You can now add satellite texting to any phone, and it’s 40% off right now

If you’re ever in an area without cellular reception, satellite is going to be one of your only reliable options to communicate with the outside world. Over the years, wireless carriers have introduced satellite connectivity, making it available to phones that have the necessary hardware.

Not all devices are compatible, which can leave you in a bit of a pinch if you’re stuck somewhere and need to communicate. That’s where this Garmin inReach Messenger Plus accessory comes in, providing satellite communication to virtually any device that runs Android or iOS. While it’s normally $500, it can be had for 40% off right now, dropping it to $300 for a limited time.

It sounds like a lot, but not in an emergency

Now, the $300 price tag isn’t cheap by any means, but when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, and you can’t get cell service, you’ll be happy that you have the Garmin InReach Messenger Plus in your pocket. I’ve had plenty of close calls hiking back in the day when I wish I had some type of satellite device with me.

Unfortunately, the price was just too high. Luckily, I was able to get out of those situations without too much going wrong, but having that safety net would have been nice. Because of a close call, I stopped hiking entirely for a while. Now, I can’t imagine going out without having an InReach or similar device by my side.

The best part is that there are very little restrictions here, making it the perfect companion for any emergencies you might have. All it requires is an Android phone running Android 8.0 or newer. Once you get it paired, you can use the accompanying Garmin app to stay connected. You can send text and voice messages, along with images too.

If you have an emergency, you can contact a dedicated team for help. In addition to owning the device, you will also need to pay for a subscription in order to stay in communication. Luckily, the price isn’t too bad here, with plans starting at just $7.99.