Hey there! Did you know that smartphones with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Satellite chip now have an Emergency Only SOS text feature via satellite? Pretty cool, right? But here’s the thing, while this is a significant step forward, it’s essential to keep in mind that these satellite-enabled smartphones have limitations and aren’t meant to replace your primary satellite communication device, like the Bivy Stick 2-Way Satellite Communicator.
So, let’s answer the big question: Can you use Snapdragon Satellite enabled smartphones to text message with your friends and family when you don’t have cellular coverage?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The Emergency SOS feature is only for emergency services, so you can’t use it to communicate with your loved ones when you’re outside of cellular range. If you’re just running late and need to let someone know you’re okay or check in with your family, you’ll need a secondary device like the Bivy Stick.
One of the significant advantages of the Bivy Stick is that you can communicate with your loved ones in case of an emergency back home. It’s a two-way communication device that offers true peace of mind for you and your family. With the Bivy Stick, you can exchange messages and check-in with anyone, not just emergency services.
Now, let’s talk about why relying on your smartphone as your sole emergency device is a risky proposition. Here are some of the most common smartphone issues you should consider when taking your phone into the outdoors:
- Your cell phone can overheat: If your phone gets too hot, it may not function in an emergency situation.
- The Bivy Stick has a dedicated Emergency SOS button that will alert worldwide Search and Rescue of your emergency, so you don’t need to rely on your phone to alert rescuers.
- Your cell phone can shatter, break, and/or sink: Even the latest smartphone models that claim to be water-resistant or “splash-proof” can still break if you drop them.
- The Bivy Stick is rugged, waterproof, and comes with hundreds of mounting options to secure it to your body, boat, or vehicle.
- Battery life: If you rely on your phone’s battery as your sole emergency device, you may be out of luck when you need it most.
- The Bivy Stick can operate in standalone mode for multiple days, so having a backup Emergency Satellite Device is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
- Natural disasters and infrastructure problems: During natural disasters, power outages, cell towers, and infrastructure damage can create huge difficulties in connectivity.
- Satellite messaging is a critical communication tool to let your friends and family know you’re safe.
So, should you get a Bivy Stick 2-Way Satellite Communicator as your primary satellite communications device?
Absolutely! The Bivy Stick, together with the Bivy app, lets you send messages, track and share your position, check real-time weather forecasts, and even offers one-touch “check-in” functionality. Plus, Bivy uses Global Rescue, an industry-leading 24/7 Emergency Dispatch that communicates with your SOS contact and dispatches search and rescue right to your GPS location. With the Bivy Stick app, you can immediately communicate a descriptive message to emergency services, and in a life-threatening situation, that could make a huge difference.
So get out there, stay safe, and don’t forget to pack your Bivy Stick!
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