Discover How ZOLEO Keeps Teams Safe and Improves
Business and Field operations

Business Case Studies

Connect with an Expert

ZOLEO Boosts Trail Safety for Outdoor Operators

2024-02-21_ZOLEO_Trail Bus Case Study_NA.pdf

Download Case Study

Discover how ZOLEO can enhance safety and communication for your remote workforce.

Centralized communication platform for all guides

Enhanced client support with real-time updates

Faster response to medical issues and weather hazards

Trail Bus relied on various fragmented communication methods—including satellite phones, GPS radios, SPOT devices, safety beacons, PLBs, UHF radios, and traditional cell phones. These methods frequently proved unreliable due to coverage gaps, environmental interference, and complexity.

Trail Bus required a streamlined, dependable system for tracking and emergency communication, enabling guides to quickly adapt plans, respond effectively to incidents such as wildfires, and maintain high safety standards during remote tours.

Crews used multiple devices, which caused communication delays and confusion

Coverage and reliability were unpredictable in remote regions

Tour guides lacked efficient off-grid communication tools

Teams needed a faster, clearer emergency response protocol

The limitations of existing tools highlighted an urgent need for a consolidated, reliable solution to ensure safety and operational efficiency. 

Implementing ZOLEO devices has led to notable operational cost savings by streamlining communication processes, reducing the need for multiple devices, and avoiding potential emergency situations through timely and accurate information exchange. Trail Bus's communication with clients has become more efficient and reassuring, instilling greater confidence in their ability to provide a safe and well-coordinated tour experience.

Join Trail Bus and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

Trail Bus, a company specializing in curated trail running and hiking tours, provides its clients with unique outdoor experiences. Dedicated to enabling adventurers to explore the natural beauty of remote areas, the business ensures confidence and safety in every excursion. It specializes in navigating challenging terrains and offers personalized guidance to accommodate various skill levels.

In remote locations, the operational challenges faced include managing risks such as unpredictable weather and environmental hazards while ensuring the safety of all participants. Reliable communication across vast and often rugged areas is essential to their operations, especially when dealing with emergency situations like bushfires.

Trail Bus integrated ZOLEO across all excursions, establishing it as their primary communication and safety tracking system. The devices’ reliable satellite and mobile messaging, automated Location Share+ check-ins and real-time weather updates significantly improved situational awareness. Its rugged, IP68-rated design was ideal for trail environments, while the Medical Assist first-aid support chat enhanced the team's ability to respond quickly to incidents.

Reliable real-time messaging via satellite or mobile networks 

Automated group check-ins with GPS-based Location Share+ 

Rugged IP68-rated device built for trail conditions 

Medical Assist chat providing immediate first aid guidance

Trail Bus

ZOLEO Improves Safety for Remote Environmental Crews

ZOLEO ensures crew safety through reliable off-grid environmental project communication in rugged terrain.

Simpcw French Case Study.pdf

Health, Safety and Environment Advisor at SRG

Eliminated long delays caused by weak satellite signals

Streamlined operations with real-time location tracking

SRG’s remote operations required reliable communication to maintain worker safety and operational efficiency. However, legacy communication systems caused delays, frustration, and vulnerability — especially for crews working alone in rugged terrain.

Key Challenges:

Teams worked in isolated areas without cellular coverage

Workers often spent up to an hour searching for weak Globalstar satellite signals 

Crews used multiple devices for routine check-ins and safety updates

Inconsistent tracking made it difficult to provide effective support

Communication blackouts during emergencies created serious safety risks

These issues slowed operations significantly and posed serious safety risks. SRG urgently needed a streamlined, reliable solution using the Iridium satellite network.

The combined ZOLEO and OK Alone solution has signiﬁcantly improved response times, resource management and overall efﬁciency. Real-time tracking and simpliﬁed communications have provided peace of mind for both workers and management. “By streamlining our communications and check-in processes, we can respond quickly and manage resources more effectively. It’s a huge step forward for the safety of our teams and the future of our business,” says Eising. The reliable and user-friendly ZOLEO devices empower SRG to maintain strong communications and productivity even in the most remote areas. This advancement has laid the groundwork for SRG’s continued growth and success, regardless of location.

