The Best Satellite Messengers For Your Adventures

 

With summer approaching, your pals at Iridium have created this handy, carefully-curated list of the best personal satellite messengers. Whether you’re climbing, biking, distance running, kayaking, backcountry camping, or just chillaxin’ in the deep woods, this suite of Iridium Connected™ solutions ensures you’ll maintain communications no matter how far you venture off the grid. Every product on this list communicates over the Iridium satellite network.

 

Why are Iridium Connected Satellite Messengers the Best?

They’re Reliable

Our network uses L-band satellite spectrum–giving end users a weather-resilient experience, which is invaluable for the outdoor, extreme sports, and adventure traveler communities. Additionally, the network is located in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), delivering a low-latency (or minimal delay) two-way communications experience.

 

They Have Unmatched Coverage

Every Iridium satellite is connected to its neighbors by crosslinks, creating a coverage web around the entire planet. Iridium remains the only satellite network that offers truly global coverage.

 

The Battery Life

The devices below can hold a charge for long stretches of time–with many providing hundreds of hours per charge.

 

Cost

When people think satellite communications, they think big bucks. However, because Iridium satellite messengers are small, lightweight, and have comparatively low power requirements, they are often more cost-effective than competing products with bigger antennas and greater power needs. There are also customized subscription plans available based on data needs to help manage budgets without having to sacrifice service quality.

 

And Now, the Best Satellite Messengers (in Alphabetical Order)

 

Bivy Stick

Bivy Stick ACR product shot on white background

BUY NOW

Small, mighty, and looking snazzy in lime green, the Bivy Stick provides a combination of convenience and safety. The device is perfect for any off-grid activity, enabling two-way connectivity for sending and receiving texts, emails, and weather reports. It also supports SOS monitoring and GPS capabilities. The device can be easily carried or mounted, with many different mounting configurations, making it an ideal on-the-go device to bring anywhere.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 111.5mm x 45.0mm x 20.5mm
  • Weight: 100g
  • Battery Life: 120 hours

 

 

Garmin – inReach Explorer®+

BUY NOW

This satellite messenger packs a lot of capabilities into a diminutive frame. It is a rugged, handheld satellite communicator with two-way text messaging, 24/7 interactive SOS search and rescue monitoring (when triggered), and location sharing and tracking capabilities. It is also compatible with mobile devices using the Earthmate® app that gives access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial images, and more. The device includes pre-loaded DeLorme® TOPO maps with GPS routing, a digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 2.7″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″ (6.8 x 16.4 x 3.8 cm)
  • Weight: 7.5oz (213g)
  • Battery Life:
    • Up to 100 hours at 10-minute tracking mode (default)
    • Up to 75 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging
    • Up to 30 days at the 30-minute interval power save mode
    • Up to 3 years when powered off

 

Garmin – inReach® Messenger

BUY NOW

Text from anywhere with this tough, tiny and piece of tech. Equipped with GPS, interactive SOS alerts, location sharing, and group messaging, users can communicate easily with loved ones (or even liked ones, or even “it’s complicated” ones) and access help if needed, no matter where they travel. The device can switch between cellular and satellite connectivity as needed and has 28 days of battery life between charges (see more details below), so nowhere is too remote and no trip is too long for this device.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions: 3.1″ x 2.5″ x 0.9″ ( 7.8 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm)
  • Weight: 4 oz (113.9 g)
  • Battery Life:
    • Up to 28 days with a message or location sent every 10 minutes with full sky view
    • Up to 14 days with moderate tree cover
    • Up to 6 days with a message or location sent every 2 minutes with full sky view
    • Up to 3 days with moderate tree cover
    • Up to 46 days with a message or location sent every 30 minutes with full sky view
    • Up to 23 days with moderate tree cover
    • Up to 1 year when powered off

 

Garmin – inReach® Mini

BUY NOW

Don’t have any room left in your backpack? No problem. The inReach Mini can literally fit in the palm of your hand. Get weather updates, send messages, share your location, and send interactive SOS alerts anytime, anywhere, whenever you need.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions: 2.04″ x 3.90″ x 1.03″
  • Weight: 3.5oz
  • Battery Life:
    • Up to 90 hours at 10-minute tracking (default)
    • Up to 35 hours at 10-minute tracking with 1-second logging
    • Up to 24 days at 30-minute tracking power save mode
    • Up to 1 year when powered off

