HMD - the manufacturer known best for its Nokia-branded phones - is diversifying its portfolio with what one might call a satellite dongle.
Dubbed the HMD OffGrid, the dongle connects to both a network of satellites and your existing phone. When paired with your phone, the OffGrid allows you to send messages via satellite when you don't have mobile coverage.
Notably, these messages need to be sent through the OffGrid app, but the recipient will receive them as a standard SMS. The recipient will need to download the OffGrid app to reply, which the message will prompt them to do.
On top of support messaging, the OffGrid also has an emergency SOS button that works whether it's paired with a phone or not. Pressing and holding this button requests urgent assistance.
Australia is one of the first markets to get the HMD OffGrid, with the device launching next month for $329 through Amazon. On top of the outright cost, OffGrid users require a subscription. There's a $24.99 per month plan with unlimited messaging (or $239.99 per year), or a $112.99 per year plan that comes with $350 messages. These plans also have one-off activation fees of $13.99 and $27.99, respectively.
The HMD OffGrid is clearly designed for outdoor enthusiasts who like to go off the beaten path, and as such, has the kind of specs you might expect. This includes IP68 water resistance and MIL-STD-810 durability. HMD says the OffGrid battery can last up to three days.
While the HMD OffGrid is certainly a novel product, it's not the only game in town when it comes to connecting phones to satellites.
Every iPhone from the iPhone 14 and on has satellite connectivity. This is purely designed for emergency situations, while the OffGrid can be used to message anyone. The iPhone's satellite connectivity is currently available free of charge, but Apple has indicated it may charge for the feature in the future.
More broadly, Telstra, TPG, and Optus are working with satellite providers to offer direct-to-handset satellite technology. Telstra and TPG are trialling the tech with Lynk Global, while Optus entered a partnership with SpaceX (the company behind Starlink).
This tech allows everyday phones to connect to satellites that broadcast mobile spectrum, so there's no need for special equipment. All that's needed is a clear view of the sky, the speeds are only fast enough for basic messaging.
Optus was initially planning to start offering Starlink-powered connectivity for phones at the end of last year, but the initiative has been delayed. There's currently no set time frame for when this might go live.
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