Satellite phones are available now at fairly reasonable prices (as low as $600) and airtime is reasonable too ($20 per month and $1.50 per minute). Wilderness travellers now have a unique communications tool, should the need arise. I had looked into a 406 Mhz PLB at $1500 or higher. Now I've got a sat phone and take it whenever I'm out of cell phone range. I fly and am often in remote areas. Now I'm always in contact. Some phones have e-mail service too at no cost. The Motorola 9505 phone I bought weighs just 13 ounces.<br><br>Dan