Overview: Handheld Satellite Communicators (Satellite)

Bullitt

Bullitt offers satellite messaging direct to your smartphone.  

Originally the service required the use of Motorola Defy Bluetooth accessory. In January 2024, Bullitt went out of business and it no longer has the Defy devices for sale, but lives on as a satellite messaging service. It's important to note that Bullitt's satellite coverage has continued to expand, despite the changes.

The service says you can still use compatible devices, however, we were unable to get a list of these. Online forums indicate the Defy devices continue to work, even though you cannot buy one now.  

The messaging app can be installed for free, and allows messaging, but some features, like tracking and check-in, requires a paid subscription.

Their monthly service subscriptions include "SOS assist" for emergencies, and specific numbers of messages.  Their annual /one-time plan just includes messaging.

Message recipients must use the (free) Bullitt Satellite Messenger App to communicate with the owner of the Defy, but a new contact/recipient will get a text message to tell them to download the app to get their message.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator App
• Satellite Network: Inmarsat and EchoStar
• Integration: Smartphone
• Battery: N/A
• Weight: N/A
• Dimensions: N/A
• Waterproof:
• Location Accuracy: Not Specified
• Price: 
  • Basic Communications App: Free
  • Satellite Monthly Plans: $4.99-29.99 per month, for 12 month contract
  • Satellite One-time Plan: $59.99 (valid for 12 months, includes SOS assist, 250 messages)

Iridium GO! Global Communicator

Iridium launched a satellite Wi-Fi hotspot in 2014 – the Iridium GO! – retailing at $795-899+ (depends on vendor).  and in January 2023, the Iridium GO! exec model, costing $1599 was announced.

The Iridium GO! and GO! exec are handheld satellite units delivering calling, text and data capabilities.

Data plans start at $65+/mo, or you can get unlimited data for $145+/mo. You can activate service just when you need it, there are no contracts. Data plans for the Exec model start at $110/m, with no unlimited data options.

The Iridium constellation provides global coverage with 66 swarming satellites orbiting 475 miles up. Iridium is known for powering handheld satellite phones that enable voice calls anywhere on the planet, but the network does support limited data service too.

Speeds on the Iridium Go! are at a painfully slow 2.4 Kbps - so uploading a single high-resolution image might take hours, and even a basic web page might take 5–10 minutes to display.  The Go! exec model touts speeds 40x faster - 22 Kbps transmits, and 88 Kbps downloads. 

The Go! Exec also offers on-device satellite calling, Wi-Fi, Dual USB- ports, ethernet, external antenna / GPS ports, along with its significant new price.

The other big gotcha is that all data usage must go through Iridium's special apps on your phone or tablet – you cannot get a laptop online or use arbitrary apps.

This is not a device for surfing on - but it can be a great global communication option for places where there are no other consumer affordable options. It can download weather updates, place calls, do basics online and most importantly - reach help.

The option is very popular with sailors and cruisers making passages. Additional external antennas can be purchased for always on connectivity.

Here's a great review from friends of our resource center, Gone with the Wynns: How We Stay Connected Sailing The World – Free Wifi, Phones, & Satellite

Specifications

Model: Iridium GO!

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Integration: phone, tablet
• Battery: 5.5 hours of talk/data use and up to 15.5 hours of standby time
• Weight: 2.16 lbs (980g)
• Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 4 inches
• Waterproof: IP65
• Location Accuracy: Accurate within 2.5 meters
• Price: $795 (device), $65+/mo (plan) (note, prices vary by retailer)

Model: Iridium GO exec!

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Integration: phone, tablet
• Battery: 6 hours of talk/data use and up to 24 hours of standby time
• Weight: 2.64 lbs (1200g)
• Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 1 inches
• Waterproof: IP65
• Location Accuracy: Accurate within 2.5 meters
• Price: $1599 (device), $110+/mo (plan) (note, prices vary by retailer)

Garmin inReach Mini 2 & inReach Messenger

A line of consumer-friendly options that use the Iridium network behind the scenes are the Garmin inReach satellite communicators.

These rugged handheld devices cost $399.99 for the inReach Mini 2 and $299.99 for the inReach Messenger.

While the Mini and Messenger retain the essential inReach function of two-way satellite messaging, some secondary features are sacrificed, like navigation.

HMD OffGrid

HMD OffGrid is a basic communicator that provides text messaging, location sharing, and SOS services via satellite connection.

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Echostar and Viasat
• Battery: Rechargeable, USB Type-C charging, battery life of 3 days
• Power input: USB-C
• Weight: 0.13 lb
• Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.37 x 0.47 in
• Waterproof:  IP68
• Location Accuracy: Not Specified
• Price: $199.99

SPOT Gen4 and Spot X by SPOT

The basic SPOT Gen4 and SPOT X satellite communication devices combine a GPS with a satellite transmitter (powered by the Globalstar satellite network) that works almost everywhere in the world (there are a few gaps in coverage, but not many).

Just press a button to “Check In” or another button to “Send Help.”

