A recent announcement is that iPhones are going to be able to send messages (SMS/iMessage) via satellite.
Requirements:
Says its free for two years following activation of phone (a new one? or just updated?) Can’t see pricing afterwards.
I’m sure it’ll come to other countries in time…
See more here.
Hasn’t that been the case for a couple of years, but just for SOS messages?
Do we know what system they are using? Iridium short burst data service like inReach? Or one of Musk’s offerings (I mention the latter as ex-Vodafone in ZL has been promising a similar service and name dropping starlink)
Globalstar. But there are plenty of other people companies looking at direct to satellite systems.
Strange choice. With an inclination of 52 degrees they will pretty much always be in the southern sky for Europe and the northern sky for ZL/VK. Which is what makes Globalstar’s existing Spot solution near useless as a messaging service as they only work when you have clear view of the low-elevaion sky in that direction (unless you are lucky enough to time it for one being overhead).
Certainly not an emergency comms solution in higher latitudes.
In Norway, Garmin has increased prices significantly.
I have a monthly subscription ‘Recreation plan’ for NOK 275, - (to get real-time tracking). After 18 September 2024 this plan is no longer available. There is now a ‘Standard’ subscription which is the most affordable subscription you can have for real-time tracking and this now costs NOK 400, -(!)
Because at 60+ degrees north they know you’ve no choice but to go with them?!
There is only so much satellite bandwidth available and every Tom,Dick and Harry has a satellite spotter…so the price will go up. Supply and demand 
As suspected - as in LA in ZL: just had the email of plan updates from Garmin. Old basic plan discontinued. Price is up from NZ$20 for the Baisc to NZ$30 for the new Essentials plan with minimal messages included and no tracking. Up from NZ$45 to NZ$60 for the cheapest plan that includes tracking.
Looks as if I can stay on my old $20 Basic plan though for now - but without the ability to change it or suspend when I’m not using it, it as I could before. No indication of whether the price for the discontinued plans changes for those that remain on them.
