Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Muppets Threads! (And Anything Else) => Topic started by: mickeg on February 01, 2025, 03:43:03 PM
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I saw this on a backpacking forum. Decided to post it here because some people that have posted on this forum in the past have traveled through some places were such devices may be prohibited.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-woman-india-arrest-garmin-gps-device
I have seen backpackers in remote places where there is no cell service use Garmin Inreach or similar devices, they are transmitters that can send non-emergency and emergency signals through a satellite system with text messages. I think they also can be used to track you so friends and family can track your progress when moving.
My reading of the article is that only devices that transmit are illegal. Standard GPS units used as bike computers can only receive data from satellites, not transmit to satellites, thus should be ok.
The above is all I know on this topic, if you have questions, ask someone else.
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I think some of the later iphone models have an emergency messaging function that uses satellite comms. As I only have an archaic iphone 11 I also carry a pigeon!
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Here's Garmin's take on it...
Countries Where inReach Devices May Be Regulated, Prohibited or Embargoed
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=Dq3CEPZjfRAhtToGD4Yrz9
More here...
https://apollosat.com/docs/countries-where-satellite-phones-are-banned-or-restricted/
https://www.globalrescue.com/common/blog/detail/where-satellite-phone-illegal/
...and why...
https://globalsatellite.us/why-are-satellite-phones-illegal-understanding-the-legal-restrictions-on-satellite-communication/
Best, Dan.
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Dan, thanks for the detail.