Frequently Asked Questions

How does OutpostAI work?

OutpostAI is simple: you send an SMS to our dedicated number, and our AI responds with helpful information—usually within seconds. It works with any device that can send text messages, including satellite communicators like Garmin inReach, iPhone's satellite SMS feature, and regular cell phones.

After you sign up, we'll send you the number to text and you're ready to go. No app to install, no data connection required.

What devices are compatible?

OutpostAI works with any device that can send SMS messages:

• iPhone 14+ with Emergency SOS via Satellite
• Garmin inReach (Mini, Explorer, etc.)
• SPOT devices with two-way messaging
• Iridium satellite phones
• Thuraya satellite phones
• Any cell phone with standard SMS

How long does it take to get a response?

Our AI typically responds in under 3 seconds. However, total delivery time depends on your device and network. Satellite messages may take 30-60 seconds for the round trip due to satellite network latency. Standard cellular SMS is nearly instant.

What can I ask OutpostAI?

OutpostAI can help with a wide range of topics:

• Weather: METAR/TAF reports, forecasts, conditions
• Navigation: GPS coordinates, directions, waypoints
• First aid: General guidance for medical situations
• Aviation: Airport info, frequencies, procedures
• Maritime: Tides, weather, safety protocols
• Wilderness: Survival tips, plant/animal identification
• General knowledge: Any factual question

Can OutpostAI call for help in an emergency?

In a life-threatening emergency, always use:

• Your device's SOS/emergency beacon feature
• 911 (if you have cell service)
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• EPIRB (maritime) or ELT (aviation)

OutpostAI is designed to provide information that can help you make better decisions, not to replace emergency services.

Is the medical information reliable?

OutpostAI provides general first aid and medical information based on established guidelines. However, this information is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always seek proper medical care when possible, and use your own judgment about your specific situation.

How accurate is the aviation weather data?

We pull from official sources like NOAA/NWS for METAR and TAF data. However, OutpostAI is a supplemental tool—it does not replace official FAA-approved weather briefings. Pilots are responsible for obtaining proper briefings through approved sources (1800wxbrief, ForeFlight, etc.).

How much does OutpostAI cost?

During our beta period, OutpostAI is $7.99/month with unlimited SMS queries. This price is locked in for beta users—even when we raise prices to $9.99/month after launch, beta users keep their rate.

Standard carrier SMS rates may apply depending on your device and plan.

What's the difference between Standard and Pro?

Standard includes everything you need for off-grid assistance: unlimited SMS queries, weather data (METAR/TAF), navigation help, first aid guidance, and general knowledge—all the core features that keep you safe in the field.

Pro adds live information updates—real-time summaries from current events, news, social media, and other live sources. Perfect for staying informed about developing situations, market conditions, or breaking news while off-grid.

Can I get live updates from current events?

Yes—with Pro. Our live updates feature pulls real-time information from news sources, social media (Twitter/X), RSS feeds, and other live data streams, then sends you a concise SMS summary.

This is especially useful for:

• Breaking news: Get summaries of developing stories
• Weather events: Real-time updates on storms, fires, or floods
• Market updates: Stock prices, crypto, commodities
• Sports scores: Live game updates
• Social trends: What people are saying about specific topics

Just text your query naturally—like "latest news about hurricane" or "bitcoin price"—and we'll fetch and summarize the most recent information.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel anytime from your account dashboard at outpostai.org/account. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period—you'll continue to have access until then. No contracts, no cancellation fees.

Do you offer refunds?

We don't offer refunds for partial months. If you're unhappy with the service, cancel before your next billing date. If you experience technical issues that prevent you from using the service, contact support@outpostai.org and we'll work with you.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) through our secure payment processor, Stripe. We do not store your credit card information on our servers.

What number do I text?

After you sign up and activate your account, we'll provide you with the OutpostAI number to save in your device. The number is included in your welcome email and visible in your account dashboard.

What if I don't get a response?

First, check that your message was sent successfully from your device. Satellite messages can sometimes fail to send. If your message was sent but you didn't receive a response within a few minutes:

• Try sending again—satellite networks can be unreliable
• Check that your subscription is active at outpostai.org/account
• Ensure you're texting the correct number

If problems persist, contact support@outpostai.org.

Is there a character limit for messages?

Standard SMS limits apply (160 characters). For longer queries, we'll piece together multi-part messages. However, shorter queries typically work best—be concise and specific.

Does OutpostAI work internationally?

Yes. Our service works with any SMS-capable device worldwide. Satellite devices like Garmin inReach have global coverage. Standard carrier rates for international SMS may apply.

What data do you collect?

We collect only what's necessary to provide the service: your phone number, email, name, and payment information. We also store your SMS queries temporarily (90 days) to improve the service and provide support. See our full Privacy Policy for details.

Do you sell my data?

No. We never sell your personal information. Your query data is used only to provide the service and improve our AI. We do not share your information with advertisers or data brokers.

Can I delete my data?

Yes. You can request deletion of your personal information by emailing privacy@outpostai.org. We'll delete your data within 30 days, except where we're legally required to retain it (like payment records for tax purposes).