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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If mobile service or internet access is disrupted, make a short plan before you need it: agree on who to contact and where to meet, keep phone numbers on paper, and prepare more than one way to receive information. During congestion, try a brief text before repeated calls. If power is out, a battery or hand-crank radio can receive public updates, while a charged power bank can keep your phone running. None of these options works if the infrastructure it depends on is unavailable.
Make a household communication plan before an outage
Choose how household members will check in if they are separated, and agree on a meeting place in case you cannot reach one another. You may also choose an out-of-area contact. Write down phone numbers and other important details on paper and keep the list with emergency supplies; a phone’s saved contacts are no help if the device is lost, damaged, or out of battery. Practice the plan so everyone knows what to do without looking it up. Indiana DHS offers emergency communication planning guidance, and the American Red Cross recommends preparing communication options for power outages.
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What to try when cell service or internet is impaired
The right fallback depends on whether service is congested, partially working, or entirely unavailable. A text may get through when a voice call does not on a congested network, but it cannot be delivered if the necessary network path is down. Avoid repeated, non-emergency calls; keep any call brief and try another available channel if needed.
- Try a short text. State who you are, where you are, and what you need. Keep it concise and wait for a reply rather than repeatedly sending messages.
- Try a landline if one is available. It may offer another route when a mobile call fails, though a landline is not guaranteed to work during a wider outage.
- Use email or another internet service only if connectivity remains. These are alternatives, not independent fallbacks when internet access is lost.
These are congestion-management options, not guarantees. The FCC and FEMA advise limiting non-emergency calls, keeping calls brief, and trying text messages. Indiana DHS also suggests trying a landline or internet-based options when available.
#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight SOS satellite communicator uses the global Iridium satellite network so you can stay connected without cell coverage (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Explore with peace of mind knowing you can trigger an interactive SOS message with location coordinates to Garmin Response℠, a 24/7-staffed international coordination center, for help in an emergency (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Exchange photos, texts and voice messages without cell service; taking and sending photos requires pairing your inReach device with your compatible smartphone by using the Garmin Messenger app (active satellite subscription required; some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices)
- Rugged design features a high-resolution and scratch-resistant color touchscreen; can withstand impact, extreme weather and harsh temperatures (IP67 water rating)
- Internal, rechargeable lithium battery supports up to 350 hours with 10-minute inReach tracking and up to 95 hours in performance messaging mode
Keep receiving public information if the power is out
Set up more than one way to receive official alerts before an emergency. In the United States, FEMA describes mobile Wireless Emergency Alerts, radio and television broadcasts through the Emergency Alert System, and NOAA Weather Radio as public alert paths. Which channels are useful depends on your location and what local emergency managers use; no route is assured in a broad outage. See FEMA’s overview of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can receive broadcast information without household electricity, but it is a receiver—not a way to privately message family. Keep backup charging options for phones and other devices as well. A power bank can extend a phone’s runtime, but it cannot restore a failed cellular network or internet connection. The Red Cross power-outage guidance recommends communication devices that work without home power, batteries or chargers, and a paper contact list. Sign up for local alert systems ahead of time where they are available.
Rank #2
- Compact, lightweight satellite communicator enables two-way messaging and interactive SOS globally (Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices.)
- Navigate back to where you started by using TracBack routing
- Share your location with loved ones back home at any time (active satellite subscription required) by using your MapShare page or with your coordinates embedded in your messages
- Get accurate heading information using the digital compass — even when you’re not moving
- Sync with the Garmin Explore app and website on your compatible smartphone for trip planning and topographical mapping, and create waypoints, courses, activities and collections you can sync to your device
Compare fallback options by what they can actually do
| Option | Purpose | What it depends on | Preparation or limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text message | Two-way contact | A working mobile network and powered devices | Can be worth trying during congestion; delivery is not assured if the network is unavailable. |
| Landline | Two-way contact | An available working landline service | Try it if mobile calling fails; it is not a guaranteed route during a wider outage. |
| Email or other internet service | Two-way contact | Internet access and powered devices | Useful only while internet connectivity remains available. |
| Battery or hand-crank radio | Receive public information | Broadcast reception and a working radio | Does not provide private two-way contact. |
| Wireless Emergency Alerts, Emergency Alert System, or NOAA Weather Radio | Receive public alerts | The relevant alert path and a compatible receiver or device | Availability depends on location and the systems in operation; follow local emergency managers’ guidance. |
| Amateur radio | Potential two-way communication | Suitable radio equipment and access to capable operators | Requires preparation and, in some cases, trained operators; it is not a plug-and-play household guarantee. |
| Satellite communications | Potential two-way communication | A compatible satellite system, equipment, service, and usable location | Requirements and availability depend on the specific system; do not assume coverage without checking its current terms. |
When off-grid communication needs more planning
Amateur radio and satellite systems can be alternatives for people or organizations with a specific need for communications beyond ordinary mobile and internet service. They have prerequisites: radio requires suitable equipment and capable operators, while satellite communications depend on the system, equipment, service, and location. Neither should be treated as an automatic fallback for every household.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFEMA’s 2024 Continuity Guidance Circular discusses Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communications planning in a continuity-planning context. FEMA describes it as a way to reduce risk and build resilience by preparing fallback plans for essential functions. That is a useful planning principle, but the circular is not a household-specific prescription. FEMA also discusses communications capabilities in its response and recovery guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Global Coverage: No Roaming Charges - Make and receive voice calls, SMS, track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe.
- Complete Kit: Includes Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 satellite phone handset, Lithium-ion battery, International AC wall charger, Automobile DC charger, Holster with belt clip, Hands free earpiece, Lanyard, USB cable, USB thumb drive with documentation, Quick start guide, SIM card and 18 month warranty.
- Durable Design: Withstands dirt, dust and jets of water from every direction; IK04 shock resistance rating and an ingress rating of IP65; Operational temperature range of -20°C to +55°C.
- World Class Support: Get expert assistance from the BlueCosmo team for any satcom needs; Choose from various service options to fit your budget.
- Long Battery Life: 8 hours talk time and 160 hours standby; Lithium-ion battery provides longest lasting power for your satellite phone.
Rank #3
- Service plans required - as low as $4.99 per month for SOS satellite assist
- Provides advanced 2-way satellite-enabled messaging. Compatible with iOS 14 and Android 10 and later smartphones
- Stay in contact wherever you go—reliable satellite coverage keeps you firmly on the grid even if you're off the edge of the map, ensuring you're in touch with those who matter
- Simply press the check-in button and send your coordinates or a message to your loved ones, giving them peace of mind whilst you do your thing
- SOS assist allows you to check in and trigger SOS without a connection; unlimited SOS included with every service plan
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