Models & purchase packages
Satellite messengers
Compare 5 documented US purchase options. Open a model for specifications, package details and sources.
What this catalogue covers
Handheld two-way satellite communicators sold new in the US that require a manufacturer service plan. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, one-way trackers, smartphones and phone-only satellite features, and measured coverage, battery or rescue-outcome rankings are outside this catalogue.
Only verified matching values pass the filters. A missing value is not a confirmed no or zero.
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US purchase option
010-02887-00; inReach Messenger Plus with photo and voice messaging; device only, no service plan
A compact Iridium two-way messenger with a monochrome display, satellite photo and voice messages through the Garmin Messenger app, and interactive SOS to Garmin Response.
- Satellite network and coverage claim
- Iridium satellite network, which Garmin describes as 100% global. Paired with the Garmin Messenger app, messages use the phone's Wi-Fi or cellular connection and switch to satellite beyond them.
- SOS coordination service
- Interactive SOS from a capped button on the device, or from the Garmin Messenger app, to Garmin Response, which Garmin describes as its 24/7-staffed international coordination center; two-way messaging continues during the incident.
- Plan structure
- Active inReach consumer plan required: Enabled, Essential, Standard or Premium, billed monthly and auto-renewing monthly, with a one-time activation fee. Tiers differ in included satellite texts, check-ins, photo and voice messages and tracking. Activate in the Garmin Messenger or Earthmate app.
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US purchase option
010-03387-00; inReach Mini 3 without photo and voice messaging; device only, no service plan
A compact Iridium two-way communicator with a color touchscreen keyboard, an IP67 rating and interactive SOS to Garmin Response; photo and voice messages are reserved for the separate Mini 3 Plus.
- Satellite network and coverage claim
- Iridium satellite network with global coverage, per Garmin. Paired with the Garmin Messenger app, messages use the phone's Wi-Fi or cellular connection and switch to satellite beyond them.
- SOS coordination service
- Interactive SOS from a capped button on the device, or from the Garmin Messenger app, to Garmin Response, which Garmin describes as its 24/7-staffed international coordination center; two-way messaging continues during the incident.
- Plan structure
- Active inReach consumer plan required: Enabled, Essential, Standard or Premium, billed monthly and auto-renewing monthly, with a one-time activation fee. Tiers differ in included satellite texts, check-ins and tracking; photo and voice allowances apply only to Plus-enabled devices, not this model.
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US purchase option
Device model ZL1500 (store SKU TER-ME-ZOLEO); Limestone light grey case; no accessory kit
A screenless Iridium communicator that pairs with the ZOLEO app for messaging, with check-in and SOS buttons on the device, a dedicated SMS number and email, and SOS to Global Rescue.
- Satellite network and coverage claim
- Iridium satellite network, which ZOLEO describes as the only commercial satellite network with truly global coverage. Paired with the app, messaging also moves over cellular and Wi-Fi when available.
- SOS coordination service
- Covered SOS button on the device, or SOS in the ZOLEO app. Alerts go to Global Rescue, which ZOLEO names as its emergency response coordination partner, monitored 24/7/365 with two-way progress updates in the app.
- Plan structure
- Active monthly plan required: Prepare (a monthly satellite message allowance) or Protect (unlimited satellite messages under a Fair Use Policy). Three-month minimum term and a one-time activation fee, then month-to-month auto-renewal. Location Share+ is an optional add-on.
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US purchase option
Part number 4601; one-time Bivy Stick device purchase, not the Bivy Go device-and-plan offer and not the Bivy Stick MESH
A screenless Iridium communicator that turns a phone running the Bivy app into a satellite messenger, with SOS and check-in buttons on the device, a dedicated number and credit-based plans.
- Satellite network and coverage claim
- Iridium satellite network; ACR describes 100% global coverage, and the user guide states all Bivy plans use the Iridium network.
- SOS coordination service
- Dedicated SOS button under a red flap, or SOS in the Bivy app, with 24/7 SOS monitoring by Global Rescue and two-way texting with Global Rescue through the app.
- Plan structure
- Active Bivy base data plan required, chosen in the Bivy app at activation: Basic, Plus or Unlimited, monthly or annual (one-year contract). Credit-based: messages, weather and tracking use credits; check-ins are free. An initial commitment period and a one-time activation fee apply.
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US purchase option
SPOT X with Bluetooth wireless technology; retailer-listed MPN SPOT-HD-X-B, Black/Orange; device only, no service plan
A Globalstar two-way messenger with its own screen and QWERTY keyboard, a dedicated US mobile number, Bluetooth pairing with the SPOT X app and a choice of annual contract or Flex service plans.
- Satellite network and coverage claim
- Globalstar satellite network. SPOT's map separates SOS and two-way message coverage, with fringe areas; the stated area includes virtually all of the continental US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, portions of other regions and offshore waters.
- SOS coordination service
- Covered SOS button on the device. SPOT's US support page names FocusPoint International, Inc. as the SOS/911 monitoring provider, and the SPOT X supports two-way messaging with the emergency response center during an SOS.
- Plan structure
- Active SPOT subscription required, bought at activation: annual contract plans (Basic, Advanced, Unlimited; 12-month term, paid monthly or upfront) or Flex plans (one-month minimum, with an annual Flex charge). An activation fee applies, and subscriptions auto-renew at the end of the term.