 

RockSTAR

BUY NOW

This super lightweight, rugged, global satellite messenger is the perfect companion for any adventure, even in the most extreme environments. It is battery-powered, lasting up to three weeks without a charge, and is Bluetooth® compatible, allowing for a full two-way experience wherever you are. The device can track and report position at any time interval from five seconds to 12 hours, offering flexibility and peace-of-mind in remote locations. And for the budget-conscious, it has pay-as-you-go satellite communications plans, so you’re only on the hook when you’re outside of cellular coverage.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.7″ x 3″ x 1.4″
  • Weight: 10.8 oz
  • You can send two-way messages using the handset or a dedicated app on your cell phone.
  • Battery life varies according to usage patterns:
    • 12 months transmitting once per day
    • 3 months transmitting once per hour
    • 3 weeks transmitting every 15 minutes.

 

Somewear Global Hotspot

somewear hotspot on white background

REQUEST PRICING

The Global Hotspot powers Somewear’s communications platform tailored for teams, whether for professional guiding operations or adventurous solo excursions. Engineered to keep teams connected in the most remote locations, it ensures that every user can share critical information, receive vital updates, and monitor each other’s position on the map.

The Somewear Global Hotspot provides peace of mind by ensuring that communication lines remain open, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in any environment.

Key Technical Specifications:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 76.2mm x 91.4mm x 20.3mm
  • Weight: 113.4g
  • Will last for over 10 days with 10-minute interval tracking

 

YB3

BUY NOW

This is a full two-way global communications device and tracking system all in one. The YB3 can automatically send position information, allowing users to send and receive short messages from anywhere. All messaging and GPS information is stored in a simple online map, making staying in touch with family and friends a breeze. They can follow trip progress, send messages and texts all through one platform.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions: 144 x 76 x 36mm (plus antenna)
  • Weight: 305g
  • Battery Life: over 3,500 transmissions on a single charge

 

ZOLEO

Iridium Connected Zoleo Satellite Communicator

BUY NOW

Affordable and easy to use, ZOLEO is the global messaging and safety solution that seamlessly transmits over cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi networks using the lowest cost option available. ZOLEO works with users’ smartphones to provide two-way messaging, GPS location sharing, local weather forecasts, and advanced personal safety features like Progressive SOS alerting and Medical Assist with 24/7 monitoring and response. Additionally, ZOLEO provides users with a dedicated SMS number, making it easy for contacts to initiate messaging.

Rugged and compact, ZOLEO is perfect for remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering unmatched peace of mind anywhere on Earth.

Key Tech Specs:

  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 90.9mm x 66.0mm x 26.9mm
  • Weight: 150g
  • Battery life: 200+ hours

 

Companion”ship”: Why L-Band Is Critical For Hybrid Communications In Maritime

The maritime industry relies heavily upon a vessel’s ability to communicate while at sea. Whether it’s to report its position, conduct maritime operations, arrange for shore services, or even raise distress alerts, mariners need bespoke and reliable communications solutions. With over 70% of the planet covered by oceans and no mobile networks at sea, seafarers have only one reliable option if they want to communicate during voyages: satellite networks. Understanding what types of satellite networks are available, how they differ, and what is the optimal choice are key questions for modern mariners.

 

Intellian C700 install

 

Satellite Bands: A Primer

An increasingly common trend for ocean-going vessels is the adoption of hybrid connectivity solutions, which are a combination of different satellite networks working together to ensure consistent and reliable connectivity. These hybrid solutions take advantage of the benefits offered by each network to create a reliable service that meets the needs of ships’ crews while at sea. The most heavily used satellite bands for mariners are based on L-band (1 to 2 GHz), and either Ku-band (12-18 GHz) or Ka-band (26 to 40 GHz) radio frequencies.

