Credit: HMD
- At CES 2025, HMD is launching OffGrid, a new mobile accessory.
- You can send and receive satellite messages by wirelessly connecting the OffGrid to your phone.
- The device will cost you $199 outright and then require a subscription for messaging.
One of the newer features we’re seeing in flagship smartphones is non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity. This allows your phone to connect with satellites for certain functions, most notably alerting emergency services if you are in danger. Because you are not relying on terrestrial networks, this can happen anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
However, what if you are using an older device that lacks this capability and have no interest in upgrading just to get it? There are a few products around that can provide any phone with NTN connectivity, and the newest one is from HMD. The HMD OffGrid, as it’s known, was just announced at CES 2025.