Satellite Phone or Satellite Messenger?

Satellite Phone or Satellite Messenger: Which Do You Need?

Natural disasters, flooding, and severe weather can knock out cellular infrastructure with very little warning, cutting off the network you'd normally rely on right when you need it most. And if you work, travel, or live in remote, off-the-grid locations where mountainous terrain or a lack of cellular infrastructure makes cellular communication impossible, a satellite phone, satellite messenger, or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is your main option for staying in contact in an emergency.

Cellular technology depends on line-of-sight to land-based towers. Coverage is limited by where those towers are, by mountainous terrain, by distance offshore, and it assumes the infrastructure stays intact during a disaster.

Satellite phones and messengers are mobile two-way devices that transmit and receive using a network of satellites orbiting the earth, either in low earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary (high) orbit, allowing communication across much of the world.

High Orbit versus Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Satellite constellations in high (geostationary) orbit can handle larger amounts of data like emails and documents, but there are fewer of them, and maintaining a connection can be trickier since the user often needs a clearer view toward the satellite's fixed position.

LEO constellations comprise an array of satellites orbiting around both the equator and the poles. At any one time there's usually line-of-sight to at least two or three satellites, providing reliable coverage in mountainous or polar regions. Because LEO satellites operate at a lower altitude, they're smaller and lighter, and there are more of them in orbit. With LEO networks, a passing satellite locates the user rather than the user needing to locate a single fixed satellite.

Mobile Systems can help you choose a satellite phone or satellite messenger suited to your particular requirements.

Satellite Phone

Satellite phones are mobile two-way communication devices using satellite constellations to transmit and receive voice and data.

Iridium 9555

The Iridium 9555 uses the Iridium LEO constellation, orbiting roughly 780km above the earth, providing strong signal and reliable connections through a compact antenna with modest power requirements. It offers voice calling and two-way SMS and email messaging.

Iridium GO!

Iridium GO! enables satellite connectivity for your mobile devices where terrestrial networks can't reach. Connected to the Iridium LEO satellite constellation, you can connect multiple devices wirelessly to the Iridium GO!, supporting voice calls, SMS, SOS alerts, GPS, and data applications like weather through the Iridium GO! app.

Satellite Messenger

Satellite messengers are devices capable of sending text messages using the same satellite constellations as satellite phones. These are often purpose-built with additional features like mapping software, an SOS function, SMS capability, and breadcrumb tracking.

Garmin inReach Mini

The inReach Mini is a compact and lightweight satellite communicator with GPS, ideal for maintaining off-the-grid contact where size and weight matter. It lets you send and receive text messages, track and share your journey, and trigger an SOS if necessary.

Garmin inReach SE

A handheld satellite communicator designed for outdoor use, offering communication, location sharing, navigation, and SOS functions for anyone heading off the beaten track, whether on land, water, or in the backcountry.

Garmin Montana 710i / 760i (with Tracertrak)

A rugged handheld GPS unit with built-in Iridium satellite connectivity through the Tracertrak worker safety platform, well suited to teams needing detailed navigation alongside two-way satellite messaging and SOS alerting for lone worker safety.

Garmin GPSMAP 86i

A marine handheld GPS with built-in inReach satellite communication, combining navigation for boaties with the ability to send messages and trigger an SOS from well offshore.

You may venture off the grid, but you're never out of reach as long as you're carrying one of these devices. Handheld satellite communicators are designed for anyone who wants to roam further and experience more without compromising their safety, or their loved ones' peace of mind. From backcountry trips to work in remote areas, these devices provide communication, location sharing, navigation, and critical SOS functions on land, water, or in the hills.

Not sure whether a satellite phone or a satellite messenger is the right fit for your situation? Get in touch with the Mobile Systems team for advice tailored to how and where you'll be using it.