It's worth noting that you can use a PLB (which runs on the COSPAS-SARSAT network) to summon help for free. No subscription required. On the other hand, the dev

It's worth noting that you can use a PLB (which runs on the COSPAS-SARSAT network) to summon help for free. No subscription required. On the other hand, the devices themselves cost $300 and aren't usable for anything else outside a life-or-death emergency. The big reason InReach/Spot subscription devices are so popular is that they include non-emergency messaging to family as part of the service.