Ok, so why would you want, or need, one of these? Aren’t we connected enough? As a crusty old Sinai Bedouin once told me, ‘These days people have so many ways to talk, but they no longer have a story to tell.’ He may have had a point.
However, I’ve bought one, so I’m invested in finding a use. In fact in a few weeks’ time I’ll be setting off on a fairly wild three month West African overland trip. I’m sure I’ll still have stories.
Let’s look at Zoleo:
What is it?
In brief, Zoleo is a mini satellite ground station that connects your mobile phone to the global Iridium satellite network. It allows text messages of between 190 and 900 characters (via the Zoleo app) to be sent from areas where there is no mobile telephone signal. Messages can be directed to email addresses, mobile phone numbers, or other users’ unique Zoleo email addresses or SMS numbers.
Who might use Zoleo?
Many UK users appear to be walkers, hikers and leisure sailors. Solo travellers are able to use Zoleo’s ‘Check-in’ facility to inform pre-determined contacts of their location and status. The one-click ‘Check-in’ button, on the Zoleo box itself, sends an ‘I’m OK’ message together with a clickable link that opens Google Maps, allowing location and progress to be noted. Zoleo also features a one-click SOS button, sensibly protected by a lift-up flap, that connects to an international, 24-hour emergency response centre, and a user determined emergency contact.
In my own case, I’ll de driving from the UK to Cape Town via West Africa. Although mobile phone coverage is now fairly comprehensive, there will be gaps, and purchasing local SIM cards can be a time consuming hassle. In these instances Zoleo will allow vehicle to vehicle communication, and coordination with our UK hub, and of course, if needed, we’ll have an effective means of summoning emergency assistance.
Usage
Once out of the box it’s advised to charge the Zoleo for at least a couple of hours via a ubiquitous micro USB cable (included). The device is then ‘activated’ via Zoleo.com, entering its IMEI, serial and PIN. After downloading the Zoleo app and pairing the device, you’re allocated a number and an email address, then you’re ready to go.
I did have a bit of a head banger trying to receive the app’s one time verification SMS. In the end I called Zoleo support and they provided it manually. This known glitch is not part of the satellite communication function, and is apparently being addressed.
Zoleo works best with access to clear sky, but there’s a signal level indicator on the app, and in practice the connection is more robust than I’d expected. Top of a rucksack or dashboard of a car works fine. There is a carabineer-style clip in the box, but really, who would wander about with the Zoleo dangling off their belt or backpack is beyond me.
The Zoleo seems to live up to being at least rain-proof – I’ve tested this, though I wouldn’t want to immerse it for any length of time.
One charge seems to last about eight days, although this will vary with usage.
Messaging via Zoleo’s app is similar in style to WhatsApp, though of course, text only. Those receiving messages do not need the Zoleo app – a number or an email address, synced though your phone’s Contact will suffice. However, character allowance via the free Zoleo app is 900 instead of just 190 otherwise. Check-in and SOS are effected via buttons on the Zoleo device. It’s worth noting that although ‘Check-in’s are free, sent and received messages are deducted from the subscription allowance.
Cost
The Zoleo box cost me £199 from the guys at GPS Training (gpstraining.co.uk). I think this is £10 off RRP. Subscriptions range from £18, £32 or £58 per month (minimum three months), with varying message allowances, from 18 to unlimited. Extra message packs may be purchased via Zoleo.com. There’s also a one-off activation fee of £23.
It is possible to semi-hibernate, ‘Suspend’, Zoleo while maintaining your unique number and email address – the fee is £3.50 per month. This could be useful if usage is seasonal, summer or winter, and you’d rather not lose your satellite contact details.
Conclusion
Zoleo is not the cheapest satellite communicator, for that take a look at a Motorola Defy – just £159.99 including a one-year contract, limited to coverage of Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America by mid-2023, and up to 75-miles off-shore. Zoleo is global – that’s the killer difference.
So far the device appears durable, the set-up straightforward and the interface intuitive. The real test will be in the field, so ask me in a few weeks…
The Irresponsible Traveller 
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