iPhone Satellite Texting vs Dedicated Services vs Starlink: How Tech is Changing Overlanding Communication
What has enhanced or hindered this hobby?
It’s a question we’ve discussed around the campfire and even built into our Radio Chatter game. For me, the clearest example is communication has enhanced this hoppy. Specifically, how satellite texting and new tech are changing how we stay connected off-grid.
I know what you are thinking, isn’t the point of camping and overlanding often to disconnect? Yes, but for me connection is safety and a piece of mind. When Bethany and I travel, we like to be in contact with the individual caring for our son. When I am on a trip alone, Bethany likes to keep track of me to know I am safe.
From Garmin inReach to Bivy Stick: Finding the Right Fit
Before iOS added satellite messaging, many overlanders relied on dedicated devices like the Garmin inReach or the Bivy Stick for off-grid texting abilities where cell phone service was non-existent. I went with the Bivy Stick because, while its upfront cost was slightly higher than the inReach, it didn’t require an activation fee each year. That mattered because I only used it during the traditional overlanding seasons, not through the winter when I am often not traveling.
It worked well enough, but there was one major flaw: every time I reactivated the plan, it assigned a new phone number. That made it annoying to keep in touch with family and friends and trying to keep them in sync with my new phone number each year. So eventually, I left it active year-round just to keep the same number.
Overall, it got the job done but it wasn’t overly reliable. Sometimes, messages went through quickly. Other times, not at all. The user interface was tough to know if my message was sent, if it was checking for messages, or if I had a message. Although I never owned the inReach, I have seen the user interface and it is nicer; however, I have heard similar complaints in terms of reliability and not having good confirmation when messages are going through.
How iOS Satellite Texting Changed the Game
When Apple introduced satellite texting with iOS 18, I found it to be far more reliable and intuitive. I actually sent my first location only update on August 19th 2024 (I can see in my Bivy message history that I told Bethany I tried it out). What this originally did was allow me to just update my location without any text. They then went to full texting in iOS 18.
I canceled my Bivy Stick shortly after.
The iOS setup isn’t perfect. It doesn’t maintain a constant satellite connection while driving like the Bivy Stick did(ish), but when I manually connect, it’s fast and consistent. The interface through iMessage is also much clearer and natural. I always know when a message has been sent or received, something the Bivy Stick’s app struggled to make obvious.
The only limitation I have seen so far is the lack of group messaging. Sometimes, I’m coordinating with several vehicles and group sending and receiving would be nice. I believe I can receive a message in a group but just not send them. Sending a few individual messages, however, is a small tradeoff for the convenience of having one less device and the familiar interface of iMessage.
There is rumor that Apple will charge for this in the future and it will be interesting to see how much and if you can disconnect during off-seasons as well. But honestly, as long as it is less than the Bivy Stick, I don’t see why we wouldn’t pay for it. Which brings up one other potential issue - multiple phones needing it and the expense.
When you have the separate device, you can bluetooth to it from multiple devices. For the Bivy Stick, I had it connected to my iPad and iPhone and would often use my iPad as the primary connection for sending and receiving messages. If Apple starts charging for satellite messages, I presume it will be by phone and we will likely have to chose if we are paying for both of our phones, or just one of our phones.
Starlink: Always Connected on the Trail
Photo: Paul Gunnels | August 2024 | Mountain State Overland HD5
Starlink has taken overlanding communication even further. Although I do not have one personally, I have benefited from people in the group having them.
On a recent trip through Utah, two of the five vehicles in our convoy had Starlink setups. All of them were mounted on the vehicle and the service was active while driving. We found that while driving close together, we could connect to their Wi-Fi and maintain full access for messaging, navigation, and updates. If the connected vehicle sped ahead and the other vehicle was close enough, we could re-connect to that one. That constant connection eliminated the dropouts we used to experience with individual devices.
Garmin inReach has the group ride feature on their devices that allow for tracking people through inReach. Bivy Stick did not have that from what I recall but I also don’t know anyone else with that device - most have inReach. For convoy travel, Starlink brings a new level of consistency and safety to this. It will be interesting if other mapping applications such as GAIA, Goat, or OnX lean into this and use that in their application.
Overlanding Communication: Redundancy vs Practicality
Satellite communication companies often advertise ruggedness and redundancy as the selling factor for why to not ditch their device for the iOS option. Those are real advantages if you’re hiking, mountaineering, or working in remote conditions without power.
But for most overlanders, our vehicles provide both protection and a reliable power source. I’ve found I don’t need a separate, ruggedized device when I can use a smartphone with built-in satellite texting, or share a Starlink connection in a group.
If you’re usually traveling by vehicle and not on foot in extreme environments, you might find the iPhone or Starlink combination gives you everything you need, with less cost (iOS option that is) and hassle.
Choosing What Works for You
If you’re considering a satellite text messaging device, think about your real-world use case:
Is redundancy important to you?
Do you need constant communication or only emergency access?
Do you already have an iPhone?
Your answers will guide you. The technology is improving fast, but the best solution depends on your style of travel.
