Cell phones are a “hit or miss” way to get in touch with someone when you are out in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. You never know if you’ll get a call through. Use a Satellite Phone and know that you are almost certain to get through. The SAT phones use the Iridium Satellite Network which has great coverage. The SAT Phones are used when you want to actually talk with someone.
The SPOT-X is designed to text in or out to anyone. No talking, just texting. It also has an S.O.S. button in the event of a serious emergency. The SPOT uses the Globalstar Network.