As long as you're not IFR or an air carrier then you're good to go per the FAA. See FAR 91.121 - Portable Electronic Devices.
Now you have to check to make sure you're not violating an FCC rule. I believe the FCC has a rule that prohibits cel use in the air because it ties too many towers up. I'm not sure about sat phones or where to look it up.
Hope this helps!