One of the swiftest evolving segments of overland gear is undoubtedly off-grid communications. The rapid democratization of global satellite networks over the last half decade has put many highly accessible and portable communication devices into the hands of the everyday adventurer and has proven to be a boon for both safety and simply staying in touch. Once restricted to emergency-only use, one-way comms, or character-limited two-way messaging, the latest generation of this technology is far more feature-rich and taps into much more robust satellite networks. The Iridium Go! Exec is no exception, and Overland Journal’s Scott Brady used one for much of his long African journey in 2024.
The Go! Exec features up to 22Kbps for transmitting data and up to 88Kbps for receiving, so working on basic email, internet, and social media tasks is in play. It also has a functional tool that allows you to make voice calls directly from your smartphone via the Iridium app or the device itself on two separate lines. Of course, real-time two-way messaging and 24/7 SOS emergency monitoring and support are included, the latter provided by the International Emergency Response Coordination Center. At 203 x 203 x 25 millimeters (8 x 8 x 1.1 inches) in size and weighing only 1200 grams (2.6 pounds), the Go! Exec is a fairly compact all-in-one unit, making it a reasonable choice for ADV riders who need robust communication capabilities in remote places—something that Starlink can’t do.
Iridium GO! Exec
With regards to Starlink, the Iridium doesn’t have the full-speed or full-volume data capabilities of that popular device, but it also flies under the radar more effectively. With its solar heat-resistant cover on and stashed in the corner of a bag, it looks like a simple wifi router or portable charger. Speaking of charging, Iridium claims the Go! Exec will run for 6 hours while in use and up to 24 hours on standby. The Go! Exec hardware costs $1,575, and the monthly subscriptions start at $75 for a basic emergency package and range up to $229 for unlimited access. If you’re a data hog, it may not be the device for you, but if a small form factor is important, it’s the best game in town (or under the stars).
Remember, though, the next wave of satellite communication technology is just around the corner, and it’s even smaller. Apple is starting to roll out its satellite-based messaging service this fall on newer iPhones running iOS 18, and we might imagine that as satellite networks continue to grow, data beamed down from the skies into the palm of many hands won’t be far behind.
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Images: Iridium
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