Viasat partners with the European Space Agency to use the satellites to connect to phones and IoT devices on the ground.

Direct-to-cell technology could transform the global telecoms landscape. However, the technology must first prove itself.

Satellite phones are an absolute game-changer if you're venturing into remote areas that lay beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks or during emergencies or natural disasters.

Verizon and Qualcomm are highlighting the feature, but Samsung may want to avoid discussing its limited availability and messy behind-the-scenes drama for now.