- Credit
- Alex Cooper
Satellite communications devices offer a range of communication capabilities for users outside of areas covered by cellular service. These devices have a number of valuable uses for outside communication while in the backcountry, and especially for emergency response. Satellite communication devices may require an open line-of-sight to a specific point in the sky, or may be subject to operating windows determined by the movement of satellites. Terrain that obstructs line-of-sight to the sky may limit the operation of satellite communications devices.
- Satellite phones can be used to call out to emergency services or other telephone contacts or to receive calls. These devices are used for spoken two-way communications only.
- Satellite messengers, such as InReach devices, can be used to send and receive text communications as well as location and other information in areas where there is no cell phone service. Older models of some brands may only support one-way communication. Most messenger devices also have an emergency SOS function to rapidly alert emergency services.
- Personal Locator Beacons, or PLBs, are used to transmit location information. They are one-way communications devices designed to alert emergency services.
*Note: None of the above devices can function as, or be substituted for, an avalanche transceiver.*