In order to provide an emergency satellite locating service (e.g., like
   the EPRB system routinely used for ships at sea) there would need to be
   monitored frequencies and capabilities both via the satellites and the
   mobiles. The intelligence and capabilities already built into some
   mobiles (e.g., GPS and dynamically modifiable WiFi chip firmware) might
   make possible practical ground to satellite signaling. The Nexus phones
   had these features as did (does) some Samsung models. With up to 60 MHz
   of possible transmission bandwidth and the use of spread spectrum
   encoding, a mobile phone could use SS process gain to achieve an output
   well in excess of a >1000W baseband transmitter. If satellites were
   able monitor either existing WiFi bands (or adjacent frequencies newly
   authorized for radio location) and the WiFi hardware / firmware
   modified to transmit a unique emergency beacon I think this service
   might be practical.

   On Sat, Nov 6, 2021, 11:23 PM jim bell <[1]jdb10987@yahoo.com> wrote:

[2]https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/missing-oregon-mom-found-dead/283-3913
515e-2105-404c-a579-f12e966f3c3a

   Jim Bell's comment:

   Might satellite 911 have saved them?

   A few weeks ago, someone criticized me for talking about a possible
   future cellphone/smartphone service, akin to '911', with satellite
   service around the world.

   Ostensibly, the criticism was somehow based on security and/or
   privacy.  Somehow, somebody would 'have to' sign up for this service.
   I don't think so.

   I then pointed out that for many years, cellphones without actual cell
   phone service contracts have been programmed so they are always capable
   of '911' service, assuming that they can receive a cell phone signal.
   I see that as an excellent idea.

   The problem is that many areas in America, especially in the western
   US, there is no cell service to be had, especially in mountainous and
   forested areas.

   If such a satellite service begins to be available, even if it is only
   capable of text transmissions, a similar always-available service can
   be provided.

References

   1. mailto:jdb10987@yahoo.com
   2. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/missing-oregon-mom-found-dead/283-3913515e-2105-404c-a579-f12e966f3c3a