No more need for my Garmin inReach

[BWCA66]

Just got back from a trip to the BWCA with my grandson and discovered I no longer need my Garmin inReach! I have a Google pixel 9 phone and use Verizon and when I was out of all network availability it automatically switched to satellite mode. I was able to send and receive texts to and from anyone and there is no extra cost so I guess I can save my inReach subscription in the future. No attachments allowed and no group chats but it works for 911 and letting the wife know I'm still alive. Guess there's no getting away from it all anymore.

 

[eckilson]

I lost service yesterday (not in the wildernes, in a dead spot in RI), and a message about switching to satellite came up on my phone. Wasn't sure what it was, so i just closed it. Next time it happens I'll pay more attention.

 

[stevet]

14 series and later iPhones can use satellite connectivity when cell is not available. Don’t know about Android.

Connect to a satellite with your iPhone - Apple Support

With iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can connect your iPhone to a satellite to text emergency services, request roadside assistance, message friends and family, and share your location — all while you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

support.apple.com

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I don't think it's an Android thing yet. I will be leaving my phone behind.

 

[Mason]

I don't think it's an Android thing yet. I will be leaving my phone behind.

I got the satellite available notice on my Android Pixel 9 (didn't need to use it). I think it matters more on the phone than the operating system. You might look into it.

 

[Paddlinhal]

My android Galaxy Z fold 7 has it. I was gonna try it but the last trip I was on had very few dead spots.

 

[recped]

I was able to send and receive texts to and from anyone and there is no extra cost so I guess I can save my inReach subscription in the future.

In the future there will be an extra cost (currently fees start 2 years after activation). SOS calls will likely continue to be free, Non SOS calls will have fees or will be free with premium plans.

 

[tketcham]

We have Google Pixel 9 Pro (Android) phones with satellite texting. It's nice to have because cell tower coverage is spotty in many places that we visit around the country. There can be delays in sending and receiving texts but it works. I am concerned, though, about the resulting space trash and degradation of the night sky resulting from all those communication satellites.

I'm still going to use my Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach because it provides messaging, weather forecasts, and most importantly has longer battery life than the phone.

 

[Black_Fly]

My PLB is obsolete too. iPhone will send SOS by satellite. Now I just need to keep it on me and in a dry bag. Not really sure where. My ACR attaches to my PFD. Seems like it should be with me.

 

[WMass Paddler]

not ready to give up on my inreach yet. I dislike having my phone on, like the sos of the inreach, and the authorities at home like the breadcrumb trail feature. The rescue insurance I have with it and the waterproof, easy size to carry (I have the mini) make it a keeper for now.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I hate using the phone for everything. I've reverted back to carrying a real camera (need a better one) and the Inreach. Both are much more rugged than any phone I would buy. I upgraded to the military grade 66i a while back, and its mapping features work better for me than any of the phone apps I have. I know there's cell service in parts of the BWCA now, but I left the phone in my truck this time. It was nice to not have to worry about it.

 

[scoutergriz]

Another one who dislikes the multi-function use of my phone, for Navigation I stull use my Nuvi in my car and Etrex in the bush, the Etrex has no special charging needs and I can swap out the battery pack with virtually any AAA's on hand, Same with my Camera, headlight, etc.
My phone is for emergencies only and rarely gets a signal in N Ontario anyway.
A few years back on a group trip, nobody noticed the designated navigator was using his phone- It subsequentially died on him ,and not one of the charging banks in the group had the proper cable to charge it, fortunately a couple of us had our "old" Garmins with us and the proper pre-loaded maps...
I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy, learned through long, hard-won experience, and will never rely on a single device for so many critical functions, especially one as delicate as a phone...