AST Completes Voice Call via Satellite Using Regular Cell Phone

Many people think that cell phones communicate via satellite, but mostly they don't. Other than GPS, which still relies on cell towers for triangulation and map downloads, most cellular communications have been via land-based towers, which in turn are connected via underground cables. The obvious limitations within the current system are the terrain and gaps between towers. Satellites provide coverage over oceans and atop mountains.

We've all forgotten the main reason that we wanted mobile devices: to be able to reach someone for emergency assistance while traveling. As cellular technology has expanded, some of the coverage once enjoyed in the analog days has gone. This may be just the thing to bridge those gaps and provide coverage wher...
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