Thread: Starlink vs PLB

Different tools doing different jobs - the Inreach vs cellphone question is more of an apples vs apples question.

As said, PLB will transmit for days once activated and provides RCCNZ with the device serial number, user's name, contact details and position down to meters and if the device can't see the sky it is still very likely that a passing aircraft will pick up the beacon. One issue that OneNZ/Starlink haven't announced a resolution for is the data vs text issue as a lot of phones default to RCS messaging now which isn't functional on an SMS-only service. Apparently the OneNZ/Starlink service will only be SMS for the first few years or so gradually bringing in voice and data as the service develops.

As a Starlink user (no other effective reliable option even though we are less than 5km from urban fiber) 1) I take what telecommunications companies spout with a very small grain of salt and 2) even Starlink has off days.