As many have said, there are several options for sending and receiving messages via satellite. Most require a monthly fee and can be used in an emergency to request help. We use a similar device called a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), it doesn't require a fee but can only be used to send a signal for help, along with your gps coordinates. For closer communication with others in our group, we use GMRS radios. With all the fancy devices, one of the best ways to help with safety is to let someone know where you will be and when you expect to be back on the grid. When we do this, I provide the emergency services contact info for where we are and a drop dead time on when they should make a call. Regarding the PLB, it gets registered and my adult daughter is one of the contacts on file. In the event of an activation, she will be contacted and will know our approximate location and what we are doing. This will help the rescue teams if needed.
