Thread: i Phone rescue in NZ

I don't have one. And unlikely to get one. But this is an interesting article on it actually being used here.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300...-in-canterbury

Yes good story on it, I have the same phone and when I have been out of reception a few times now a little satellite icon appears where the reception bars show. There is also a screen displaying emergency calls available. It will be interesting to see where the tech takes us this time next year

Interesting that Apple chose Globalstar but I presume they picked up the contract for a song as they are paying for a whole bunch of new satellite launches.
The issue with GS is that NZ is right at the edge of current coverage so it won't be unusual to have no connection in the bottom of valleys This is less of an issue with Iridium. However the satellites are moving and another one will come into view. Hopefully doubling the number of satellites will alleviate this somewhat.
Good progress one way or another.

Now every wannabe in NZ is going to go out and get into trouble and expect to be rescued, and all because of the I have an iPhone so I will be safe mentality.

inReach Death knell right there.

If they had watched the weather forecast for the next few days.They shouldv been there when river flooded.Problem solved.

Originally Posted by Moutere

inReach Death knell right there.

Not really, you can't just text ya mates or the Mrs etc with the iPhone it's only for emergency services. Will.be interesting g though once Vodafone rolls out its "coverage for all of.NZ" though although I'm not holding my.breath I live 5 minutes from town on a completely flat landscape and have to hold my tongue just right to get any service

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Not really, you can't just text ya mates or the Mrs etc with the iPhone it's only for emergency services. Will.be interesting g though once Vodafone rolls out its "coverage for all of.NZ" though although I'm not holding my.breath I live 5 minutes from town on a completely flat landscape and have to hold my tongue just right to get any service

Yes it is, the beginning of the end.
It will soon function exactly the same as an inReach.
And it won’t be long before other carriers offer similar functionality.
inReach is the Kodak of communicators.

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

Now every wannabe in NZ is going to go out and get into trouble and expect to be rescued, and all because of the I have an iPhone so I will be safe mentality.

the same idiots who already now expect to be rescued because they can get on phone and ring up because they are tired and didnt wear right gear ....... dont get me started.

Those two tourists that were just helicoptered off Mt Ngauruhoe should a been put in stocks IMHO

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mt-nga...JGTJ64JG6AYOM/

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

the same idiots who already now expect to be rescued because they can get on phone and ring up because they are tired and didnt wear right gear ....... dont get me started.

Yep them ones, the entitled bunch.

It's a positive for us hunters.

I was thinking, would this technology lead me to put myself in riskier situations than otherwise would have been the case? No, I carry a PLB and that hasn't changed my behaviour. Rescue may still be many hours away and the thought of a cold, wet night in the bush, plus the shame of pressing the button keeps me sensible. That said, muppets will be muppets, so yes, this could lead to more people getting in to trouble and expecting a helicopter ride home. For this reason, I think it quite reasonable that the rescued are asked to cover costs. It might focus some minds a little bit.