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Gadget 01 · Texting with no signal

Texting via satellite

A satellite messenger is a device the size of a deck of cards that sends text messages through satellites. It works in the middle of the ocean, in the mountains or in a city where the cell network has gone down.

3 min read · Reviewed on

How it works

Instead of connecting to a cell tower, the device talks directly to a constellation of low-orbit satellites. The most popular ones, Garmin inReach and ZOLEO, use the Iridium network, which covers the entire planet, including the poles and oceans.

  1. You type a message on the device or in the phone app, connected by Bluetooth.
  2. The messenger sends it to whichever satellite is in view. It needs open sky: indoors or in a narrow canyon it may be slow or fail to connect.
  3. The satellite relays it to a ground station, which delivers it as a text message or email.
  4. Replies travel the reverse path. A message takes from seconds to a few minutes.
Network
Iridium, global coverage
Messages
Two-way text
SOS
Button to a 24/7 rescue center
Cost
Monthly or annual subscription

The SOS button

All of them have a protected emergency button. When pressed, the device sends your GPS position to a rescue coordination center that operates around the clock. The center texts you to find out what's going on and alerts emergency services in your area. The big advantage over a beacon is that you can explain the situation: a sprained ankle is not the same as an unconscious person.

What about satellite SOS on your phone?

Since the iPhone 14, iPhones can send emergency messages via satellite when there's no network, and some recent Google Pixel phones can too. It's available in a growing list of countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Spain and much of Europe. Check the manufacturer's website to see whether it works where you live.

  • Pros: it's already in your pocket and is usually free for the first years.
  • Limits: it's designed mainly for emergencies, depends on your phone's battery and doesn't work in every country.

If you go into the backcountry or out to sea often, or live in a rural area with poor coverage, a dedicated messenger is more reliable: battery life of days or weeks, more resistant to water and knocks, and it works in any country.

Which one to choose

Garmin inReach Mini 2

The most complete in a small size. It has its own screen, so you can read and reply without your phone, plus TracBack to retrace your route. Garmin now sells a newer model, but the Mini 2 is still a very balanced choice.

Garmin inReach Messenger

Designed to be used with your phone, with a battery that lasts weeks. It can even top up your phone in a pinch.

ZOLEO

Very simple and phone-centric, with good battery life. It gives you your own number and email, and messages go automatically over Wi-Fi or cell when available and via satellite when not.

Before you buy

  • Factor in the subscription, not just the device. Without an active plan they send nothing, not even SOS. Some monthly plans can be paused, and annual plans are cheaper.
  • Test it at home. Send a test message and set up your contacts and preset messages, for example "I'm OK, heading home".
  • It doesn't replace 911 or 112: if you have signal, call first.

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