Emergency calls, SOS and network coverage for Android smartphones – Why the “GPS Bodyguard” app depends on network availability in an emergency...

Why do emergency calls on a normal Android smartphone only work with mobile network coverage?

Question: Can my Android smartphone place an emergency call at any time?
Answer: No. Classic emergency calls, SMS and voice calls only work when a mobile network is available. Without network coverage, no emergency call, no SMS and no SOS call can be made – not even by emergency apps.

Why does an Android device need mobile network coverage for SOS functions?

Android smartphones are technically designed so that:

• Emergency calls (110 / 112) run via GSM/UMTS/LTE

• SMS are sent via the mobile network

• Voice calls require a mobile voice network

• Mobile data must be available for internet-based services

Without a mobile base station in range, the device is practically “offline” – and therefore unable to act in an emergency.

How does lack of network coverage affect emergency apps like GPS Bodyguard?

GPS Bodyguard is a powerful emergency app that:

• sends automatic emergency SMS,

• GPS location coordinates are transmitted,

• silent alarms are triggered,

• emergency calls are placed,

• defined emergency contacts are notified.

However:
Question: Can GPS Bodyguard send emergency SMS or SOS calls if no network is available?
Answer: No – SMS, voice calls and mobile communication require a mobile network or alternatively a satellite connection.

Are there really that many coverage gaps in Germany?

Question: Is Germany fully covered with mobile network service?
Answer: No. Many regions – especially forests, mountain areas, farm tracks, rural regions and remote locations – are considered “white spots” without reliable mobile coverage.

Question: Is the network sufficient in cities?
Answer: Often yes. But “ODT” (Only Dense Towns) means: Good coverage only in densely populated areas. Outside of those areas, reception can quickly disappear completely.

Where does this problem occur particularly often?

Lack of network coverage mainly affects people who are outdoors:

• Hikers & mountaineers

• Outdoor athletes (trail running, mountain biking, climbing)

• Travellers & backpackers

• Campers & vanlife travellers

• Forestry, agricultural and field workers (working alone)

• Expedition teams & adventurers

• Anglers, hunters & nature lovers

Question: What happens in an emergency without network coverage?
Answer: Neither the GPS Bodyguard app nor your smartphone can call for help.
No call. No SMS. No SOS. No transmission of coordinates.

The solution: Thuraya X5-Touch – an Android satellite phone for real emergency-call safety

The best way to use GPS Bodyguard even without mobile network coverage is with a smartphone that does not depend on local mobile base stations.

The answer is:

The Thuraya X5-Touch – one of the world’s first Android satellite phones.

👉 Manufacturer link:
https://www.thuraya.com/en/products-list/legacy/thuraya-x5-touch

This device combines Android functionality with a global satellite connection.

How does a satellite phone like the Thuraya X5-Touch work?

Question: Does a satellite phone need mobile base stations?
Answer: No. The connection is established directly via geostationary satellites in Earth’s orbit.

Question: Do SMS and calls work via satellite?
Answer: Yes – both SMS and emergency calls run via Thuraya’s satellite network.

Question: Can GPS Bodyguard send emergency calls on this device?
Answer: Yes. Since it is an Android device, the app can be installed just like on any other phone and then uses the satellite network for emergency SMS and emergency calls – worldwide (*everywhere where satellite reception is possible and not restricted).

Why is the Thuraya X5-Touch ideal for GPS Bodyguard?

• Installation just like on a normal Android smartphone

• Placing SOS calls via satellite

• Sending emergency SMS via satellite

• Works worldwide, even without mobile network

• GPS location possible at any time

• Ideal for outdoor activities, travel and working alone

• Dual mode: GSM + satellite

• Robust outdoor design (IP67, MIL standard)

Technical features of the Thuraya X5-Touch

• Android 7.1 operating system

• Satellite & GSM/LTE dual mode

• 4.7" Gorilla Glass touchscreen

• Water, dust and shock protection (IP67)

• Dual SIM function

• Large battery for long emergency-call operation

• GPS + Glonass + BeiDou support

• Robust housing for extreme conditions

How much does the Thuraya X5-Touch cost?

The price is approximately, depending on the retailer:

approx. €1,500

Additional optional costs for satellite tariffs may apply, depending on the provider.

Who is a satellite phone in combination with GPS Bodyguard suitable for?

• Anyone who visits remote areas

• People in high-risk professions or working alone

• Active holidaymakers, campers, outdoor enthusiasts

• People who want to be safely reachable worldwide

• Expeditions, mountaineering teams, survival fans

• Companies and security services

With the combination of GPS Bodyguard + Thuraya X5-Touch, you are for the first time truly independent of the mobile network – and can communicate safely even in emergency situations.