Satellite Communications

Staying informed and communicating with others is essential, especially during a crisis. In our daily lives, most of us rely heavily on technology and service providers. Think of internet and cell phone service, as well as associated products that bring voice and data to our devices. During any power outage scenario, many will lose access to these services. Having a back-up communications plan is crucial during these moments.

This is a brief overview of two satellite options, emphasizing their emergency connectivity.

The Scenario:

It’s late at night, and you’re making the rounds before going to bed. You check doors, windows, and security cameras to confirm everything is secure. Suddenly, the lights flicker, and all goes dark. You grab one of the flashlights staged throughout the house. A look outside confirms there’s nothing but darkness and some barking dogs. Your cell phone shows the “No Signal” symbol. Rounding everything out, your home internet and landline are also down. This may seem like the intro to a bad disaster movie, but it’s a very real possibility. Are you prepared, and what are your options? Especially if it becomes a long-term issue.

Satellite:

There was a time when anything satellite was prohibitively expensive and beyond the reach of most regular people; luckily, all that has changed. Satellite options are much more affordable and available. Getting started is very easy, with equipment costs dropping substantially.

Getting Started:

When exploring satellite communications options, you should consider several things, including:

1. Coverage. To operate properly, most satellite equipment requires an unobstructed view of the sky. Your area must have sufficient satellite coverage.
2. Reliability. Think about adverse weather and network reliability. Satellite signals can often be affected by cloud cover or storms. Also, look into a service provider’s track record, especially during times of network congestion (i.e., during disasters or widespread power outages.)
3. Devices. Are you looking for a portable device or something that’s transportable? Each of these options will have its pros and cons.
4. Battery Life & Power. Consider size, weight, and battery life during typical use scenarios, including off-grid applications. Also, consider recharging options. Typically, the more powerful the device, the faster it will drain its power source.
5. Costs. Make sure to compare costs for devices, subscription fees, and usage fees.
6. Ease of Set-up and Use. Emergency use devices need to be intuitive and easy to operate efficiently without the need for special knowledge or extensive training.
7. Practicality. Whatever you decide to add to your preparations, make sure it will perform well for the intended purpose and that it’ll be practical to use under the anticipated conditions.

Satellite Internet:

Starlink is a satellite internet service that uses a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet to many parts of the globe.

How Starlink Works:

• Starlink uses a constellation of LEO satellites, which are closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, reducing latency and improving speeds.
• Ground stations send signals to the satellites, which then relay the data to your Starlink dish. The dish communicates with the satellites to provide internet access.
• The Starlink dish at your location receives the signal and passes it to a Wi-Fi router, which distributes the internet signal to your devices.
• It offers download speeds of up to 220 Mbps (depending on the plan and location), low latency, and unlimited data for residential plans. Speeds may vary based on network congestion and satellite availability.

Equipment:

Starlink offers two options: the Gen 3 Standard Kit and the Mini. The Standard dish (featured in this article) is bigger and heavier than the Mini. It offers faster speeds and is more robust in difficult weather conditions, making it more reliable. Although less portable than the Mini, the Gen 3 Standard still offers portability with some planning. Due to its larger size, the Standard is more suitable for fixed locations.

Their Standard Kit comes with a dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply, and connection wires. Measuring 20.2 inches (length) x 12 inches (width) x 1.3 inches (height), the dish weighs approximately 7.7 lbs. The kit includes a base for ground placement, with optional mounts (e.g., wall, roof). The included Wi-Fi Router measures 9.2” x 4.2” x 2.4” and weighs about 1.5 lbs. The kit comes with a 75 ft. proprietary cable (dish to router), and a power supply.

The Starlink equipment is meant to be self-installed.

Satellite Text/GPS:

Garmin’s inReach® Messenger is a rugged, compact (3.1” x 2.5” x 0.9”) (4 oz.) satellite communicator and SOS device. It offers simple two-way messaging via the Iridium® satellite network. Messenger sends individual or group messages, as well as interactive SOS alerts during an emergency. Its rechargeable lithium-ion Battery may last up to 28 days. The device also provides weather reports and a feature to help you navigate back to where you started using GPS. You can use Messenger as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with your smartphone (Via Bluetooth) using the Garmin Messenger® Smartphone App.

Garmin’s Messenger is a solid companion for on-the-go communications. It is also a back-up way to connect with family and friends when other forms of communication are down.

Plans & Prices:

Both Starlink and Garmin offer budget-friendly plans. Both also offer the option to “Pause” your plan whenever you wish to do so. While there are various options, it’s important to pick the best plan for you and your budget. Details can be found on their respective websites.

Wrap-Up

Back-up communications are essential for every survival plan. Preparing now to keep your equipment and services connected could improve your safety and decision-making during a crisis. Without reliable communications, you will operate at a disadvantage. Satellites offer a viable and affordable way to stay connected with friends and loved ones and gather essential information. Plan now, and secure the options that work best for you.

 

Sources:

Starlink www.starlink.com

Garmin www.garmin.com

EcoFlow www.ecoflow.com

About The Author

Richard is a retired attorney, an urban survival consultant, writer, firearms enthusiast, and freedom-loving American patriot. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster, and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. Richard’s books are available at Amazon and other fine retailers. You can connect with Richard on Twitter @SurvivingDoomsd

DISCLAIMER

The materials provided are for illustration and/or informational purposes only. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.