[null and void]

Plus there’s the problem of latency. 1/4 second. No way to overcome that one.

These are not in geosynchronous orbit. They are close in, that overcomes latency.

[Gaffer]

Correct. But then you have to have more circuitry from Doppler shift removal.

If you could get all this scheme to work, you’re talking about more sophisticated phones (a billion?).....nope, that’s not a problem...I’m sure Apple is working on the iSat right now.

[TalonDJ]

They are close in, that overcomes latencyNo it doesn't. I work with Iridium modems. Latency up and down is not the only problem. The each satellite has to then send your request... where? To a ground station. Currently on a network like Iridum that is done by bouncing your signal Satellite To satellite completely around the planet until you get to one single ground station. Arizona. So your latency depends on where you are. Satellite air time is really darn expensive. It would be cheaper (and better throughput) to buy everyone in the country a smartphone set to act as a access point. GSM is already more or less nation wide. The whole idea behind this article is laughable.