If you’re the type of person who travels to places untouched by civilization, then getting lost is not an option. While smartphones are very helpful in case of an emergency, they are not very far reaching and you might as well end up stretching your arms as far as you can just to get some signal. As a back-up plan, you might want a Spot Connect. This breakthrough technology turns your smartphone into a satellite communicator. Just pair it with your smartphone and then you can put your hands down.

Spot Connect, one of this year’s CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award winners, connects your phone to a global satellite network that allows you to send messages and GPS coordinates from almost anywhere in the world. First, you have to download the SPOT app. Pair your smartphone with SPOT Connect using bluetooth, then Spot links your phone to a satellite, turning your smartphone into a satellite communicator.

You can send email and text messages, request non-emergency help from professional service providers, as well as update your Facebook and Twitter status (Help! Stuck in middle of Arctic Circle, Canada) In case of emergency, send an SOS message for emergency assistance. It also offers a Check-in/OK feature which allows your family to know your location and that you’re ok. Another feature called Track Progress allows you to send and save your location so your contacts can track your progress almost real-time via Google Maps.

SPOT Connect will be available sometime this late January or early February for $169. You’ll also have to pay $99 for the service contract.