Communication has moved from the telephone landline to the mobile phone to Internet telephony with Skype to now apps like GroupMe with mobile communications services which do not rely on a PC or telephone number.

FORBES: Skype To Acquire GroupMe For Group Messaging

Inmarsat of London is the big daddy of mobile satellite communications services, and there are few more successful satellite TV companies in the world than British Sky Broadcasting.

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In a change from previous policy, all four will be allowed to compete across the board, from fixed-line and mobile communications to business and data services.

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Facebook already offers communications-related services that are natural to mobile devices, such as Messenger, which allows for free Internet voice calls, at least on the iPhone.

FORBES: Connect

Of the four mobile satellite services companies now active, two, Iridium and ICO Global Communications, are in bankruptcy proceedings.

FORBES: Down To Earth

The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and Internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

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New fourth generation (4G) mobile services in the UK could be launched by next June, under a timetable set out by the UK communications regulator.

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