****ing fact.

http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a294829.pdf

Quote Originally Posted by sinister View Post
Iridium, INMARSAT, and Qualcomm all share the same features: expensive and possibly getting bumped during high-saturation crises.

HF is far cheaper and has a much higher probability for making and maintaining emergency comms at the individual level. HAMs run low-power field days annually, and the Military Amateur Radio Service (MARS) is made up of guys who LIVE for emergencies where they can help.