SPOT Satellite Devices Mark 3,000 Rescues
SPOT LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., says its SPOT products have been used to initiate 3,000 rescues around the world since the technology’s launch in 2007. With more than 200,000 SPOT units in service, that averages to one rescue a day. SPOT delivers affordable and reliable satellite-based connectivity and real-time GPS tracking, completely independent of cellular coverage.
“Lifesaving rescues around the globe are now a daily occurrence for our SPOT products. SPOT is an absolute must for the outdoor recreation market and aviation, as well as an essential government and enterprise solution,” said Jay Monroe, CEO and Chairman of Globalstar. “With 3,000 confirmed rescues, saving lives continuously drives us to innovate, creating affordable satellite communications solutions that reach a market well beyond traditional mobile satellite users, including millions of people globally.”
SPOT products allow users to track their assets, use location-based messaging and emergency notification services, and make calls beyond the boundaries of cellular. SPOT products work around the world, including virtually all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, portions of South America, Northern Africa, North-Eastern Asia and thousands of miles offshore of these areas. Over the past seven years, boaters, hunters, recreational pilots, hikers, off-road travelers and outdoor enthusiasts have come to depend on the lifesaving capabilities of SPOT.
The 3,000th rescue occurred in the Hayman Fire area of Central Colorado. Two dirt bikers were outside of cell range when an accident occurred. One of the riders, Kevin, activated the SOS button on his SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. The GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center was alerted and coordinated the rescue with local law enforcement. “SPOT worked really well. Without it, getting out would have been more difficult and time consuming and who knows what could have happened in that time. There were a lot of different variables involved,” Kevin said.
SPOT products and services include:
- SPOT Gen3, a device that provides off-the-grid messaging, emergency alerts, extended battery life, and extreme GPS tracking at 2½-minute intervals.
- SPOT Trace, a GPS tracking device that uses satellite technology to track anything, anytime, anywhere.
- SPOT Global Phone, a satellite phone that allows users to make calls virtually anywhere beyond the boundaries of cellular.
- The SPOT App, a web-based interface allowing users to view their SPOT messages, show their track points, and monitor their assets via smartphone or tablet.
Am requiring a location/gps tracker for use in Westrn Africa. Delays are ok but tracking/location is important, as long as can get some network ability.