Text Anywhere satellite messaging

[haven]

I first read about this product in Jonathan Hanson's blog, Overland Tech and Travel
http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland-tech-travel

Text Anywhere is a new product that offers the ability to send and receive text messages and email while you're away from cell phone services. The service uses the Iridium satellite network to deliver messages. Their web site is http://www.textanywhere.ca/

The $399 satellite communications device measures 4" x 4" x 1.5", and weighs about 7 ounces. This price includes a 12V power plug. The box runs on four AA batteries when not plugged in.

Fees are pretty reasonable. Account activation costs $35. A service plan that provides 100 messages a month costs $30. Go over 100 messages, and you pay 27 cents per message (that's $27 for an additional 100 messages). If you're staying near home for a while, you can put the service plan into inactive status for $5 a month.

The Text Anywhere device has a built-in mail program (text only, no photos). You connect your iOS, MacOS or Windows device to the Text Anywhere box by WiFi. Android support is coming soon. You can send text to a specific recipient, or to a social media site. There's a "message waiting" light to let you know when an incoming message has been received.

The press kit for Text Anywhere says the service includes a "free location proximity link" that lets your friends see where you are, presumably on a map on a Text Anywhere server.

The company behind Text Anywhere is based in Vancouver, BC Canada.

 

[haven]

Coverage maps for the Iridium satellite network can be found here
http://www.iridium.com/support/library/coveragemaps.aspx

 

[August]

I've had one of these on my desk for the past three months waiting to be tested. I'll try and get around to it next week. My initial impression was that it is quite large and bulky and doesn't seem to be waterproof. I do however like the idea of being able to message two-way.

The one-way limitation of the Spot is the biggest issue I have with the Spot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

 

[SteveG]

Interesting. I'm surprised it took this long to come up with a satellite text-only device.

 

[pfreeman]

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/ The Inreach SE by DeLorme might be a better option. It is the same technology but with a lot more features including GPS navigation... Two-way, global communication with message delivery notification through text and email - and can be used as a standalone unit or paired with Apple IOS or Android. Data Rates are comparable if not cheaper- starting at $9.95 a month and includes a global SOS on the Iridium network. I use one on a small plane and it has tracking down to 30 second intervals! Plus its mil-spec shockproof and waterproof.... 7 ounces I think. Love it!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Anybody have any updates on this product?

All I really want is two-way text messaging, with a low monthly cost. And this may fit the bill.

 

[Haf-E]

Looks interesting - the InReach unit is $25 a month for 40 messages - although unlimited tracking is included - after 40 messages its $0.50 per message. They also have some fees to suspend service or you have to go on a 4 month seasonal plan - but there is a charge to do that...

I like the simpler approach of the Text Anywhere product - but something more durable would be nice.