The satellite allows those people to also be able to get the Blockstream's approved version of the blockchain (well part of it, only new blocks right now)
FTFA
You people need to stop pretending it's even possible to create a decentralized cryptocurrency in the first place. Nothing resembling a Nash equilibrium will EVER exist in these things, only an exposed power vacuum to be taken over by a monopoly man or cartel.
To use silver as currency you need to mint them, and you need consensus so that the merchant might accept it. Also silver coins are defined by purity, less pure coins value less and so are used to buy cheaper stuff. In the past silver coins minted by foreign authorities were weighed by merchants and were valued according to their weight. However you can't carry too much silver coins inside your pockets, and they call attention from people who might steal them from you.
With bitcoin you can carry a chest full of silver inside a cellphone. And you can put a password on it so nobody can steal it. You will still need consensus, which is the primary requirement for any currency.
It's the same for e-readers, where you can carry a library inside it, all in digital format.
Welcome to the 21st century.