Stephen Regenold:

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. …

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. …

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.

Call from Anywhere. SPOT launches Satellite Phone for Outdoors