• SPOT Gen4 ($149.99) is broadcast only personal tracker device – there is no way for you to receive a message.
• SPOT X ($249.99) is a two-way device. SPOT X provides you with your own personal mobile U.S. number so others can message you directly from their cell phone or other SMS devices at any time.  It also contains a full keyboard for on device usage.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Globalstar
• Battery:
  • SPOT Gen4: Sends 1,250 messages on a single set of Lithium batteries
  • SPOT X: 240hrs (10 DAYS) in continuous 10 min tracking mode
• Weight:
  • SPOT Gen4: 5oz
  • SPOT X: 7oz
• Dimensions: 
  • SPOT Gen4: 3.48" x 2.66" x .93"
  • SPOT X: 6.5'' x 2.9'' x 0.9''
• Waterproof:
  • SPOT Gen4: IP68
  • SPOT X: IPX7
• Location Accuracy:
  • SPOT Gen4: GPS accurate within 5 meters
  • SPOT X: GPS accurate within 3 meters
• Price: 
  • SPOT Gen4: $149
  • SPOT X: $249

Zoleo

The Zoleo is a communication device that connects via an app on your phone or tablet so you can send/receive messages "anywhere on the planet" via the Iridium satellite network.

Zoleo provides SOS alerting with 24/7 monitoring, check-in and weather forecasts. In May 2021, Zoleo added the option for breadcrumb tracking and location push notifications for an additional monthly.

Zoleo can transmit over satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi on a dedicated Zoleo phone number, email address, and app, which provides a lot of flexibility.

The Zoleo communication system must be paired with a Zoleo plan - of which there are three: Basic, In Touch, and Unlimited.

Zoleo plans can be suspended (after the first 3 months) for $4/month, which allows you to maintain your personal Zoleo communication number and email address.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Battery: Rechargeable internal Lithium-Ion with a reported battery life of 200+ hours
• Power input: Micro-USB Type B connector, charging time ~2 hours
• Weight: 5.3 oz
• Dimensions: 3.58 x 2.6 x 1.06 in
• Waterproof:  IP68; dust- and water-resistant to 4.9 ft for 30 min
• Location Accuracy: Accurate within 8.2 ft
• Price: 
  • Device: $199
  • Plans: Basic - $20/month, In Touch - $35/month, Unlimited - $50/month

Bivystick by Bivy

Bivystick is a two-way satellite communicator, allowing you to send and receive TXT communication anywhere around the world using the Iridium satellite network.

This is a basic communicator for sharing your location, emergency contact and retrieving weather information. You use your smartphone to control and operate the Bivy device and features.

The Bivy can also serve as an external battery pack, by charging other mobile devices.

There's no annual contract needed to use the device. You instead purchase credits each month, which are redeemed for each text message, location share, weather report or hour of tracking. Pricing ranges from $17.99 for 10 credits to $34.99 for 100 credits.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Battery: Up to 500 hours at 10-minute tracking or 1-2 complete smartphone charges; and up to 1 year when powered off
• Weight: 7 oz
• Dimensions: 1 5/8" x 5 5/8" x 1 1/8"
• Waterproof: IPX6 (pending)
• Location Accuracy: Not Specified
• Price: $349

Somewear Global Hotspot

Very often when you are out in the boonies far from other communication options, your communication needs are actually very simple.

You either want to let your loved ones know “I’m fine, and this is where to find me...” or you want to let everyone know “Send help – here is where I am!”

For these basic needs, a big expensive satellite system is overkill.

The Somewear satellite communication device offers two-way satellite communication on the Iridium network and includes 24/7 SOS monitoring. They offer three plans ranging from $15/mo to $50/mo depending on how much data you need. There is no annual contract and you can pause months you don’t need to use the device, and a very basic $100/year plan.

Compared with the Garmin InReach, the most obvious difference is that Somewear is less than half the size and weight of InReach while maintaining the same transmission power.

Average battery life is claimed to be 10 days.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Battery: 1000+ messages sent/received per charge
• Weight: 4 oz
• Dimensions: 3'' x 3.6'' x 0.8''
• Waterproof: IPX7
• Location Accuracy: 50 feet
• Price: $349.99

Text Anywhere

Sometimes, when you are out in the boonies far from other communication options, your communication needs are actually very simple.

You either want to let your loved ones know “I’m fine, and this is where to find me...” or you want to let everyone know “Send help – here is where I am!”

For these basic needs, a big expensive satellite system is overkill.

The Text Anywhere satellite communication device offers two-way satellite communication on the Iridium network. They offer one plan - $182 for 6 months of 50 messages per month or $365 for 12 months of 50 messages per month.

While the Text Anywhere device provides your approximate location, it is not for use in providing accurate location service. Positioning information can be accurate to about 1 mile at best and 100+ miles at worst.

Text Anywhere tests indicate that you can send 350 + messages with one charge. Factors such as battery age and poor sky sight can reduce the message count.

Specifications

• Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
• Satellite Network: Iridium
• Battery: 350 messages sent/received per charge
• Weight: Not Specified
• Dimensions: Not Specified
• Waterproof: No
• Location Accuracy: 1 mile or greater
• Price: $399