[pct-l] Emergency Devices

[herbstroh at charter.net]

Recently I started researching SPOT and sat phones. I frequently hike
alone, often in remote areas and almost always out of cell phone range.
Since there has been an extended discussion on this issue, I though I would
share what I have found to date.

I think most readers here are well aware of SPOT devices. Along with SOS,
help, check-in, and track progress features, the latest generation offers
one-way text messaging with extra cost. It does require purchase of a
DeLorme PN-60w GPS with spot satellite communicator for over $500, although
there are some seasonal promotions offering the GPS and Spot for $400. If
you already have a GPS, then this does represent an added cost. The regular
service plan is $100 per year, plus 50 cents per message, or bundled at $30
for 100 messages or $50 for 500. The messages are limited to 40 characters. 

Sat phones, plans, and options are confusing at best. Focusing on the
highlights, the satellite phones most applicable to a hikers’ needs are the
Globalstar 1700 (or 1600 used), and the Iridium 9550 (or the 9505 used).
The Iridium provides 4 hours of talk time and 30 hours standby. It is SMS
capable (up to 120 characters), voicemail is available, weighs in at 9.4
ounces and its dimensions are 5.6L x 2.2W x 1.2D in. Data rates are 9.6kbps
with compression. Coverage is superior to the Globalstar both in the US and
worldwide. Price new is about $1,200 to $1,300 for the phone and a basic
kit that includes chargers and some other goodies. Older used models are
available for about $1,000, but are heavier and bulkier.

Airtime prices for the Iridium are high. You can buy prepaid plans like 75
minutes for $199, good for 30 days. To get six months of minutes you need
to spend $449, which gives you 200 minutes. With these plans there is no
monthly access fee or startup, and it includes voicemail and SMS.

The alternative is a monthly plan with or without minutes. A no-minute plan
costs about $40.00 per month and a 10 minute plan per month runs $45.00.
Both have a $50 startup fee. Calls cost $1.40 to $1.70 a minute. SMS/text
is .59 cents per message, and voicemail is $5 a month. Note that with
Iridium unless you pay extra, you get an out-of-country phone number.
People calling YOU could be charged over $5.00 per minute. To avoid that
you can add an Iridium +1Access for another $9.00 per month. There are
rebates and deals to the above pricing based on length of commitment.

The Globalstar claims a 4 hour talk time and 36 hours standby. It too is
SMS capable, has voicemail available, data speed of 9.6Kbps, (38.6
comparable compressed data service with extra cost XGate Wireless Option),
weighs 7.05 ounces and is 5.3"H x 2.2"W x 1.5"D in size. Coverage is more
of an issue for the Globalstar. They are currently upgrading and replacing
satellites, but until that is done—sometime next year if they can meet
their current launch schedule—there are reoccurring gaps in coverage. That
is, there is coverage for 10 minutes, then its out for some period of time,
then its back for 21 minutes, then it is out for 5 or 20 minutes, then
back, etc. You can go to the Globalstar web site and  put in your latitude
and longitude and it will calculate your available/unavailable call times.
I put in Mt. Whitney and found that coverage was usually on for 10-15
minutes and then off for about that time. The call availability tool is up
so that the schedule can be emailed.

So why even consider the Globalstar given the coverage gaps? Price, price,
and oh yeah, price. Globalstar knows that they have a problem, albeit
temporary, so they are running a big promotion: $499 ($299 for a used 1600
model) if you buy before 12/31. They also have a great deal on airtime:
$19.99 per month, 1 year commitment, unlimited “home” minutes (basically
US), free voicemail, text, data. So for $750 you can get a sat phone and
unlimited US use for 12 months if you sign up by 12/31. Globalstar provides
a US number at no extra cost. Callers to the cell phone will be charged
like a call to Texas or Florida.

Sat phones can, of course be rented. The cost is about $9 per day or $200
per month. A 50 minute bundle would cost $80, or you can just pay $1.79 per
minute as you go.

Keep in mind that sat phones are not as functional as cell phones. They
need a clear view to the sky, thus do not work indoors. Supposedly they
will connect in moderate tree cover or a tent. A retractable antenna must
be pointed at the sky in order for the phone to function, but supposedly it
will “ring” to alert you of a call even with the antenna retracted. A steep
sided canyon with limited sky views will be a problem for making and
receiving calls. Minutes are expensive, but I think for a hiker’s purposes
could be minimized by using text.  The Globalstar provides GPS coordinates.
While not as accurate as an actual GPS, the user will be able to provide
location coordinates without also carrying a GPS unit.

Having the ability of two-way communication in an emergency is certainly a
big plus, as is the ready availability of current weather information. That
alone provides an added margin of safety. Not to offer tax advice to
anyone, but hikers who have a legitimate need to be in contact with their
business during extended hikes may find the sat phone a deductible expense.
I don’t think a SPOT or PLB would offer that option. Finally, a non-hiking
benefit is that the sat phone with service plan would provide communication
in a natural disaster when lines are down, or road trips to remote areas
devoid of cell service.

Worth it? Clearly that is a matter of personal choice. A sat phone may be
the most expensive piece of useless equipment one throws in the pack—at
least until you, a hiking partner, or fellow hiker trash needs it, in which
case it will become the best and most cost efficient emergency device you
ever packed.




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