Samsung has filed one of their own in hopes of using the atmosphere as an antenna. Researchers and employees in Korea are devising a method to use the ionosphere -- the layer of the atmosphere at around 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface -- as a medium for "long distance communication" without the need for expensive satellites. The ionosphere already plays a role in communications as a "radio reflector" that bounces low frequency radio signals from sea to shining sea. But by launching UHF signals behind a 1GHz carrier signal, scientists hope to alter the behavior of the ionosphere to create an alternating current, which can then be modulated at a particular frequency in order to create an antenna of global proportions.

I'm curious as to exactly how they intend to use this. From reading the patent it appears that this is just an ordinary means of communications bounced off the Ionosphere, which means they'll be haggingly for More! Wireless! Spectrum! at an insane end-user cost for supposedly "public" airwaves. I'm also a bit concerned about the power levels they intend to use to facilitate this method of communications. I'm also certain the US Military has in some way, shape, or form a documented demonstration of prior art in this particular form of radio.

Samsung Makes Antenna Out Of Ionosphere