Headed up by a previously SBIR involved (Savi Technology Inc), serial entrepreneur with a track record of successful startups,nmany of which were acquired, Higher Ground is small satellite messaging business. The principal of the firm has has been quietly developing SatPaq, a smartphone case with a flip-up antenna that communicates with geostationary satellites. Connecting to a smartphone messaging app via Bluetooth that permits messaging using Intelsats geostationary Galaxy satellites with a process fast enough to permit mobile operation of the SatPaq for many recreation activities, use for internet of things (IoT) applications, such as communicating soil conditions, detecting agricultural pests, and monitoring livestock far from cellular networks. In June 2015 Higher Ground asked the FCC for permission to expand testing to Anchorage, Alaska; Las Vegas; and Washington D.C and also applied for a blanket license from the FCC to operate up to 50,000 SatPaq devices nationwide. In 2016, Higher Ground ask for permission from the FCC to activate thousands of portable microwave transmitters under the noses of licensed users of the same spectrum and application opposed by two industry bodies, the National Spectrum Management Association (NMSA) and the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition (FWCC), representing licensees, regulators, providers, users, and manufacturers of microwave communications equipment. Over the winter 2015-16, Higher Ground tested around 20 SatPaqs in California and Washington DC. In March, it also received permission to test in New York City. This could be potentially game-changing endeavor by an SBIR funded entity that is well worth monitoring.
