Have you ever wondered how will you communicate when the power goes out? Well, let me give you a few ideas.
When the Lights Go Out
No matter what the reason, maybe it’s a local power outage or a massive regional or national power outage, do you have an alternative source of communication when your cell phone dies?
One idea is to have Satellite Communicators or Satellite Messengers on hand that will work as long as you have a clear view of the sky. Here are a list of devices you should consider.
Note: You can click on each one for more information.
- ACR Bivy Stick
- Garmin Explorer+
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin inReach Messenger
- Garmin Montana 700i
- Somewear Global HotSpot
- SPOT X
- ZOLEO
Try to Stay with One Brand
The reason I bring this up right away is that the ACR Bivy Stick, Somewear Global Hotspot, SPOT X, and ZOLEO, all have dedicated phone numbers assigned to them which makes it easy for each of these brands to initiate messages.
The issue is when one of these devices tries to initiate a message to a Garmin inReach satellite messenger. These non-Garmin devices will not be able to initiate a message to a Garmin device. I have talked to Garmin about changing this but we’ll have to wait and see on this one.
At this time, if you have other brands besides Garmin, you would have to wait for the Garmin user to initiate the message and then after that, you can communicate for the remainder of the day, but starting on the next day, the Garmin user would have to re-initiate a message again so you could continue communicating that day, and this would continue on until Garmin makes changes to their satellite communicators.
If you all of your family and friends have Garmin inReach satellite messengers, then anyone can initiate messages, but again, only if you all have a Garmin.
My Personal Recommendations
First, I would say, if you already have a particular satellite messenger, such as an ACR Bivy Stick, then I would recommend that your family and friends also stick with that brand, or at least stick with the brands that have dedicated phone numbers. Here is a list below of those devices:
Now, for the satellite communicator(s) I recommend having if the power goes out or if you don’t have cell service. Personally, I like the Garmin devices the best but I would recommend you go with an all-in-one device, and not have to rely on have to sync with Bluetooth and your Smartphone.
First, What I Don’t Recommend
Note: I don’t recommend these as you must be synced with your smartphone in order to send messages.
What I Do Recommend
- Garmin Explorer+
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Garmin GPSMAP 67i
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Garmin inReach Messenger
- Garmin Montana 700i
- SPOT X
Note: I recommend these as you don’t have to be synced with your smartphone to send messages.
My Top Recommendations
These have reached the top of my list as they are all-in-one satellite messengers that can message easily on the device, plus they have on-screen topo maps and in some cases, satellite images.
How to Keep Your Device Charged
In a long term power or cellular outage, you will need to keep your satellite communicators charged. I would recommend at the least, a small portable charger, but preferably, you have that plus a large battery or marine battery that you can recharge. You can click on the items below to learn more about each one.
Final Thoughts
Find something that works best for you and your family and friends and make sure you know how to use them well. If you don’t have something already, then I recommend you find an all-in-one satellite communicator that you can message and navigate with and not have to be synced to your smartphone.
If you have any questions or need additional advice, please leave a message in the comments below.
Check out this YouTube video for more information.
- 🌐 GLOBAL SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR & SATELLITE PHONE ALTERNATIVE - 100% global Iridium satellite coverage for two-way SMS text messaging + Email, GPS tracking, maps & navigation, emergency SOS, weather reports, and location sharing. Compatible with iOS & Android apps. Subscription required. Monthly: (Basic $19.99 | Plus $34.99 | Unlimited SALE $39.99). Annual: (Basic $14.99 | Plus $29.99 | Unlimited SALE $38.99). One time 3-month commitment per device, then month-to-month. Plans available globally.
- 🚨 SOS EMERGENCY RESCUE - Feel safe with Global Rescue's round-the-clock SOS monitoring. Activate SOS with the dedicated button or through the app, communicate with emergency services, and share your GPS location when you need it most. Get rescued anywhere in the world.
- 💬 UNLIMITED CHECK-IN MESSAGES & GPS LOCATION SHARING - Effortlessly send unlimited & customizable check-in messages that include your GPS location with this advanced outdoor communication device. Use the dedicated check-in button on the device or through the app to keep your loved ones updated on your whereabouts. A shareable webpage displays a map with your GPS coordinates and a check-in breadcrumb trail, allowing others to follow your journey.
- 👥 GROUP MESSAGING & TRACKING - Keep your crew connected with GroupTrack, featuring group messaging and location sharing for up to 12 people. Monitor your team off-grid using the Bivy Stick and app or in-network via a web browser. Ideal for search & rescue, guiding services, remote workers, outfitters, adventure racing, overlanding groups, and more.
- 🗺️ OFFLINE MAPS & NAVIGATION - Download detailed maps from around the world to ensure you're never lost, even without cellular service. Easily navigate and track your location off the grid using device-based GPS with this satellite messenger. The Bivy app offers over 50,000 adventures to explore, with 20 different adventure types available. Monitor your pace, mileage, altitude, and more on your journey.
