FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks for your interest in SatPaq and SpaceLinq. Here are some answers to common questions about our products.
Buying a SatPaq
$379.
No subscription is required. Messages sent and received via our satellites are charged on a pay-as-you-go basis. Messages sent and received over cellular and WiFi are free.
We sell MessagePaqs which are prepaid bundles of messages. MessagePaqs may be purchased in various denominations and are shown as Message Credits when applied to your account. The price per Message Credit is progressively discounted when purchasing larger denominations MessagePaqs.
Higher Ground uses a business model for SatPaq which is similar to prepaid cellular service. This requires purchasing a bundle of message credits (we call them MessagePaqs) in advance that have an expiration of 1 year (365 days) from the date they were added to a SpaceLinq account. We extend the life of existing message credits when new message credits are added before expiration, so customers can effectively preserve their unused message credits indefinitely.
Higher Ground recommends the use of Auto Refill, which is a convenience feature that will initiate an automatic purchase for a MessagePaq of your choice using your valid credit card information on file when your account balance falls below 20 message credits or to avoid expiration of existing message credits.
There are two ways to track your message credits:
- From SpaceLinq, tap the credit card icon at the top of the home screen or any conversations screen.
- When logged in to the website, your balance is shown in the Account tab under My Account.
MessagePaqs are available with increasing discounts for larger purchases.
Please see SatPaq Fees & Billing for the most up to date information.
Requires iPhone 6/iOS 10 or newer.
Requires Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer.
Yes, you can use the same SatPaq with an iPhone and an Android. However, you will need to download the appropriate version of SpaceLinq from either the Apple App Store (if you have an iPhone) or from the Google Play Store (if you have an Android phone).
The SatPaq weighs 4 ozs.
Yes. SOS Emergency Services with GEOS is an interactive, assisted call to a live agent at an Emergency Response Center staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. For this reason, an initial charge is billed for the use of SOS Emergency Services regardless of whether initiated over the satellite or over cellular or WiFi. In addition, each message sent or received over the satellite as part of SOS Emergency Services will be billed the same as a text message.
Please see SatPaq Fees & Billing for the most up to date information.
Operating the SatPaq
The SatPaq can be used anywhere in the 50 United States and in international waters around the U.S.
The SatPaq communicates with Geostationary satellites 23,000 miles in the sky over the equator. You point the SatPaq in the general direction of either satellite for the best signal.
A fully charged battery will send/receive about 150-200 messages and will retain charge for about 4-5 months in storage.
In most cases the answer is no. The satellite signal does not go through solid objects like walls. However, if you have a clear view of the satellite and the glass in a window is uncoated, it may be possible for the SatPaq to transmit from indoors.
The better solution is to use SatPaq Detached mode to communicate over Bluetooth from inside. In this mode, you position the SatPaq outside on the provided stand or other support and transmit messages from your cell phone while indoors.
No, you do not need to have cell service to use SpaceLinq. You will need to be able to access a WiFi network to download updates to SpaceLinq and SatPaq.
The SatPaq is considered water resistant. It can withstand exposure to the elements, rainfall, or a splash of water. However, being submerged in water can irreparably damage the SatPaq and is not covered under warranty.
Take your SatPaq out of your pocket before jumping into the lake, but don’t worry about getting some morning dew or some rain on it.
Using the SpaceLinq Phone App
SpaceLinq is our phone app that makes it easy to send and receive messages using your SatPaq. You can download and install SpaceLinq for free when you purchase a SatPaq.
Go to the app store on your phone and search for “SpaceLinq.” The app is free
- After you download and open the app, you will be asked 4 questions. Reply in the affirmative to each one.
- Log in using the Username and Password you registered with or go to www.satpaq.com to register.
- Have your SatPaq charged and close by.
- Follow the directions on the tutorial – “To Send Your First Message.”
Your SatPaq must be paired with your phone to communicate via Bluetooth. This should happen automatically when you login the first time. However, if the battery icon in the upper, left corner has a “?,” you need to pair. This is done with the Select SatPaq screen.
To open Select SatPaq…
- Tap the battery icon
- Tap “Select SatPaq” (in the middle of the screen)
- When the Select SatPaq screen opens, wait a moment
- Tap the line with the SatPaq that appears under Select a SatPaq with the serial number (SN##) matching the one on the back of your SatPaq
- A message box briefly appears – Selecting SN##
- A second message box appears – SN## successfully selected. Tap “OK” to close
- Tap the back arrow (<)to return to the SatPaq Information
SpaceLinq supports extended sized messages allowing up to 480 characters to be sent or received.
When typing messages in SpaceLinq, a counter is displayed showing the number of characters and the resulting billable messages.
Our unique technology prevents spam from unwanted sources. Only people that you have sent a message to can reply and deleting a conversation from SpaceLinq offers you the option to block users from making further replies. You can always initiate another conversation whenever you like. With SpaceLinq, you’re always in control!
SpaceLinq on iPhone uses around 50MB.
If you do not want your messages to arrive with your GPS location included, go to Manage Signature… on the website or access it from Settings / Manage SatPaq Account/Settings… on the app and uncheck the box labeled “Add a link to a map for my location.”
Yes. We have a receiving station on the east coast and the west coast. If one goes down, the other can take over.
Go Anywhere Messaging
Get your SatPaq!