A new satellite messenger is about to hit the market.

“It has an IP68 water and dust resistance, and has been built to meet MIL-Spec 810H toughness standards, yet only weighs 70 grams and is 11mm thick…600mAh battery…has its own GPS…needs to run at least iOS 14 or Android 10…available starting in April, and it costs $99…Bullitt Satellite Messenger app requires a subscription to use, which starts at $5 per month and includes access to the SOS emergency service. Anyone replying to a message over a normal cellular or Wi-Fi connection can do so for free. There’s also a good value bundle with the dongle and a year’s subscription to the basic messaging and emergency plan for $149”

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/motorola-defy-satellite-link-bullitt-mwc-2023-news/

https://bullitt-group.com/motorola-defy-satellite-link-unveiled-at-mwc-2023/

I wasn't able to tell from my reading which satellite constellation it uses. Anyone know?

The word is it will use Inmarsat satellites (at least initially), some say second best to Iridium and maybe better than Globalstar.

https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=22950

Thank you jshannon!

As I continue to read up on satellite messenger devices, I’ve come to think that Iridium is the way to go, followed by Starlink, Inmarsat, and Globalstar as a distant last. If one is expecting to be at very high latitudes, Iridium seems to be the only way to go.

I’ve never used such a device, and if I’m mistaken I’d be grateful for a correction.

For me for now, I continue to choose not to buy one. We generally do car camping, and I’m used to my offgrid comms needs being met with ham radio. If we were going backpacking or other more adventurous activities, I’m sure I’d get a satellite messenger.

For me I think I'll continue to carry a PLB (good globally so far as I know) and for non-emergency comms, continue to let phone based satellite messaging develop, which I recognized will be primarily in CNA at least for the foreseeable future but that should meet my needs just fine.

A very reasonable position to take. PLBs do indeed work worldwide. Additionally they are (IMO) the most reliable option, in terms of the technology and also in terms of the people, processes and procedures supporting the device.