Least expensive satellite phone?

Does anyone use one? Looking to get one for remote trips. I have a four year old so want to be in contact should I need to be...

 

Have you seen these?

https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/

The Garmins have global 2-way texting for really not that bad of prices, certainly cheaper than the sat phones I saw (below)


Here's a result of a quick search I did for sat phones...

https://satellitephonestore.com/services/iridiumServices

$1000 for a phone, and $50/month for 10 minutes, among other plans.

 

I hadn't seen that one, but it's actually a lot more than say the the Delorme InReach...

 

There is a current group buy for the Garmin

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/garmin-inreach-explorer-round-three-group-buy.567118/

 

@Iggy

 

Spot locator makes a two way text communicator.

 

I have the Garmin inreach explorer and love it. I text and track with it often. It works well and the battery life is great. With it I don't see the need for a phone. It also has an SOS button to get you saved if things go bad. They even offer rescue insurance to help with the cost of a rescue.

I mounted mine with a cradle that charges it in my truck.

 

If you consistently need to do more than a "I'm okay, lvg for XYZ trail tomorrow", you should just bring that person along next time, lol...

The voice service is what kills you, and isn't necessary for most people's needs. But the texting is a relatively new thing, at least to the mass market, so not a lot of people think of it.

 

Even my cell phone is mostly used for texting. I rarely talk to people on a phone anymore. I think most people could use a sat texting device as effectively as a sat phone, for way less money.

 

I don't like to talk to people either, lol