The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that Canadians could soon be able to access wireless service from their smart phones in some of the country's most remote regions thanks to developments in satellite technology. The Globe's Alexandra Posadzki writes that currently, the only way to access mobile phone service in the most far-flung areas is via proprietary satellite phones with plans from the likes of Iridium, Inmarsat and Globalstar. That is about to change, as wireless carriers are partnering with satellite operators to deliver what is known as direct-to-device service, which connects satellites to everyday smart phones. Given Canada's size and low population density outside major cities and towns, cellular networks cover only a small portion of the total land mass. Satellite-to-phone connectivity promises to enhance public safety by doing away with coverage dead zones. "It's very important for people who get lost in the woods while hunting or have an accident on an extremely rural road to be able to call emergency services," said Telus's Bernard Bureau. Both Telus and Rogers have conducted satellite-to-mobile phone tests and have plans to launch the service in 2024. BCE has not announced similar plans.