inReach Satellite Communicator
If your loved one is flying and landing in areas without cell-phone coverage, an inReach Satellite Communicator, produced by Yarmouth, Maine-based DeLorme, can help keep you connected. The device doesn’t provide calling capability, but this lightweight, pocket-sized satellite communication unit can be paired wirelessly to an iPhone, iPad or Android device to enable communication via Facebook or Twitter, or text messaging up to 160 characters per message. inReach also provides two-way emergency messaging to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which will coordinate a search-and-rescue mission should it become necessary. And the GPS locating feature also allows you to track your loved one’s flight path. Various levels of subscription are available, starting at $9.95 per month, and the unit itself costs $249.95.
