Inmarsat opens up its services to any iOs or Android device with IsatHub

22nd June 2014
Inmarsat opens up its services to any iOs or Android device with IsatHub
Inmarsat's Drew Brandy shows the IsatHub at ComunicAsia 2014

Another CommunicAsia announcement with an India relevance:
Singapore, June 22, 2014: Global mobile satellite communications leader, Inmarsat showcased its latest innovation at the  CommunicAsia show here last week -- a solution that  expands the reach its satellite-based communication services in a significant manner. It untethers  usage from its own  dedicated  receivers like the isatPhone and  enables the service  on a host of user owned platforms -- iPhone, iPad and/or iPod touch or Android device.
To be commercially launched in Q3 2014, the IsatHub as it is called, is designed specifically for use in remote locations. It will  connect smart devices when beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile and fixed networks. Users will be able to talk, text, access the internet and their apps using their own smart device, wherever they go.
The first terminal manufactured for the IsatHub service, the iSavi from Inmarsat partner Addvalue  was unveiled at CommunicAsia.
A control app provides set-up assistance and gives you full control over access to the service as well as visibility of data usage from each device sharing the IsatHub connection. The voice app enables you to use your smart device to send and receive voice calls via IsatHub’s dedicated high-quality voice line, as well as text messages, even if your device is for WiFi use only.
The  first terminal  on display  weighs 850 grams,  has a WiFi range of  30 metres and batteries for 2.5 hours of operation.... a significant opening up of Inmarsat's functionility during disaster situations -- for example. 

There is evidence after  last year's  catastrophic events  in Uttarakhand that government might  make it easier for  legitimate users of global satellite communication services to  own receivers and subscribe to services. The latest innovation from Inmarsat makes  the argument to encourage such use  even more convincing.
Tech details here