Another Option For Boondocking Communication

[rotus8]

This morning I read an article about an option for communicating when away from cell coverage. It is a small hot spot type device that connects to your phone with Bluetooth and connects to a satellite link. I think it would mostly be used for messaging but could save your life in an emergency and the cost seems reasonable, at least what the article suggests, though reality may be different.
https://www.xda-developers.com/motorola-defy-satellite-link-release

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

Very interesting! Sounds similar to the texting via InReach mini, or SPOT.
I'm watching the results from Starlinks proposed collab with Tmobile, too.
Here is something I found on teh innertubez re: Iphone14 vs InReach.

Tech is moving fast...

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

Very interesting! Sounds similar to the texting via InReach mini, or SPOT.
I'm watching the results from Starlinks proposed collab with Tmobile, too.
Here is something I found on teh innertubez re: Iphone14 vs InReach.

Tech is moving fast...

And here is one more;

 

[Sweeney]

Somehow I bet you can't stream youtube But definitely something good to have for boondockers. My biggest fear is being disconnected and needing help.

 

[Randy]

Really happy with my full size Garmin InReach. Great peace of mind when there is no cell service. Various plans starting at $15 per month for the basic. Tons of YouTube videos out there on how to use it to its fullest capability. I always text my family when I arrive so they can reach me in an emergency. Each time you text it sends your location coordinates.

inReach® Consumer Subscription Plans | Garmin

 

[JohnC]

Really happy with my full size Garmin InReach. Great peace of mind when there is no cell service. Various plans starting at $15 per month for the basic. Tons of YouTube videos out there on how to use it to its fullest capability. I always text my family when I arrive so they can reach me in an emergency. Each time you text it sends your location coordinates.

inReach® Consumer Subscription Plans | Garmin

Randy, do you take advantage of suspending the coverage when you don't travel? Are there issues with doing that?

 

[Randy]

Randy, do you take advantage of suspending the coverage when you don't travel? Are there issues with doing that?

Very much so, cancel and restart all the time. No issues.

 

[JohnC]

Very much so, cancel and restart all the time. No issues.

Do your 30 days start and stop the day you restart or do have to pay for any use of a calendar month?

 

[Randy]

Do your 30 days start and stop the day you restart or do have to pay for any use of a calendar month?

Honestly haven’t checked that closely John.

 

[Randy]

Wanted to add that with the companion Garmin Earthmate app you can connect your phone to the InReach device via Bluetooth. Even without cell service this allows you to type and read messages from your phone, use your phone contacts to send messages, read and upload maps, etc. Makes it very user friendly.