What's Up with the Motorola Defy Satellite Link?

Is the Motorola Defy Satellite Link better than the Garmin inReach? Well, it's definitely cheaper and smallers, but does it perform? In this video I'll cover how the new Motorola Defy Satellite Link works based on my time hiking with it, share how it performed, and compare it to the Garmin inReach and ZOLEO units.

I've been using the Motorola Defy Satellite Link for three weeks now, and it's been a mixed bag. When it works, it works great, but sometimes it struggles to connect. In this video, I'll share my continued experience, as those that other users have shared with me. I'll also tell you what the Bullit Group and FocusPoint told me about the Motorola Defy Satellite Link and how best to use it.

00:00 Why This Video?
00:21 Connection Issues
02:49 Updates
04:15 Durablity
04:55 SOS Service
06:13 Recommendations

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Introducing the Motorola Defy Satellite Link, a game-changing smartphone designed to enhance your outdoor adventures. With its advanced satellite communication capabilities, the Defy Satellite Link keeps you connected even in the most remote locations. Whether you're trekking through dense forests or exploring rugged mountains, this durable device ensures reliable connectivity through its innovative satellite link technology.

One of the standout features of the Motorola Defy Satellite Link is its ability to seamlessly switch between traditional cellular networks and satellite networks. This unique functionality guarantees that you stay connected, no matter where you are. By leveraging satellite communication, this satellite communicator eliminates the limitations imposed by traditional cellular coverage, making it an ideal companion for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond its satellite connectivity, the Motorola Defy Satellite Link boasts a range of other features tailored to adventurous individuals. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand extreme conditions, including water submersion and dust exposure.

[Hikingguy]

5 April 2024 Update from Bullit:

We would like to confirm that the the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service is live and fully operational. Since being acquired in February 2024 by RCD 2023 Limited (a UK registered company), the service has continued without interruption and continues to be the world’s leading direct to device NTN messaging service.

As part of our investment, RCD is very pleased to confirm that it will honour the service agreements and data plans for the thousands of existing subscribers who signed up to the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service prior to April 3rd 2024. From April 3rd 2024, the following price plans will be immediately available to all new subscribers with others to follow:

SOS satellite assist only - $4.99 per month
Everyday messaging (up to 80 messages per month) - $9.99 per month*
Premium messaging (up to 300 messages per month) - $29.99 per month*
Freedom (unto 250 messages per year) - $59.99 as one off annual payment*

*All messaging plans include SOS Satellite assist. Further information on data plans can be found on the bullitt.com website. For more information in other currencies please see website.

The following devices are and remain compatible with the Bullitt Satellite Messenger service:
Cat S75
motorola defy satellite link
Ulefone Armour 23.

We are pleased to announce that we are also working closely with a number of other device manufacturers to add NTN messaging capability to their product portfolios through 2024 and beyond.

Please note that RCD is not a device manufacturer and our customer support centre is only able to help with enquires regarding the SOS or satellite messaging service. Please also note that the promotional offer of 12 months free of charge SOS assist and basic messaging previously offered when purchasing a Cat S75 or motorola defy satellite link expired on 30th December 2023. Anyone purchasing an NTN satellite compatible device from April 3rd will require a data plan to enjoy satellite connectivity.

Aside from the continued support for existing customers, RCD has committed to make significant investment to add new features and capabilities to the service and platform over the coming months ensuring that Bullitt Satellite Messenger sets the gold standard for Mission and Business critical NTN comms.

We are in the final stages of testing for a new tracking feature and portal and this update will be released in the coming weeks. As early as June, we will be launching Bullitt Satellite Messenger for Business providing SME’s and channel resellers the ability to manage their services, accounts and billing all in one place via the Bullitt For Business Portal. We will also be Launching Bullitt Satellite For Enterprise an SDK and NTN Connectivity platform enabling developers and Enterprises to add NTN connectivity to an existing application or solution to support both mission critical comms and NTN NBIoT.

There will be lots more updates on our website over the next few weeks.

[mikehinz]

I'm a retired satellite engineer and I feel that I need to make a few comments as use of these devices can be critical and reliability, above all else is critical. The Defy device uses the Inmarsat L Band satellites which are geostationary birds, meaning they stay in essentially the same point in the sky at all times. They orbit approximately 22, 200 miles above the earth and in North America, the satellite being used will be I-4 located at 98 degrees WL. So what do this all mean to a hiker in the wilderness. First, the L band frequency band tends to penetrate well in foliage and in rain, so that's good. The bad thing is that you MUST have a clear view of the sky to the south an occlusion is a real possibility. So if you're below a ridge or on the wrong side of a peak, the signal will be blocked. And the problem gets worse the further north you go, and the further east or west you go from 98 degrees WL, it makes the possibility of occlusion slightly worse. So no imagine that your injured in the bottom of a ravine or on the north side of a peak. You simply won't get service. That's extremely bad for a distress device.

So what's better. Well, the Garmin InReach is much better as it uses the Iridium LEO constellation. The way the satellite orbits are setup, you're guaranteed to get service regardless of physical location. There maybe some delay until a bird passes overhead, but you will get your message through. So essentially no more occlusion, unless you're in a cave! For most people this is a far, far superior device, if you value the device for actual emergency use.