Each frequency band has unique advantages and disadvantages; however, Ku and Ka share similar characteristics. Ku and Ka-bands are higher frequency bands that offer wide bandwidth and faster transfers, allowing more data-demanding applications both for ship’s business and crew welfare. However, Ku and Ka are more susceptible to loss of service due to inclement weather, line-of-sight blockages – particularly for service from geostationary satellites, smaller service areas and restrictions on usage in and around certain major ports.

 

Thales VesseLINK 700

 

Being higher in frequency range means Ku and Ka-band services are delivered through shorter radio waves that can be more easily scattered due to rainfall and other atmospheric moisture. This can result in outright loss of connectivity, or severe service degradation for extended periods of time.

Line of sight blockages are a recurring challenge for these satellite systems, especially when considering the location of the satellites in orbit and position of the vessel at sea. Geostationary satellites, aligned with the Earth’s equator, orbit over 36,000 km from the earth and face increasing connectivity challenges the further north or south a vessel sails. In these cases, either the vessel’s superstructure, dockside buildings, and cranes surrounding a ship can block or reduce signals. This is different from some Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks that are only hundreds of kilometers from earth, amongst them, one of which – Iridium – provides truly global connectivity.

 

Cobham SAILOR 4300

 

Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) services can be further restricted by some national regulations, mandating that Ku or Ka-band antennas onboard must be disabled when either alongside or near to shore to prevent local interference to land-based radio systems. These additional issues must be factored in when planning a fleet hybrid communications solution.

 

Connectivity Companionship

Despite the advantages that Ka and Ku-band present, there is a clear need for a companion service resilient to their limitations for safety, compliance, and a ship’s business continuity. This makes L-band satellite networks a critical component of any hybrid connectivity solution. As L-band is lower in frequency compared to Ka and Ku-band, its wavelengths are longer, enabling continued connectivity during inclement weather. It also works at the world’s top ports, where other services may be restricted, blocked or otherwise unavailable. And, if the right network is chosen, provides service everywhere on the planet. The trade-off for vessels is that L-band cannot match the broadband speeds of Ka and Ku-band systems. However, its dependability and reliability are vastly superior. In fact, L-band is used to transmit groundbreaking scientific data and videos from hurricanes at sea.

 

 

L-band remains the primary network for maritime safety and security services, including distress alerting or notifying authorities of a pirate attack. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates that all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)-class vessels have L-band-based regulatory equipment and services onboard.

 

Iridium’s Maritime Bona Fides

Iridium has a long history of providing IMO-certified and regulated solutions for the challenges that mariners experience. In 2020, the Iridium® Global Maritime Distress and Safety Service (GMDSS) was launched— providing the first truly global, satellite-based maritime distress system with the Lars Thrane LT-3100S system. Iridium GMDSS integrates Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) regulatory services into a single satellite terminal, and is the only satellite network that covers the entire planet, from pole-to-pole. A year earlier, in 2019, Iridium launched its Iridium Certus® service, which swiftly established itself as the companion service of choice for the modern maritime industry.

 

The Lars Thrane LT-3100S GMDSS System

 

Through its ecosystem of globally-recognized partners, there is a suite of Iridium Certus terminals built for ships at sea, such as the Thales VesseLINK 700 and 200, Intellian C700 and C200M, Cobham SAILOR 4300 and Lars Thrane LT-4200. These ruggedized, weather-resilient terminals with solid-state antennas operate on the Iridium Certus 700 specialty broadband service and give mariners the confidence they can reliably stay connected, anywhere in the world. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Iridium expects to launch Iridium GMDSS services on Iridium Certus across a range of satellite terminals. As per existing Iridium GMDSS services, Iridium Certus GMDSS terminals will be all-in-one—combining GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS services plus companion communications for a vessel.

 

 

TL;DR

As discussed, each frequency band has both advantages and disadvantages. The maritime industry understands that the modern business of shipping relies upon well-connected vessels regardless of their location or weather. Connected vessels rely upon high-speed access provided by Ku and Ka-band for both business operations and crew welfare. However, a more resilient and reliable link is needed for critical operations, safety and security. L-band is the de-facto maritime standard for satellite communications, and the logical and dependable companion to Ku and Ka-band systems. Iridium is that critical companion link enabling reliable connectivity globally for the maritime industry.

 

Learn More

  • 0 View Cart
    • 0
    0