Join Simpcw Resource Group and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication. 

Simpcw Resource Group (SRG) drives economic growth for the Simpcw First Nation, balancing large-scale projects with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. SRG operates throughout the Simpcw Territory, which covers five million hectares in British Columbia. The territory extends from south of McLure to north of Kakwa Park, west of Goat River and east of Jasper, including the entire North Thompson Valley. SRG’s pipeline, forestry and environmental divisions often work in remote, off-grid areas. While the pipeline division operates with larger teams supported by medical personnel, the forestry and environmental divisions deploy smaller, self-sufficient crews who often work in remote, rugged environments without access to cellular networks.

To address its communication gaps, SRG implemented ZOLEO satellite communicators in combination with the integrated OK Alone safety monitoring system. Together, the solutions allow crews to send check-ins and messages instantly, even in the most rugged and isolated regions. By using the Iridium satellite network, ZOLEO enables real-time tracking and eliminates the inefficiencies of managing multiple devices.

Key Benefits:

Reliable connection through Iridium’s global satellite coverage

Consistent check-ins across both cellular and satellite networks

Tracking and safety monitoring via the integrated OK Alone app

Zero failed messages, with reduced downtime and increased worker focus

Simpcw Resource Group (SRG)

ZOLEO Streamlines Forestry Operations for Utility Line Projects

SFC simplifies wildfire risk management communication by using ZOLEO for regular off-grid check-ins.

Sierra Forestry Consulting

Sierra Forestry Consulting Case Study.pdf

Improved worker safety in wildfire-prone zones

Saved time by eliminating the need to search for signal

Reliable team communication across 150+ active ZOLEO units

SFC’s field teams frequently operate in remote regions with rugged terrain and little to no cellular coverage, significantly complicating communication efforts and compromising worker safety.

Teams traveled extensively to locate cellular coverage, wasting valuable operational time 

Workers operated in isolation within hazardous environments

Emergency response and safety check-ins were frequently delayed

Unreliable communication caused significant operational inefficiencies

These difficulties placed field personnel at risk and underscored the urgent need for a reliable communication solution.

The adoption of ZOLEO has transformed how SFC operates in high-risk, remote environments. Teams stay connected wherever their work takes them, with real-time hazard reporting and GPS-enabled check-ins that streamline operations. These features have eliminated the need for employees to drive long distances to find cell service, saving valuable time and resources. When cellular contact was lost during a wildfire, employees could communicate via ZOLEO to safely join other team members. "Our field teams are reassured by the reliability of ZOLEO. It brings peace of mind in even the most isolated locations," says Sowell. SFC now owns over 150 devices and plans to scale the capabilities of ZOLEO as the organization pursues multi-state contracts.

Join Sierra Forestry Consulting and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

Sierra Forestry Consulting (SFC) helps reduce wildfire risks for major utility providers, government agencies and landowners. Working in remote, rugged terrains, SFC teams identify fire hazards, such as dead trees and vegetation near power lines to plan work orders and prescribe treatments in affected areas. SFC also specializes in sustainable forest management, balancing ecological integrity with economic sustainability through collaboration with landowners, government agencies and environmental groups. With over 155 employees and plans for growth, SFC prioritizes safety in environments where traditional communication tools often fail.

After extensive research, SFC chose ZOLEO for its reliability, simplicity, and cost-effective communication capabilities. Each team member received a compact, easy-to-carry ZOLEO device, allowing consistent check-ins, real-time messaging, and an SOS function for emergencies. Additionally, SFC utilizes ZOLEO Track to effectively monitor team activity, location and hazards.

