Para's two threads on Emergency Radios and Messaging Apps, both linked below, got me pondering about communication tools the other night along with a video Tim Kenendy did on comms. I didn't want to step all over Para's threads so I started this one more specifically towards Satellite Communications.

SIGforum: Emergency two-way radios for what may lie ahead

SIGforum: Ranking seven different encrypted messaging apps

In full disclosure, I truly dislike ALL Chinese manufactured products and nearly all of them are knock-off's of U.S. products and/or patents. Also, due to some insights I have professionally, I highly wonder if any of their electronics will actually work if crap ever hits the fan. China has infiltrated the DOD supply chain and proven capable of very nefarious activities. So, as general consumers, of non-vetted, non-tested products can I bet my life on them when needed or will China simply flip a switch, send out some code and it all becomes a door stop? That is where I'm coming from.

I just started looking into these a few days ago, but below is a quick list of SOME of what is out there. Initially am most impressed with the Zoleo because of its battery life, capabilities, app, and dedicated SOS button. It also appears to be a Canadian company for what it's worth.

My neighbor has the Garmin inReach Mini for when he goes out west hunting/hiking in the mountains and loves it. It allows him to let his wife know he's OK and has not had an issue getting a signal.

Keep in mind, that many of these devices require a subscription service to function. Some come with a small bit of free time, it just depends on the product and your requirements.

9575 Extreme - Satellite Phone with Prepaid and Postpaid SIM Cards for $1,485

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator and GPS for $400 NIB or $310 Renewed

Garmin inReach - Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator, Global Two-Way Messaging for $300

ACR Bivy Stick Satellite Communicator - Global Two-Way SMS Text Messaging, GPS Tracking, Maps & Navigation, Emergency SOS, Weather Reports, & Location Sharing - Android & iOS Compatible App for $300

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator - Two-Way Global SMS Text Messenger & Email, Emergency SOS Alerting, Check-in & GPS Location – Android iOS Smartphone Accessory for $200

SPOT Gen 4 Satellite GPS Messenger - Handheld Portable GPS Messenger for Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Activities, Globalstar Satellite Network Coverage, Subscription Applicable for $149

Curious to know what anyone out there has experience with. Also, highly recommend you checkout Restore Privacy who has a lot of information on best practices, products centered around privacy, etc.

I have had the Garmin InReach, the precursor to the mini, for several years and it flat out works. The only drawback is that typing out a message is laborious so you have to keep your messages short. I have used it from Prudhoe Bay to 72 degrees South without issue.

The elephant in the room that you didn’t list is Starlink, which of course is run by Elon Musk. I believe that this type of communication will be the future of remote communication.

There is also some development on cell phones having the ability to communicate with satellites but I’m not to versed on where we are with that…

The newest apple watch can send emergency text via satellite.

That is a default if you fall and are out of cell/WiFi range.

Not sure if it is going to be a non emergency system in the future.

quote:

Originally posted by sig2392:
The newest apple watch can send emergency text via satellite.

That is a default if you fall and are out of cell/WiFi range.

Not sure if it is going to be a non emergency system in the future.

The iPhone 14 and newer can do this. Watch cannot.

What are you trying to do? In what geography and terrain. You have to pick a sat network first (one of two realistically at the moment, but maybe starlink is really coming soon for handheld mobile devices. I've been really really impressed with starlink across several applications. If all you want to do can be done from locations that can support a starlink connection (boat, rv, house, etc. then that is the way to go, but your not going hiking with one). Emergency notice to someone while in remote terrain? then many of the ones you linked are fine. But actually communicate with someone in remote areas in a large scale emergency meltdown then those aren't the systems, you need an iridium or imarstat terminal of some kind. If you actually want to talk/move data and you are in an area where its usable Imarstat is probably cheaper and better. But its not the best in many situations. I've used inmarstat at sea and its stunningly great. But I've used iridium on land and its way better in terms of coverage options. Neither will be cheap on a standby basis for actual communications, but maybe you don't care.