>>Emergency SOS via satellite

Is this 2-way?

FWIW, the Motorola 'Defy 2' ruggedized smartphone with 2-way sat texting has been announced for Q2 this year, Also, a BT dongle which can provide the same. Both use a MediaTech chip for sat connectivity - and it looks like Qualcomm might announce one soon.

Minimal service (SOS/response) looks to be about $5/mo.

As someone who's installed sat radios on "white boats" (large recreational craft) I'd expect this to put a dent in that market - and make it more likely for anyone in a craft traveling over the horizon to be able to make a distress call from where they are, so very much a net positive.