Zoleo Satellite Communicator

Simply carries out what it advertises. Rock solid Bluetooth connection. Excellent satellite connection. Very good companion Apple iOS app.

I have had a number of other satellite communication devices but this is the best so far. It uses your smart phone so the Zoleo doesn’t need a screen. This keeps the price down compared to other alternatives. It has iPhone and Android apps but I have only used the iPhone app. It works very well.

The Bluetooth connection is rock solid. It reconnects easily if you separate the iPhone and the Zoleo too far. It has an international SOS rescue function like a PLB, but you can send SMS messages to anyone, anywhere. I have used my Zoleo in Australia (my home country), Norway, Germany, and Austria with absolutely no problems.

You get a Zoleo phone number and email address which work internationally with no intervention at all. It uses Musk’s Starlink satellite communication system. These satellites operate in polar orbits over the poles, so unlike some other satellite systems you get whole-Earth communication coverage.

You can also get weather forecasts for your position—very good even in remote locations. You can also get auto tracking of your position for friends for an extra subscription cost.

You do need a reasonably priced subscription service. There are three levels depending on the number of messages you plan to send.

This is now an absolutely essential component of my back country kit. Highly highly recommended for safety.

Note added: The satellite reception is FAR better than on my iPhone. I just carry the Zoleo in my thigh pants pocket. Never had a reception problem..

Background

I use it at least once a week, for about 3 years.