Satellite Phones?

Hey guys, I take trips up to areas that have little or no cell service and I've always wondered about getting a satellite phone for emergency use only.

I started looking into it and the plans seem pretty expensive for what I need/want. I was sort of hoping to find something that would allow me to call 911 at that's about it. Or an annual plan that would allow 10minutes of talk in an emergency.

Anybody found any great plans/phones that you would recommend? I cant justify buying the 150 minute plans that last for 30 days and then expire. Is there an affordable option out there for what I need??

Thanks in advance!

Excellent question Racer222. I'm in the same boat, emergency use only. 10 mins. max.
Looking forward to see if any options are posted.

Rent as needed.

http://www.rei.com/product/860469/spot-gen...mc:cse_PLA_GOOG

Numerous options out there depending on your specific needs.

The SPOT locator unit is free now

all you do is pay yearly fee.
http://findmespot.ca/SPOTOFFER/lander.php?...FREEHoliday2015

Great info sparky302. Thanks7r.

Delorme seems to be a bit more versatile if you want anything other than a 911 call.

Thanks guys for the ideas! I had looked at the Spot devices and I wasn't sure really how they worked. The thought of trying to send a text message in a panic situation is fine, but the option of a call gets my vote.

I like the looks of the Delrome products and plans, I'll be taking a closer look at them for sure!

I'm pretty sure you can call 911 from a unactivated cell phone might be the same for a satellite phone?

If he is in the boonies, the cell / 911 is limited in receiving / sending signals. Satellite gives you the ability to get those signals.

Do you really need to chat or just send a help signal? It all comes with a cost. Only the individual can decide.

Well on the off chance I've seen a ghost.....they don't say "who you gonna text?"

But in all seriousness, there are times when you may be better off to be calling someone other then the police.

Perhaps you are staying with an outfitter and they could come to your rescue? Maybe a friend/family could come to your aid????

I could just be stuck out on a lake with my sled or even a boat. I would hate to get our emergency service people in a huff over something like that.


That is the main reason for the talk option for me.....that and the ability to pass on potentially critical information in a hurry in the event of a serious emergency.

Hey racer222,

You have yuks, eh??? Great!!


You do not have to convince me of your needs.

I will reiterate: "Do you really need to chat or just send a help signal? It all comes with a cost. Only the individual can decide."

Of course you can choose what works for your needs, budget, etc. Do you need one 3x per year? 30x per year? These are some of the factors. Personally I view this as a necessity when outdoors. Things happen.

Years ago one of our divisions was satellite phones. Many outdoors folks had fits once they saw their invoices and the cost to operate them. Today there are numerous choices, plans and levels of costs. May I again suggest looking to rent in order to get a feel first?

Only you can decide............

I'm sure many would be curious what you decide.

Good luck.

I don't think Delorme is any more expensive than Spot.

My buddy has a Delorme and had it along on a boat in trip this spring. He used it to contact the base camp and change our pick-up time. If we had a mini disaster such as being stuck somewhere with a busted motor we could have contacted them and gotten rescued. A lot better than dialling 911.

see here for a detailed discussion:

http://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=44032