I dislike this idea and will try to present reasond arguments for not allowing this.
1) If you are off line doing the activities you suggest with others then you shouldnt be diverting your attention from them to play a game in any way I find it rude.
2) I think this will play into "Gold Sellers" hands if you are only sending your companions away to do missions you arnt able to make credits by playing so it will be a money sink. Some will look for short cuts to get credits to continue, I want no "Gold Sellers" in this game and would not like any normal gameplay aspect to encourage them.
3) This would disadvantage people who dont have smart phones or who do but dont have unlimited data.
I'm for keeping the game in game, this is just my view and I have nothing againsed yours