-These Sat-Nav devices are expensive to the tune of several thousand each, and this doesn't even cover the cost of a down-link service. So who is paying for all of this?--
A hand-held device retails for less than $250 and the only extra charge is for the batteries. No down-link service.
The satellite tracking service will require..."
You are confusing Nav Sat with GPS. Two Hundred dollar GPS navigation devices do not have the capabilities stated in the article.