Do you spend a lot of time in areas that lack cellular service? If you do, you can supplement your cell phone with SPOT. Anytime you find yourself in a remote (or not so remote) area without a usable cellular signal, you can pair your phone to the SPOT device via Bluetooth and “get connected to a global satellite network that lets you send messages and GPS coordinates from virtually anywhere on the planet. Update Twitter and Facebook. Send email and text messages. Request non-emergency help from professional service providers. And in the case of a critical emergency, send an SOS message requesting emergency assistance.”
SPOT offers several devices, ranging in price from about $120 to $500, depending on the type. You’ll need a service plan to have access to the satellite network, too. These plans aren’t cheap, of course, but they could save your life if you are stuck and need emergency help in a remote location.
Go to the SPOT webpage to learn more about their devices and service plans. You can purchase devices directly from SPOT or use their retailer locator to find a local supplier.
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We use a similar product for our travelers
https://www.iridium.com/products/Iridium-GO.aspx?productCategoryID=29
They are very useful when we send them out to bizarre locations (oil rigs, ice mines, etc) But EXPENSIVE. Both the devices and airtime. But really it’s worth it, yes it might cost us $75 to get an updated blueprint to the middle of ocean but what would it cost otherwise. in travel, downtime, loss of work.
The Iridium product is much more flexible, it is like an Internet connection for web browsing, emails, etc., whereas Spot just sends GPS coordinates and pre-defined status messages.
Well it’s also ALOT cheaper, both hardware and service. But for some that might be good enough,
I happen to agree with both on this topic. The Globalstar equipment is cheaper in both service and equipment and may work for some. On the other Hand the Iridium GO is simply awesome and works anywhere on earth as long as it can see the sky with any thought.
Satmodo is here to answer any questions regarding either product. http://www.satmodo.com or you can call any time 1-800-279-2366