Emergency Communication in the Backcountry

[formerjarhead]

In the recent past I have read a number of posts (on this site - as well as others) that dealt with safety measures for solo trips into the backcountry (i.e. leaving a plan behind, emergency communication devices, et cetera). I made a personal decision today relative to an additional equipment item to help offset some of the risk associated with solo backcountry trips. I thought I would post it here (and on other sites) if anyone was interested in this option.

I decided to purchase a satellite telephone from Globalstar. They have started a clearance on the previous generation handheld phone (GSP 1600) to make way for the new model (GSP 1700). They are offering new GSP 1600 phones for $299 and refurbished GSP 1600 phones for $149. As for service, they now have a "Unlimited Loyalty Plan" that gives you unlimited incoming & outgoing service in the US home area (i.e. all 50 US states, Canada & the Carribean). The monthly rate for this service in 2008 is $39.99, with a drop to $19.99 per month in 2009 & 2010. They have a $250 penalty (like cell services) for early termination before the end of a 12 month contract period.

I was looking at a number of PLB type devices. But I decided I wanted two-way communication in the case of an emergency. A good PLB type device was going to be in the $600+ range and did not offer two-way communication. I think the device and service are well worth the investment when dealing with backcountry safety.

This is the same telephone our troops and government agents are utilizing in Iraq & Afghanistan with great results. You can find the general agent for the US by Googling “Globalstar”.

[halhiker]

I had no idea Globalstar was still in business. I did have an opportunity to use one their phones years ago in the Yukon and worked well.

According to wikipedia, though, their network is not very reliable and is becoming less so and after 2008 will be very difficult to connect to.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_phone

There's a link to an SEC filing that explains this.

[Hikin_Jim]

You can get a good PLB for less than $500.00. If you want the top of the line ACR Microfix, then you will pay $600.00+.