HMD OffGrid provides regular messaging and SOS services via satellite to travelers in remote areas.
The intrepid traveler now has more reason to brave the wilderness – Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is unveiling its HMD OffGrid hotspot device to provide text messaging and connections to emergency services via satellite networks.
HMD said the new device "aims to bridge the gap between cellular and satellite networks with 70% of Earth's landmass remaining outside the reach of mobile networks." That's good news for Light Reading's resident mountain climber, Mike Dano, if he's ever on assignment on Mount Everest.
OffGrid uses L-band satellite radio spectrum to connect Android and iOS users directly to satellites. HMD has partnered with satellite providers Viasat and Skylo to access their satellite networks, according to CNet. Satellite startup Skylo's direct-to-device (D2D) service with Verizon, launched in September, also uses L-band spectrum.
HMD said the device fits in the palm of the hand and weighs only 60g (0.13 lbs). The device includes 24/7 emergency response, three-day battery life and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Users can access two-way messaging and live location tracking for up to five recipients on the OffGrid app, and there's a "check in" feature to quickly send pre-configured messages.
T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon are all working on satellite-based messaging services, and Apple is expanding beyond its emergency messaging service with satellite operator Globalstar. Apple launched SOS satellite messaging with the iPhone 14 in 2022.
For Apple users, regular messaging via satellite is now available with the iOS 18 update on iPhone 14 or later models. Apple invested an additional $1.1 billion and gained 20% ownership stake in Globalstar to expand its satellite efforts.
OffGrid also includes access to the SOS service Overwatch x Rescue by FocusPoint International, a critical event management company, for multi-lingual emergency response coordination. Users can press and hold the SOS button on the OffGrid tag to request emergency services.
The OffGrid is priced at £199 (US$250) and has two subscription options – the Unlimited or Freedom Plans. The HMD Unlimited Plan costs $14.99/month or $139.99/year for unlimited messages, check-in and SOS services. There's also a one-time activation fee of $9.99.
The HMD Freedom Plan is priced at $79.99/year and includes 350 text and check-in messages. The activation fee is $19.99.
Users can add unlimited live tracking for $4.99/month for both plans.
Starting this month, OffGrid will be available in the US, Europe and Australia/New Zealand, with more regions added later in 2025.
You May Also Like
.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
