Is a Sat phone necessary

[scootsk]

Hi all,

Traveling to the national parks June 1st. Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, Badlands, Grand Canyon. Is a satellite phone necessary? We currently have Verizon wireless.

 

[Mikendebbie]

I don’t know a thing about satellite phones or why one might need one…maybe due to extensive hiking in the boondocks away from all cell signals???

I suppose if you need some bit of communication from the boonies, T-Mobile has the “text to Starlink” feature (that is not the correct name but I can’t remember what it’s called). No idea if Verizon offers that feature.

Of course Starlink is hard to beat for being connected.

 

[scootsk]

Thanks for the reply. I just looked it up and that feature is available on Verizon as well.

 

[C&P RV]

If you have Starlink you can use the WiFi calling feature anywhere you can get your Starlink to work. WiFi calling has to be enabled on your Verizon phone while you are connected to normal cell service. Once that feature is activated your phone will automatically use the WiFi feature if you lose contact with cell towers.

Wi-Fi Calling at Verizon FAQs | Verizon Support

Learn how to use Verizon Wi-Fi calling if cellular service isn't available.

www.verizon.com

 

[Daryles]

Satellite phone is not necessary, unless you are hiking in the back country.
We have a We Boost for the phone for areas with a weak signal. It works great. We also have Dish for TV.
We recently switched to Starlink.
That's a game changer!!!!
Internet and phone service ANYWHERE.

 

[Kfinnert]

There are options available to you. Here are the four you might consider for emergency communications. They are Cellphone, Starlink, Satellite Phone and a HAM Radio. All have their benefits and drawbacks.

Cellphone is great of you are in an area that has service. Your plan costs remain the same unless you have opted for the Starlink connect - it may currently be free, but then the price was going to increase.

Starlink is a very good alternative, and as mentioned above, you can use Starlink for Wi-Fi calling. However, you have the monthly costs for Starlink Services while traveling. Also, your access to the Wi-Fi calling is only good as long as the Cellphone can connect to your Wi-Fi. If you are out on a hike and do not have Wi-Fi access, then you will not have phone capabilities.

Satellite phones work great as long as you have access to the sky. Steep terrain and trees may interfere with the ability to connect to the satellites. I used my satellite phone at sea and in the Sierras of California, and it has always worked when I can get a clear view of the sky! The real drawback are the start-up costs and then the monthly charges.

HAM Radios are a very good alternative. You have to be licensed to use the radio, and it takes some getting used to using! Start-up costs are very reasonable and there are no monthly fees. The real effort here is to understand how to transmit over long distances using repeaters and various types of antennas. This is a fun hobby!

I have and use all of these resources. Each has a use in a particular set of circumstances. Best of Luck.

Cheers

 

[scootsk]

There are options available to you. Here are the four you might consider for emergency communications. They are Cellphone, Starlink, Satellite Phone and a HAM Radio. All have their benefits and drawbacks.

Cellphone is great of you are in an area that has service. Your plan costs remain the same unless you have opted for the Starlink connect - it may currently be free, but then the price was going to increase.

Starlink is a very good alternative, and as mentioned above, you can use Starlink for Wi-Fi calling. However, you have the monthly costs for Starlink Services while traveling. Also, your access to the Wi-Fi calling is only good as long as the Cellphone can connect to your Wi-Fi. If you are out on a hike and do not have Wi-Fi access, then you will not have phone capabilities.

Satellite phones work great as long as you have access to the sky. Steep terrain and trees may interfere with the ability to connect to the satellites. I used my satellite phone at sea and in the Sierras of California, and it has always worked when I can get a clear view of the sky! The real drawback are the start-up costs and then the monthly charges.

HAM Radios are a very good alternative. You have to be licensed to use the radio, and it takes some getting used to using! Start-up costs are very reasonable and there are no monthly fees. The real effort here is to understand how to transmit over long distances using repeaters and various types of antennas. This is a fun hobby!

I have and use all of these resources. Each has a use in a particular set of circumstances. Best of Luck.

Cheers

thank you for the detailed information