Will Starlink Replace SPOT & inReach As Your Backcountry SOS Network?

Starlink currently provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural locations across the globe. Just recently Elon Musk himself announced that a second version of Starlink is coming in 2023 and will work with select cell phones, essentially (almost) replacing the need for a SPOT or inReach device.

The ability to have full internet and cell phone service in the backcountry IS a pretty valuable tool, but I do still appreciate having a dedicated GPS device that provides accurate maps AND has a dedicated one-button SOS feature that goes directly to teams to provide you assistance. Technology does evolve however and having the ability to have two-way voice communication could surely make dire situations a little better. Only time will tell as to what method works best in the backcountry.