Zoleo Satellite Communicator

Simply carries out what it advertises. Rock solid Bluetooth connection. Excellent satellite connection. Very good companion Apple iOS app.

I have had a number of other satellite communication devices but this is the best so far. It uses your smart phone so the Zoleo doesn’t need a screen. This keeps the price down compared to other alternatives. It has iPhone and Android apps but I have only used the iPhone app. It works very well.

The Bluetooth connection is rock solid. It reconnects easily if you separate the iPhone and the Zoleo too far. It has an international SOS rescue function like a PLB, but you can send SMS messages to anyone, anywhere. I have used my Zoleo in Australia (my home country), Norway, Germany, and Austria with absolutely no problems.

You get a Zoleo phone number and email address which work internationally with no intervention at all. It uses Musk’s Starlink satellite communication system. These satellites operate in polar orbits over the poles, so unlike some other satellite systems you get whole-Earth communication coverage.

You can also get weather forecasts for your position—very good even in remote locations. You can also get auto tracking of your position for friends for an extra subscription cost.

You do need a reasonably priced subscription service. There are three levels depending on the number of messages you plan to send.

This is now an absolutely essential component of my back country kit. Highly highly recommended for safety.

Note added: The satellite reception is FAR better than on my iPhone. I just carry the Zoleo in my thigh pants pocket. Never had a reception problem..

Background

I use it at least once a week, for about 3 years.

ZOLEO was effectively useless for its core purpose during my firsthand use at Burning Man. Texts and location sharing failed, messages were heavily delayed, and the later cancellation process hid the contract end date while blocking deactivation.

I bought ZOLEO for one core reason: so two friends and I could communicate at Burning Man. It failed at that basic job.

Reception was effectively unusable. Texts failed. Location sharing failed. Messages that eventually arrived were heavily delayed. A communication device that cannot reliably send messages or share locations when you need it is not merely disappointing—it is effectively useless for its core purpose.

Trying to cancel has been unacceptable too. The portal blocks deactivation with the message, "Device cannot be deactivated before contract end date," while refusing to show the contract end date.

I followed the cancellation steps, tried live support, and submitted a written support request. The live chat never connected me to a human. The contract end date was only disclosed after days of chasing support, and I still have no cancellation confirmation.

Based on my firsthand experience, ZOLEO failed both as a communication product and as a service. I would not trust it for an event where staying in contact matters, and I would not recommend it.

Background

I bought and used ZOLEO at Burning Man so two friends and I could stay in contact. Purchased by me; no relationship with ZOLEO or a competitor.