My buddy and I go out 4x4ing and can get quite a bit out of cell phone range. If either of us had a serious need to make a call we are kinda SoL but I was thinking about maybe getting a satellite phone for just such occasions. Do they make a low cost one that has a pay as you go type service as this phone would get little to no use just be an emergency tool for when off the network.

This is what you seek.    Delorme Inreach

Interface sucks donkey balls. But you can sync with a smartphone.

My kid has been using his to keep in touch from Tierra del Fuego. No issues whatsoever.  He sends a text now and then, cool thing is that is has GPS coordinates.

Basic plan is about $150 per year with 10 texts per month. He's on the unlimited plan at the moment. I think the his raping the satellite, texting his friends and posting on his social media stuff.


ETA - Not a phone, but Locator Beacon AND satellite (two-way) texting.


ETA2 - They were just acquired by Garmin, so hopefully Garmin can spiff up the UI.  

This is a tag

I have a Spot, works better than my Iridium. Sat is freaking SPENDY.

This or A Spot device.  
Spot also has phones but they are spendy, like all sat phones. They do have prepaid sat phone plans.

http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

+1 on spot.

I use a SPOT.

You can set up 3 custom messages and either email or text goes out with a link to a map with Lat/long.  I also have a web page with a map that friends and family can monitor to see where I am.  All the messages will drop a locator on the map on my web page.  whereamiriding.com

I have an OK message that goes out by email.  

I have an out of gas/stuck/broke down message that goes out by text.

I have an emergency send help message that goes out by text.

The built in SOS button goes to the national search and rescue center.

I also have $100K SAR insurance and I pay around $150 a year total.  

If I was getting one now I'd seriously look at the Delorme In Reach too.

Gratuitous desert dual-sport pic

+1 inreach SE. Geolocation, tracking, preset messages, and 2-way Iridium SMS.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Read the thread title and thought, "WTF is a Seattle phone?"

I hate getting old.

OST

Here's recent SAT SMS text exchange between us:


             
KID:     Please book the PA - PW Ferry 3/17 18:00. For two.  Probably get there 3/16. Thx - confirm?                            Puerto Arenas to Puerto Williams Crossing

DAD: Booking sent. Mom told me to book the nice one for you. She'll pay the difference. Will confirm when we hear from them.

KID: Ok. We need showers and food. Wet and miserable. Don't tell mom. BTW, biggest RBT ever seen you might disown me.                                                (RBT - code for Rainbow Trout. Little Bastard out fishing while I work...)



We prearranged a few things. He's hiking Patagonia/TDF and didn't know when he'd be there.  He pays his way, but can't access stuff. This makes it really convenient to communicate. Plus the emergency beacon helps his mom (and me) sleep easier.

Thanks for the links.
I'll have to check out the DeLorme inReach hadn't considered a non phone satellite gps with 2 way texting ...that should be enough for the kinda things we do.

"Do not re-gift"

Just remember they do get iffy in heavy cover.  If you were further north I'd say to check the angle you need to hit the satellites, but in AZ you should be fine so long as you can see sky. Up here in AK it is something like 23 degrees is all you have to hit the sat to connect.

IMO, the Spot units are great but the DeLorme units just squeak them out on features.  Both have monthly and yearly service plans, etc.  Just remember to bring extra batteries and a good case for it.  Would suck for it to take a dunk 100 miles from nowhere and all.