It weighs just 7 ounces and is 5 inches tall. The phone body is made rugged for the outdoors. Announced today, Spot LLC will start selling a satellite phone for $499 this week.

(See more images of the new SPOT Global Phone on this page.)

SPOT has long been known for its satellite messenger products. We’ve used them for years at GearJunkie all around the world. The new phone product relies on the same satellite constellation owned by Globalstar Inc. (which is Spot LLC’s parent company).

Called the Global Phone, the unit offers voice communication, text messaging, voicemail, and 911 emergency calling around the world.

The “911” option is via the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center. (You dial 9-1-1 to connect to a rescue center that can coordinate help in your current locale.)

The company touts affordability, better voice quality, as well as a portable and easy-to-use form factor with the new phone. It will soon be widely available online and in stores at retailers around the U.S. (see list below).

The phone has an optional data kit to connect it to a computer, letting you get online to check and respond to emails, upload photos, or post to Facebook from deep in the wilderness.

It is tested to work in temps from -40 to +185 F. The Global Phone display is an LCD screen with volume, signal, and battery indicators. Official phone size is 5.3“H x 2.2” W x 1.5“D.

The battery will last for 4 hours of talk time (36 hours on standby) before it needs a recharge.

Calling plans start at 25 cents a minute (and $149.99 for monthly unlimited voice) when the phone goes on sale this month online and at retailers now including REI, Cabela’s, West Marine, Eastern Mountain Sports, Gander Mtn, Bass Pro Shop, and Sportman’s Warehouse.

Stay tuned, as next week I am heading out of the country with a SPOT Global Phone in hand. The test begins on May 22nd in the Middle East, where I will be trekking and visiting remote sites on an adventure through Jordan. I will be dialing the sat phone, calling in soon to talk from the remote desert sand!

—Stephen Regenold

See additional images of the new SPOT Global Phone on next page. . .