- 📡 TRI-NETWORK COVERAGE & APP-TO-APP MESSAGING - Benefit from least-cost routing with priority given to Wi-Fi, followed by cellular, and then satellite. Effortlessly connect with others using app-to-app messaging, your dedicated phone number, or email. Choose ACR Bivy Stick, the leading alternative to satellite phones for unrestricted two-way communication, and the freedom to initiate and receive messages confidently.
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- 100 percent global Iridium satellite coverage enables two way text messaging from anywhere (satellite subscription required)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center
- Track and share your location with family and friends. Water rating : IPX7. Battery : Rechargeable internal lithium ion
- Pair with mobile devices using the free earthmate app for access to downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more
- In reach explorerplus device adds preloaded Delorme topo maps with onscreen GPS routing plus built in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer
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- Large 3 inch Sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the geos 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, two-way messaging via the 100% Global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required)
- Preloaded Garmin TOPO mapping with direct-to-device Birdseye satellite imagery downloads (no annual subscription), includes multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) support and navigation sensors
- Cellular connectivity lets you access active weather forecasts and geocaching live
- Compatible with the Garmin explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 35 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode and 1-minute tracking mode (display off), 200 hours in Expedition mode with 30-minute tracking
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- Large 3” sunlight-readable color display for easy viewing
- Enable two-way messaging and location tracking via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, and trigger an interactive SOS to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center (active subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices)
- Access preloaded TopoActive mapping from Garmin, view satellite imagery, and navigate with multi-band GNSS support and sensors
- When paired with your compatible smartphone, you can access active weather forecasts and Geocaching Live
- Use with the Garmin Explore website or app on your compatible smartphone to help you plan trips and more
- Get access to a wide variety of premium mapping content delivered directly to your device via Wi-Fi technology with an Outdoor Maps+ subscription
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- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging using the 100 percentage global Iridium network (satellite subscription required).Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). Display size-0.9 x 0.9 inch
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Optional inReach weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to your inReach Mini or paired device, basic and premium weather packages available
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds. Display resolution: 128 x 128 pixels
- NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used
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- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.).Special Feature:Bluetooth.Water Resistant: Yes
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
- Pair with Garmin devices, such as wearables and handhelds, and use them to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS (active satellite subscription required)
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- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way text messaging even in areas with no cell coverage (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Send two-way messages globally; easily text back and forth directly with friends via the Garmin Messenger app, even when you’re out of cellular coverage. (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Group messaging via the Garmin Messenger smartphone app lets you share your adventures with multiple contacts simultaneously — and have group text chats with friends and family
- Check in with contacts directly by using preset messages that do not count toward your allotted text messages (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Share your GPS location (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the Garmin IERCC 24/7-staffed monitoring and coordination center for help in an emergency (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
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- Features rugged military-grade construction and a 5” touchscreen display that’s 50% larger than the previous model; offers easy viewability and includes versatile mounting solutions.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Routable Topo Maps; Multiple GNSS Networks, ABC Sensors; inReach Satellite Communication; BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center — two-way messaging via the 100% global Iridium satellite network (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices).
- Multi-GNSS (GPS and Galileo) support — plus preloaded TopoActive maps and City Navigator street map navigation; navigation sensors include 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Pro-connected with ANT+ technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and BLUETOOTH wireless networking, giving you direct-to-device access to BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads, location sharing, Connect IQ app support and more
- Compatible with the Garmin Explore website and app to help you manage waypoints, routes, activities and collections, use tracks and review trip data from the field
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- SYNC WITH BLUETOOTH: Connect your SPOT X to your cellphone so you can communicate with family or even Search and Rescue. SPOT X can also be used as a standalone communication device with it's own dedicated US mobile number to receive messages.
- PEACE OF MIND: Send an SOS to the 24/7 Search & Rescue services, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way.
- 5G Interference: Although this interference can affect your ability to receive messages on your SPOT X, it will not prevent your SPOT X from sending messages nor will it interfere with outgoing SOS messages.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: SPOT X device, Strap and Carabiner, Micro USB data/power cable, Quick Start Guide, SOS mirrored sticker, warranty card and kickstand; Subscription required; Two service plans available
- PURCHASE, ACTIVATE, EXPLORE: Get your SPOT X 2-way Satellite Messenger; Activate by selecting your service plan; Get out there and explore the world with peace of mind
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- Global satellite messaging: Stay connected beyond cell coverage, use ZOLEO with your smartphone to transmit text messages and e-mails over the Iridium satellite network, cellular or Wi-Fi using the lowest-cost network available (service plan required)
- Emergency SOS: Send an SOS alert with your GPS location to 24/7 emergency monitoring center if something goes wrong, or access Medical Assist for non-emergency help
- Dedicated SMS number: An assigned ZOLEO SMS number and email enables contacts to reach out directly when you're off the grid
- Check-in: Send unlimited check-ins via the ZOLEO device or app, included in your plan
- Location sharing: Include GPS coordinates in a message or check-in, or share waypoints at regular intervals (optional add-on)
- Rugged with long battery life: IP68-rated for superior durability; over 200 hours of battery life
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