When it comes to venturing off-grid—whether paddling a secluded bay or hiking into the backcountry—preparedness can make the difference between an inconvenience and a life-threatening emergency. While One NZ’s partnership with SpaceX brings game-changing satellite communication to mobile phones, it’s critical to understand why a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) remains the gold standard for safety.
The Appeal of Satellite-Enabled Phones
One NZ (formerly Vodafone) and SpaceX’s Starlink collaboration aims to provide mobile satellite coverage in areas without cellular networks. This advancement could allow adventurers to send texts or make calls from virtually anywhere. For many, the ability to stay connected with loved ones or call for help from remote locations is a game-changer.
Devices like Garmin SPOT and Zoleo have long been the go-to for off-grid communication, offering GPS tracking, two-way messaging, and SOS capabilities. However, the integration of these features into smartphones simplifies the process—no extra gadgets, no switching between devices. Seamless, right?
Why PLBs and EPIRBs Are Still Essential
Yet even with these advancements, experts are firm: satellite phones are no substitute for a dedicated PLB. Tania Seward, senior advisor for communications and prevention at New Zealand Search and Rescue (NZSAR), emphasizes that PLBs are designed specifically for emergencies, offering unmatched reliability.
“PLBs adhere to strict international standards,” says Seward. “They’re waterproof, durable, and have batteries that last a minimum of 24 hours at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C. Plus, they feature a dedicated 121.5 MHz homing signal that allows rescuers to zero in on your location, even in dense bush or rugged terrain.”
Unlike phones—which are prone to cracked screens, depleted batteries from non-emergency use, and reliance on external chargers—PLBs are purpose-built for life-and-death situations. They operate solely to summon help, cutting through the noise of modern gadgets.
Layered Safety: Using Both Devices
While satellite-connected phones like those enabled by the One NZ and SpaceX partnership add a new dimension to safety, they’re best viewed as complementary tools rather than replacements. NZSAR’s guidance is clear: bring a phone, but don’t leave your PLB behind.
Satellite phones may offer the convenience of detailed communication, but in a critical situation where every second counts, PLBs and EPIRBs transmit a direct, GPS-encoded distress signal to rescue services. These devices eliminate any ambiguity, ensuring the right help is dispatched without delay.
The Cost of Safety
Cost is another consideration. Devices like Garmin, SPOT, and Zoleo come with upfront expenses and ongoing subscription fees that can be steep. The One NZ and SpaceX collaboration aims to deliver affordable satellite messaging options, potentially lowering the barrier to safety for many adventurers.
That said, PLBs remain a one-time investment with no subscription fees, offering an economical and reliable safety net. Models like the ResQLink View and rescueME PLB1 are compact, user-friendly, and built to endure the harshest conditions.
The Bottom Line
Technology is reshaping how we approach wilderness safety, with satellite-enabled phones promising unprecedented connectivity. But the rugged simplicity and reliability of PLBs and EPIRBs remain unmatched.
For those heading into the wild, the best strategy is layered: carry a phone for added versatility but keep a PLB or EPIRB as your non-negotiable safety tool. When the unexpected strikes, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve got the best of both worlds at your fingertips—and that help is never far away.
