Satellite

Satellite options for when all ground infrastructure is gone — from full broadband (Starlink) to pocket-sized SOS devices.

Starlink

Full broadband from LEO. Works when all ground infra is down.

rangeGlobal

bandwidth50–200 Mbps down / 10–20 Mbps up

cost$599 hardware + $120/mo

licenseNone (subscription)

power65W (standard dish)

Low-earth orbit satellite internet. 20–40 ms latency. Has operated in active conflict zones (Ukraine) and disaster areas (Turkey 2023). The portable Mini dish draws ~30W. Requires power source capable of sustained 65W output.

Best for: Full internet at an EOC or shelter when all terrestrial networks are down

Limits: Power-hungry (65W); dish needs clear sky view; SpaceX can disable per-region; expensive

starlink.com

Garmin inReach

Two-way satellite messaging. Personal SOS anywhere on Earth.

range100% global coverage

bandwidthVery low (text only)

cost~$350 hardware + $15–65/mo

licenseNone

powerVery low

Two-way satellite messaging and SOS via the Iridium network. The inReach Mini 2 is pocket-sized, runs for weeks on a charge, and provides SOS with two-way communication to GEOS rescue coordination.

Best for: Individual emergency comms; hikers; anyone who needs a reliable SOS with two-way confirmation

Limits: Text only; slow; ongoing subscription cost; no voice

garmin.com/inreach

Iridium GO!

Truly global voice and data. Covers poles and oceans.

range100% global (including poles)

bandwidth2.4 kbps data / voice calls

cost$800–1,200 hardware + usage

licenseNone

powerLow

66-satellite LEO constellation providing truly global coverage including poles and oceans. Used by military, maritime, and expedition users. The GO! device turns an Iridium connection into a WiFi hotspot for a smartphone.

Best for: Remote expeditions, maritime, anywhere global coverage is non-negotiable regardless of cost

Limits: Very expensive per-minute voice; 2.4 kbps data; poor voice quality

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