Satellite Communicators - back country support

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator - back country support

Satellite messengers (not a voice phone) like this are increasingly being used by folks driving or hiking far from cell-phone coverage.  This one is linked to your smart-phone for a familiar interface (use your phone's regular messaging app over the Iridium satellite network).  It includes GPS and a stand-alone SOS button.

(Note that you'll also have to pay a monthly fee to use the satellite network your phone connects to, just like you would a cellular network.)

https://www.zoleo.com/en-us/satellite-communicator

Available at Cabela's, Amazon, REI, Scheels, Walmart and other online stores.
"... ZOLEO, the affordable accessory that extends your smartphone messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth and provides a safety system you can count on."

Walmart:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ZOLEO-Satellite-Communicator-Two-Way-Global-SMS-Text-Messenger-Email-Emergency-SOS-Alerting-Check-in-GPS-Location-Android-iOS-Smartphone-Accessory/477349850?from=/search

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ZOLEO-Satellite-Messenger/dp/B07X59RH7T/
Others: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=satellite+phones&crid=2QYR2CEJ89MN1&sprefix=satellite%2Caps%2C163&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9

Cabela's: https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/zoleo-satellite-communicator
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The Best Satellite Phones (and messengers) of 2024:
    https://gearjunkie.com/technology/best-satellite-phone

The 5 Best Satellite Messengers of 2024:
    https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beacon

The best satellite phones for global calls and connecting outdoors:
    https://www.popsci.com/story/reviews/best-satellite-phone/
"Messaging vs. calling -

When you travel or go on outside adventures, having a fully loaded SAT phone may not be necessary. Opting for a more basic satellite communication solution also means saving money. 

You've already got a smartphone—what you need is another layer of communication safety outside the cell phone zone. 

If you want to keep it simple, consider a satellite GPS messenger. These devices allow you to send messages to family and friends, letting them know you are safe, and also have important extra safety features like GPS location and SOS signals."

6 Best Satellite Phones of 2024:
    https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/technology/best-satellite-phones

Emergency SOS via satellite -  Apple's iPhone safety feature:
    https://www.pocket-lint.com/apple-emergency-sos-via-satellite-iphone-features-explained/

• "Apple introduced Emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone 14 and 15 models, allowing users to contact emergency services in areas without reception.
•  This feature is for emergencies only and cannot be used for calls or other purposes. It will be routed to the appropriate emergency services or the AAA for roadside assistance.
• Satellite coverage is required to use Emergency SOS via satellite, and users will be guided through the process of sending an emergency text."
• "This is a messaging system - you can't use it to place calls or anything else - it's for emergencies only and will be routed through to the appropriate emergency services, or the AAA for roadside assistance."
• " The service was only available in the US and Canada at launch. This includes Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, but not Guam or American Samoa.
• It expanded to the UK, Ireland, France and Germany in December 2022, and then to Australia and New Zealand in April 2023, and by the end of 2023 the list will also include Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
• ... However, the roadside assistance part of Emergency SOS is currently US-only, since it's in tight partnership with the AAA."

If you see SOS, No Service, or Searching on your iPhone or iPad:
   https://support.apple.com/en-us/120000

Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone - With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts:  https://support.apple.com/en-us/104992
"When you make a call with SOS, your iPhone automatically calls the local emergency number and shares your location information with emergency services1. In some countries and regions, you might need to choose the service that you need.
...
On iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can even use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is available."

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone:  https://support.apple.com/en-us/101573