Texting Tops List of New GPS Features

Satellite phone calls are expensive. They not only cost a lot, but monthly service charges and minute rates are high. However often it’s important to send a message when you’re out at sea or docked in a far away port.

The solution: Text enabled GPS devices also called satellite messaging or GPS communicators. Presently, there are not many products to choose from, but those that are available, are designed to solve problems in an emergency, especially when at sea.

Text enabled GPS messaging devices now come in two varieties. One type offers the ability to read, write and store your own text messages. Another type, text-out only, uses prewritten text messages. Both types offer you the ability to text text-enabled devices. Business partners, friends and families can all receive your text messages on their cell phones, PCs and PDAs, whenever and wherever you all.

Boat towing service companies offer the simpler text-enabled GPS devices, text-out only GPS. And they offer them as part of boat towing service programs. With the package you get a hand held GPS unit complete with a GPS receiver and button enabled text features. Then, with the push of the button, you can relay text messages, towing requests and emergency distress alerts.

When the tow button is pressed, your boat’s GPS coordinates along with your boater identification number is sent via GPS satellite to a telecommunication dispatch center. Once received, your boat’ profile is automatically pulled and the nearest retrofitted towboat is dispatched to your GPS location. At the same time, preprogrammed text message are relayed to the text-enabled cell phones and email that you have chosen. .

If the SOS button is depressed, an emergency alert system is activated. This system notifies rescues services and texts your personal contacts about your situation.

Two-way text enabled devices offer more. And that’s because they have the capability to receive, send and store text messages. Using the Iridium satellite network, and an Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) modem, text messages are sent with your GPS coordinates via satellite and then relayed to land-based telephone and computer networks.

The two-way text devices also include automatic emergency alert notification and can be set to routinely send out SOS distress signals.

However, the catchall is that your location can be monitored on the Internet through a PC. Those interested can monitor your GPS location through a web portal, track your movements over time, and they can even text you critical information. All increasing the chances that you will be rescued.

One drawback though is that these devices don’t come with other applications found on your everyday handheld GPS, such as maps and photonavigation features. You just get a device that is designed to send and receive text messages, send GPS coordinates and work in all types of marine weather conditions.

However other companies now see larger markets for GPS communicators. Plans include global texting in full-featured GPS devices. These new devices are aimed at the consumer market.

So expect to see a whole range of full-featured text-enable GPS handhelds soon. And expect them to have features that greatly simplify global texting, not for just emergencies, but for everyday conversation.

But beware! Not all consumer GPS communicators will be designed for the rigors of the sea world.