If you’re out in the middle of nowhere doing your job and there’s no cell service, how do you stay in touch? Even more importantly, how do you report problems or call for help if you need it? You’re in luck if your company uses satellite phones, but they’re expensive, and so are their services. Fortunately, the GeoPro from GeoPro LBS Inc. not only tells you where are, it also lets you send and receive text messages from everywhere on earth (see the figure). 

The GeoPro workplace safety, monitoring, and productivity solution is designed to work anywhere. It supports real-time, low-latency two-way communications over a highly reliable, secure Internet Protocol (IP) and global satellite network. The solution comprises the GeoPro Messenger rugged two-way satellite-messaging device with built-in GPS and the secure hosted GeoPro Web Application, which improves management oversight of employees in the field.

The device uses the Iridium satellite network and world-class GPS for affordable, real-time communication beyond cellular coverage zones, according to the company. The Iridium network is a constellation of 66 low-earth-orbit satellites designed and widely used for phone service practically anyplace on earth, including the middle of the ocean or desert.

The GeoPro Messenger offers two-way text messaging up to 160 characters. It also boasts a rugged IP66 (an ingress protection designation indicating protection against water and dust) design and covered emergency button. Its joystick lets users navigate display keyboard and emergency, check-in, tracking, and waypoint functions. The device communicates with other e-mail, mobile phone, and GeoPro users. Its Iridium modem supports over-the-air communication with the Iridium satellite network. And, the company claims best-in-class GPS acquisition and tracking.

The GeoPro Web Application provides secure browser-based access to emergency, check-in, tracking, and waypoint functions. It also offers real-time visibility of employee status and location displayed in a Web-based map. It provides automated monitoring of emergency incidents and prompt notification via e-mail, SMS, or the application itself as well as a comprehensive message and event audit trail. Additionally, its point-and-click tools can be used to configure specific business rules and processes.

“Organizations are facing increased internal and regulatory pressures to ensure the safety of lone workers while needing to extend the productivity and cost benefits of two-way messaging to remote geographies,” said Morris Shawn, founder of GeoPro LBS Inc. “GeoPro delivers a comprehensive set of remote messaging and workforce management functions, ensuring that employees have a reliable, two-way means of messaging, checking in, or requesting emergency help, while employers have the tools and information to respond promptly and effectively.”

“Reliable global access to two-way satellite messaging significantly improves an organization’s efficiency and ability to protect and monitor their remote workforce in emergency situations,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of global distribution channels at Iridium. “It’s exciting to see partners like GeoPro leverage our network to offer innovative solutions for monitoring their workforce safety wherever they might be.”

GeoPro was field tested with government, industry, and partners around the world. The solution is available immediately through a global network of distributors, such as Roadpost Inc. and GMPCS, with pricing subject to regional partners.

GeoPro LBS Inc.