Satellite Networks Explained: Iridium vs Globalstar vs COSPAS-SARSAT (2026)

Three different satellite systems power the devices in this roundup. Understanding which does what explains why some devices have gaps in certain regions and why some require subscription plans while others don't.

Iridium Network

Iridium operates 66 low-Earth-orbit satellites in polar orbits, providing complete and continuous coverage of every point on Earth's surface — including the poles, open ocean, and the most remote land on the planet. The network has no meaningful coverage gaps. Messages transmitted from Antarctica, the Sahara, or mid-Pacific Ocean all reach the Iridium constellation.

Devices using Iridium: Garmin inReach Mini 2, Explorer+, Messenger, GPSMAP 66i, Montana 700i, SE+; Zoleo; Bivy Stick; Somewear Global Hotspot; Iridium GO! exec; Iridium 9575 Extreme.

Globalstar Network

Globalstar operates satellites in inclined (non-polar) orbits, providing strong coverage across North America, Europe, Australia, and most populated mid-latitude regions. Coverage becomes unreliable above approximately 70° latitude and has gaps in some polar and remote high-latitude areas. For the vast majority of North American hiking and camping destinations, Globalstar coverage is not a practical limitation.

Devices using Globalstar: SPOT Gen4, SPOT X, SPOT Trace.

COSPAS-SARSAT

COSPAS-SARSAT is not a commercial communication network — it is a government treaty organization operating satellites specifically to detect 406MHz distress signals from PLBs, EPIRBs (maritime), and ELTs (aviation). The system routes distress alerts directly to national rescue coordination centers without any commercial intermediary. PLBs require no subscription because they connect to this government infrastructure rather than a commercial network.