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WORDS : MAX TAYLOR

The ability to communicate reliably with family and emergency services is everything when you ’ re touring Australia . Outside of major cities and regional townships , its one giant mobile blackspot out there . What would you do if you were , say , bitten by a snake , or a mechanical failure had you stuck down some outback side road , hundreds of kilometres from the nearest working phone or person .

There are , of course , numerous solutions . Satellite phones and various satellite tracking products are among the most popular . However , a device I came across recently is , in my opinion , a must-have for every Australian who is serious about remote travels .

I ’ m talking about the ZOLEO Global Satellite Communicator . In a nutshell , this very clever device allows you to send text messages to friends and family via the Iridium satellite network , so regardless of where you are in the world , you can always keep in touch .

More importantly , it allows you to efficiently contact emergency services .

KEEPING CONNECTED

The ZOLEO comes with a USB charging cable – the integral battery is said to offer up to 200 hours of battery life – and a lanyard to allow you to clip it to your bag or similar .

The unit pairs with a special app via Bluetooth , which the user has to download to their smartphone . The app is free and intuitive , and you can contact ( via a text message of up to 950 characters ) anyone who also has the app – they don ’ t need a ZOLEO as well to receive your messages .

However , this two-way satellite messaging device also allows you to exchange messages with any mobile number or email address , in addition to other ZOLEO app users .

Further , when the ZOLEO is off , other ZOLEO app users can still send a message to the app on your phone , while other satellite communicators require the device to be turned on and connected to the satellite network .

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