mr Wharton added: "We want to work with [network operators] because there are challenges with providing cellular coverage to 100% geography of a country, so what we are offering is that infill, where there are coverage black spots."

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