So what's the best? Well in terms absolutely positively getting a distress message out, use a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), but be sure to get one with an integral GPS capability. PLBs use the Cospas-Sarsat system on 406mhz. There are multiple satellites in this system, using a multitude of orbits. So with a VERY favorable frequency for weather, rain penetration, etc, etc AND that frequency is ONLY used by the rescue community. The downside is that these devices are not messaging devices so casual texting is not possible. However there are now devices that have a RLS (Return Link Service) feature that indicates with a light or a text display, that your distress call has been received and localized and has been forward to the relevant government authorities for action.

i hope the above is useful. Just to restate my main point, reliability of the rescue function is of the utmost importance, so choose your device and service wisely. FYI.

[robertjag]

got mine on July 4, been working flawlessly, only a few seconds to send and receive, very happy with this purchase

[highlanderes]

Great info. Poll with 35% “Often doesn’t connect” is plenty conclusive for me.

[prhdyn]

When I first started using my defy link I was holding it my hand, moving it, pointing it in various directions. The satellite connection was unreliable. Suspecting that bobbling it around might be causing the connection drops, though, I started hanging it on a tree or placing it on the ground in the middle of a clearing. So far under those conditions it's been flawless.

[Mr.T]

Great review, I should probably consider a satellite device as I’m getting older and go out solo most trips. This helps selecting a device.

[mecraise]

I reached to hit the like button more than a few times. Looking forward to the followups. Thanks for sharing.

[PaulBeiser]

Thanks, appreciate the open and honest review. As well as the succinctness. Really trust your work!

[Armillo_]

I tested it at home and it seemed to work fine. Brought it out on a hike, part of which was out of cell coverage and it lost connection and didn’t re -connect until I was nearly back at the car. Tried facing south, turning it off and on, etc. Returned it the next day and purchased a 67I. I use a handheld gps anyway so it made sense to pony up for the Garmin and get inreach and gps functionality while only having to carry one device.

[sgiannenas]

Really interested in that upcoming vid! Will be great to see how the results compare.

[GeorgeCoghill]

Tested this out on a 3-hour drive from Ohio to New York. Had it on the dash, and when there was little or no trees on the sides of the freeway, it eventually got a signal and kept it. With enough trees, it eventually lost the signal. Even just placing it in the center console storage seemed to be preventing it from finding a signal.

This seems to be a good indication for anyone looking for emergency connectivity when driving through remote areas, which is part of why I bought this. Will be curious to see how it does on a remote hike I’ll be doing next weekend.

[tomcreekdevil]

I just discovered and subscribed to your channel recently. I just wanted to say great channel! I Didn't know SoCal had such beautiful mountains and backcountry. That said, I hope you and your family stay safe from Hillary and the SoCal wilderness areas don't get too much damage from Hillary.

[stacyhazelwood]

I am looking for something to use on about 3-4 camping trips to places where there is no cell coverage. I just need it to message family so we don't have to drive 30 miles to find cell coverage everyday while on the trip. So, I love the price point and the free basic service for a year. I don't mind having a few connection issues. I see it getting better with time. I think I will get one. I will use your link to the product, so maybe you will get a little something. Thank you for the review and advice.

[theyetis]

I live in Ohio, and the first time I tried to connect it informed me of a firmware update. Once that was done, I went outside in my back yard and it took about 4 minutes to connect the first time. Subsequent connections took only about a minute or less outside. I have since made connection inside my home which locked and stayed connected for days just laying on a nightstand. Connecting from inside takes a little longer than outside. I have never had any issues with loss of connections and I am VERY happy with it.

[GB-s]

I use a Garmin messenger that connects instantly even under a thick tree canopy

[SC-smtr]

I had to return mine after multiple attempts working with tech support, they said others are having the exact problems I was, the app isn’t working properly with iPhones, they couldn’t give me a time frame when they expect the app to be fixed. I also had problems connecting to satellite, even with open sky, no trees for miles. After playing with it for about an hour it overheated…I don’t like the SOS button is exposed, it’s in a location I rest my hand while holding and easily pressed. I’m not sure the device would even work properly in an emergency, if I’m injured or fell and can’t move I won’t be able to just wander around hoping for a signal. I don’t feel it’s ready for market and will give users a false sense of security, it could cost someone their life.

[GeorgeCoghill]

Took mine to a local parking lot with clear skies to test right after purchasing it. Would not connect to satellite until I power-cycled the unit. Connected immediately after that. Have not tested since.

[jedimasterkyle]

Thanks for the updated review on this. I watched your initial review from a few weeks ago and while I'm still very intrigued by this product, the connectivity issues are mildly concerning. However, I think I will still aim for this particular product vs Garmin or Zoleo just based on one factor. Price.

I'm trying to get more into hiking and so far, the trails I've been on have had full cell service so havent had a need for one of these. However, if I do go more off the beaten path and hike into the back country, I obviously want a way to contact people. Garmin and Zoleo make very compelling arguments for their devices but I go out so in frequently that I cant justify the price of those devices or their plans. That's not the case with the Motorola. The cost of the device, plus the cost of their most basic plan still makes this extremely tempting. Even when I go camping with my family and we dont have cell service, it would be nice to have a lifeline back to the world.

I look forward to your future videos about this device and services.

[BobBob-ilku]

Please keep us updated on the overages I actually like being able to use next months messages that’s seems ideal. But either way I’d like to know it doesn’t just stop working if I go over.

[adamkrogersvaz]

Thank you for the review and just to follow up with what I yhink is a critical problem, if you send a message from the Defy to an iPhone user, they will NOT get a notification. If they bring the app to the forefront, the notification pops up, but at that point, you're already seeing the message. For me, this is a critical fail as my wife will not see important messages unless she opens the app to check. Also, it appears this has been an issue for more than a month based on app store reviews. This makes me really nervous about trusting this service even if it gets fixed.