Best Satellite Communicators and Emergency GPS Devices for Remote Australia — 2026

A satellite communicator is a two-way communication device that uses satellite networks to send and receive messages, share GPS location data and trigger emergency SOS alerts — all without any mobile or internet coverage. Unlike a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), which is a one-way emergency-only device, a satellite communicator allows ongoing two-way communication: you can send messages to family and friends, receive replies, check weather forecasts and share your live GPS track. Most satellite communicators also include an SOS function that connects you to a professional emergency response coordination centre. The key trade-off compared to a PLB is that satellite communicators require a subscription plan for messaging services, and the SOS response is coordinated through a private emergency response centre (such as Garmin Response) rather than directly through AMSA. In practice, Garmin Response and similar centres work closely with AMSA and local rescue services to coordinate responses in Australia.

Garmin's inReach range is widely used by satellite communicator users in Australia and globally. The inReach uses the Iridium satellite network — the only truly global satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage — which means it works anywhere on Earth, including the most remote parts of Australia. The inReach Mini 2 is the most compact model, weighing just 100g and offering two-way satellite messaging, GPS tracking, weather forecasts and SOS. The inReach Messenger is a newer, more affordable option focused on messaging and SOS. The inReach SE+ and Explorer+ are larger units with a built-in navigation display. All inReach devices require a Garmin inReach subscription plan — plans start from around AU$20/month for basic messaging and SOS, with higher-tier plans offering unlimited messaging and more frequent tracking intervals. The Garmin Explore app provides a companion interface for trip planning, messaging and tracking on your smartphone.

SPOT (owned by Globalstar) offers a range of satellite communicators that use the Globalstar satellite network. The SPOT X is a two-way satellite messenger with a built-in keyboard for composing messages and GPS tracking. An active service plan is required for satellite messaging and SOS functionality and SOS. The SPOT Gen4 is a simpler one-way device that can send pre-programmed messages and GPS location updates, but cannot receive replies. SPOT devices are generally less expensive than Garmin inReach devices, and SPOT subscription plans are competitive. The main limitation of SPOT is that the Globalstar network has less complete global coverage than Iridium — there are some gaps in coverage, particularly in polar regions and some remote areas. For Australian use, Globalstar coverage is generally good across most of the continent, but Iridium's coverage is more consistent in the most remote areas. Check current Globalstar coverage maps for the specific areas you intend to travel.

PLBs and satellite communicators serve different purposes and are not direct substitutes for each other. A PLB is a one-way emergency-only device — you activate it when you are in distress, and it transmits your GPS position to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, which alerts AMSA and triggers a coordinated rescue response. There is no subscription required, no ongoing cost, and the response is coordinated directly through official SAR services. A satellite communicator provides ongoing two-way communication — you can send and receive messages, share your location with family, check in regularly and request help before a situation becomes a full emergency. The SOS function connects you to a private emergency response centre that coordinates with local SAR services. For remote Australian travel, many experienced travellers carry both: a PLB as the primary emergency device (no subscription, direct SAR response, longer battery life) and a satellite communicator for day-to-day communication and non-emergency assistance. If budget requires choosing one, a PLB provides the most reliable emergency response for the lowest ongoing cost; a satellite communicator provides more communication capability but at a higher ongoing cost.

Two-way satellite messaging is the key feature that distinguishes satellite communicators from PLBs and one-way trackers. With two-way messaging, you can send a text message from anywhere on Earth and receive a reply — keeping family and friends informed of your progress, requesting non-emergency assistance, or coordinating a change of plans. Messages are typically sent and received via the companion smartphone app (Garmin Explore for inReach, SPOT app for SPOT devices), which allows contacts to reply from their smartphone without any special equipment. Message length is typically limited (160 characters for inReach, similar for SPOT), and delivery is not instantaneous — messages are transmitted on the next satellite pass, which typically occurs within a few minutes. For longer or more complex communication, a satellite phone is a better option — see our Satellite Communications section for satellite phone comparisons.

All satellite communicators include GPS tracking capability — the device records your GPS position at regular intervals and transmits it to a web-based tracking platform. Family and friends can follow your progress on a map in near-real-time using a shared tracking link, without needing any special equipment or accounts. Tracking interval is configurable — more frequent tracking uses more satellite transmissions and consumes more of your plan's message allocation. Most plans allow tracking intervals of 10–60 minutes; some premium plans allow 2.5-minute intervals. GPS tracking is a valuable safety feature — if you fail to check in as planned, your last known position is available to rescue services. It also provides peace of mind for family members following your journey from home. The Garmin inReach tracking platform (MapShare) is well-regarded for its reliability and ease of use.

All satellite communicators require a subscription plan for messaging and tracking services. Plans vary significantly in price and inclusions between providers and between plan tiers. Garmin inReach plans (as of 2026) start from approximately AU$20/month for a basic plan with limited messages and tracking, up to AU$65+/month for unlimited messaging and frequent tracking. Plans can be paused between trips (for a small monthly fee) or cancelled and reactivated as needed. SPOT plans are broadly comparable in price. When comparing plans, consider: the number of messages included per month, the tracking interval available, whether the plan can be paused or cancelled without penalty, and whether the SOS service is included at all plan levels (it typically is). Factor the ongoing subscription cost into your total cost of ownership when comparing satellite communicators — a cheaper device with a more expensive plan may cost more over time than a pricier device with a cheaper plan.