Chunghwa Telecom X Garmin Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Communication Device: The Mountain Hiking and Travel SOS Lifesaver Goes on Sale

When hiking in the wilderness or on long-distance independent travel abroad, if a dangerous accident such as getting lost or falling occurs, we always hope in our hearts that rescue personnel can come to our aid at the first moment.

However, in the wilderness, mobile phone communication capability has always been limited by the breadth of base station coverage. Especially deep in the mountains, because of the obstruction of mountain ranges and forests, you basically can’t expect to receive any base station signal at all.

In the early days, if you were going into the mountains, it was recommended to carry a radio. But leaving aside whether low-power radios can even work in dense forests, the more realistic problem is that these days you could shout into a radio for ages and probably no one would be listening.

Later, as satellite communication functions were made available to the public, mountaineering teams began buying satellite phones to bring into the mountains. Even though the call rates are expensive, it greatly increased the efficiency of calling for help when a crisis occurs.

Until now, Chunghwa Telecom has finally partnered with satellite navigation giant Garmin to offer the “Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Tracking Communication Device” and its accompanying communication rates, so people no longer have to travel far abroad to buy one, and can get their hands on this lifesaver at a cheaper price—the device alone costs only 12,990 yuan.

GARMIN inReach Mini2

This satellite tracking communication device will go on sale on October 3 and November 1 at Chunghwa Telecom’s digital store and Garmin’s physical stores respectively. The usage rates include the US$11.95 “SAFETY Plan” (about NT$381), the US$24.95 “RECREATION Plan,” and the US$49.95 “EXPEDITION Plan.”

After purchasing the device, you can go to the “Chunghwa Telecom Satellite Communication Service Page” or apply at a counter to obtain a real-name registration “registration code,” then go to the “Garmin inReach” website to activate the monthly value-added subscription service, and you can then send and receive text messages through the Garmin inReach satellite communication service.

Garmin builds its satellite tracking communication devices to MIL-STD-810. The device offers two-way text message transmission, allowing you to send and receive messages without dead zones or interruption no matter what terrain you’re in, and has built-in GPS and an electronic compass, enabling all-weather, 24-hour location sharing and position tracking.

Additionally, among the value-added services, the Garmin IERCC International Emergency Response Coordination Center provides “round-the-clock interactive SOS emergency assistance service,” standing by at all times to assist with rescue notifications. Once a user encounters an emergency, pressing the SOS emergency button will have professional staff immediately track the user’s device location, maintain two-way text message transmission with the user, and simultaneously notify emergency rescue units and emergency contacts for assistance, accelerating the activation of the rescue mechanism.

However, a reminder: this device mainly sends and receives two-way text messages and transmits your location through 66 low-earth-orbit Iridium satellites, and cannot be used for voice calls like a satellite phone. Therefore, it is more recommended for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently undertake high-risk wilderness hiking, mountaineering, and camping.

Chunghwa Telecom official website: Garmin inReach Mini2