We use one of these ourselves and it has become our standard text message method - it uses your normal SMS mobile plan when in a phone network and then switches automatically to satellite if you are our of reach of your network.
fantastic way for family and friends to stay in touch - plus bonus
SOS alert it needed for emergencies.
For Anyone Who Ventures Beyond Mobile Coverage
Only ZOLEO connects with the free ZOLEO app on your phone or tablet, to provide seamless global messaging that follows you in and out of mobile coverage — plus added safety features you can count on world-wide.
ZOLEO extends your coverage to everywhere by transmitting messages over the Iridium satellite network via the device and mobile and Wi-Fi via the app so you can always count on your connection:
- Offers a familiar ‘texting’ experience from your phone or tablet
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Makes it easy for contacts to reach you via your dedicated ZOLEO SMS number and email address
- Enables you to enjoy more value for your dollar versus other satellite communicators
What Can ZOLEO Do?
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Global 2-way text, email and app-to-app messaging
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Send an SOS alert with 24/7 emergency monitoring and dispatch included (provided by GEOS)
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Check-in with one touch, to let others know you're OK
- Get DarkSky™ weather forecasts
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Share your GPS location with others
How ZOLEO Works?
When you’re beyond mobile coverage your ZOLEO satellite communicator connects with our free app on your phone so you can send/receive messages anywhere on the planet via the Iridium satellite network.
When you're within mobile coverage, uniquely the ZOLEO app seamlessly delivers messages over mobile and Wi-Fi, therefore, you'll always get the message, even if the ZOLEO satellite communicator is turned off!
For added peace-of-mind, built-in Check-in and SOS buttons help keep you safe — even if your smartphone is damaged or out of battery life.
Ongoing costs to activate ZOLEO are very flexible.
- $40 Activation with 3 months contract the first time with the option to choose in between 3 plans. ($32 - $55 - $80) based on the number of messages they want to send.
- After 3 months the plan can be suspended and reactivated monthly at any time.
Until ZOLEO, no one has conquered what is perhaps the killer app of the smartphone age – messaging.
ZOLEO’s messaging functionality reflects a deep integration of capabilities between the user’s smartphone and ZOLEO mobile app, the ZOLEO satellite communicator, a sophisticated but invisible (to the user) back-end messaging infrastructure and the Iridium satellite network. Iridium is the only network that provides true global coverage over the entire planet. ZOLEO Inc.’s unique approach overcomes the limitations of today’s mobile satellite devices, by transmitting messages via satellite, mobile and Wi-Fi to offer a truly seamless global messaging experience – as it was meant to be. With deep industry expertise, intensive analysis of usage data, and access to thousands of mobile satellite customers who told us what they want, ZOLEO offers a differentiated, unique set of innovative messaging capabilities. These include:
- A familiar and non-technical messaging experience for smartphone users.
- An app that seamlessly transitions between Wi-Fi, mobile and satellite networks, so that your message is delivered regardless of whether you are currently connected to the ZOLEO device.
- Messages of up to 950 characters, as opposed to the traditional SMS 160 characters supported by other satellite messaging devices.
- A dedicated ZOLEO “04” Australian SMS number, so that your contacts can proactively message you as opposed to needing to wait for a message from you, to which they can reply.
- Easy device sharing whereby your family member, friend or co-worker can use ZOLEO by simply downloading the free app and connecting to the device.
These features and others help make the ZOLEO messaging experience far more functional and familiar than anything on the market today. In addition, it still offers more traditional satellite device capabilities such as an SOS button and GPS location. It is also the clear value leader in mobile satellite communications with a low device price, free app, and rate plans that can include lots of messages -- or even unlimited messaging -- for reasonable monthly fees.
ZOLEO FAQs
When would I use ZOLEO?
ZOLEO is designed to work with your phone or tablet, extending your messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth by transmitting messages over the Iridium satellite network when you’re beyond mobile coverage zones, and via cellular or Wi-Fi when available. It is perfect for messaging connectivity in the backcountry, on remote roads, on the oceans, in the Polar Regions, or anywhere in the world where cellular coverage is unavailable or unreliable.
Where do I use ZOLEO?
The ZOLEO device is a satellite-based communicator that is designed to be used outside, where the device has a clear line of sight to the satellites in the sky. ZOLEO can also be placed in the windshield of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft where it has an unobstructed view of the sky.
How does ZOLEO send messages when my device is off?
When your ZOLEO device is turned off and another ZOLEO App user sends you a message, the message will still be delivered via the ZOLEO App on your phone or tablet. This is a bit unique. Other satellite communicators only deliver messages when the device is on and connected to the satellite network.
Do I have to use ZOLEO with a smartphone or tablet?
When the device is used standalone, without the app, ZOLEO supports check-in and SOS alerting via the built-in buttons. ZOLEO needs to be Bluetooth connected with the ZOLEOApp on your phone or tablet for two-way messaging, two-way SOS, to receive DarkSky weather forecasts or to share your GPS location in any message.
Why does ZOLEO need and active service plan?
Just like your mobile phone, ZOLEO needs an active service plan in order to transmit messages via the Iridium satellite network. Unlike mobile network providers, with ZOLEO you have the option to suspend your plan when it’s not in use, and you can also change or cancel plans online when needed.
Can I change my service plan throughout the year?
Yes, you can change your plan any time using your online account. You can also suspend or cancel plans any time after the initial minimum term.
What networks does ZOLEO work on?
The ZOLEO device transmits messages via the Iridium satellite network. It is the only network in the world that spans every inch of the Earth to offer coverage over all landmasses, waterways and in the skies. The ZOLEO App also transmits messages via cellular and Wi-Fi when available, ensuring least cost routing for your messages.
Can ZOLEO be used indoors?
The ZOLEO device is not intended for use indoors. It is an Iridium-based satellite communicator and therefore needs a clear line of sight with the satellites in the sky to transmit messages. The ZOLEO App for smartphones and tablets can be used indoors or outdoors.
Does ZOLEO support voice calls?
ZOLEO does not support voice calling. It is a two-way satellite messaging device. You can use it to exchange messages with any cell/SMS number, email address or another ZOLEO App user.
Can I lend my ZOLEO device to someone else?
Yes, it is easy to lend ZOLEO to a friend or colleague. When you do, your dedicated ZOLEOSMS number and email are associated with the device, and whomever is connected to it at the time. Any usage will be associated with your ZOLEO monthly plan and decremented or charged accordingly.
Who can I communicate with using ZOLEO?
You can communicate with any cell phone number, email address or ZOLEO App user.
Can others message me when I am using ZOLEO outside of cell coverage?
Yes, if you have shared your dedicated ZOLEO SMS number or email address with them, then your contact can initiate a message directly with you and you’ll receive it even when you’re traveling beyond mobile coverage zones.
Why aren’t my ZOLEO SMS messages delivering to some international recipients?
The ZOLEO service has the ability to send SMS messages to mobile recipients across the globe. There are some countries where delivery of SMS may be unreliable due national SPAM filtering outside of ZOLEO’s control. It is possible that SMS messages could be blocked dependent on their content and country of destination. Blocking is most likely to occur when URLs and/or phone numbers are included in the message text.
Weather limitations, i.e. cloudy days
The Iridium network is not affected by the weather.
Ease of use
Familiar messaging on the App and easy button-press on the device. LED’s help to confirm when messages are sent/un-sent, battery low, SOS activated, SOS acknowledged.