Reliable messaging and SOS capabilities even without cellular service 

Compact, user-friendly devices compatible with smartphones 

Efficient team monitoring through automated check-ins and tracking 

Cost-effective reporting and enhanced visibility of field operations 

Sierra Forestry Consulting (SFC)

ZOLEO Keeps Remote Health Teams Connected

ZOLEO supports communication for remote healthcare delivery, ensuring staff safety in extreme conditions.

Northern Health Case Study.pdf

Regional Director of Logistics, Transportation and Distribution at Northern Health

Streamlined fleet operations and cross-department scalability

Enhanced staff safety and operational oversight

Northern Health’s mobile healthcare teams faced significant communication hurdles across remote and rugged British Columbia. Extreme weather, difficult terrain, and limited infrastructure posed continuous obstacles to maintaining reliable communication.

Teams navigated vast distances between communities that lacked cellular coverage

Drivers faced frequent road closures and environmental hazards that disrupted healthcare logistics

Workers operated without reliable check-ins or access to assistance in isolated locations

The organization experienced critical delays in delivering essential medications and supplies 

In one critical incident, a team transporting pharmaceuticals for a severely injured patient struggled to navigate around road closures without real-time communication, directly threatening the patient's survival.

With ZOLEO, Northern Health has strengthened communication, improved safety and ensured uninterrupted healthcare delivery — even in the most remote locations. With the ability to send routine check-ins and receive important updates, employees feel safer and more supported while on the road.

"With ZOLEO, we eliminated the hassle of managing multiple devices, providing seamless communication and peace of mind without adding extra burdens on staff," says Vezina. 

ZOLEO has become an integral part of the organization's operations, with other departments now considering the technology to address their own challenges.

Join Northern Health and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication. 

Northern Health delivers essential healthcare across 600,000 square kilometres of rural and remote British Columbia, serving over 300,000 residents. With hospitals, facilities and mobile teams operating in areas with extreme weather and limited infrastructure, reliable communication is mission-critical — especially for work vehicles navigating secluded locations daily.

Northern Health outfitted its fleet of vehicles with ZOLEO devices, allowing staff to send messages and check in from areas without cell coverage. The devices seamlessly integrate with smartphones and can be mounted securely on vehicle dashboards, making them easily accessible to multiple staff members based on vehicle assignments. The breadcrumb tracking and message confirmation capabilities of ZOLEO enhance safety, operational flexibility and visibility for mobile teams.

Reliable communication in areas with no cellular signal 

Devices can be shared among staff based on vehicle assignment 

Enhanced tracking of mobile teams through breadcrumb trails 

Faster response times and increased peace of mind for drivers and dispatch 

Northern Health

ZOLEO Enhances Backcountry Safety for Guiding Teams 

Phantom Adventures Ltd.

Phantom Adventures Case Study.pdf

Reliable connection in mountainous terrain where radios failed

Dedicated SMS numbers allow team to initiate conversations

Undisrupted communication in extreme cold and remote alpine environments

Phantom Adventures Ltd. faced critical communication challenges in the unforgiving mountain terrain. Handheld radios frequently failed without clear line-of-sight, leaving teams vulnerable during high-stakes operations such as rescues, helicopter refuelling, and guiding clients.

Teams worked in remote, mountainous areas without cellular coverage

Crews relied on handheld radios that failed without direct line-of-sight

Satellite devices were unable to initiate conversations with other satellite communicators

Operations took place in severe winter conditions that impacted equipment reliability and safety

Crews faced heightened risks during both critical incidents and routine operations 

In one serious incident, a client suffered severe injuries, but the team’s legacy device caused dangerous delays because it required the recipient to initiate contact.

ZOLEO has become indispensable for Phantom Adventures, streamlining safety protocols and eliminating communication gaps. “We’re ﬁnally able to communicate with each other no matter where we are in the ﬁeld,” says Ross. The team credits ZOLEO for enabling seamless coordination in challenging conditions, while boosting conﬁdence and safety on every adventure. “I don’t see any other solution that ﬁts the demands of our job. We use ZOLEO multiple times, every single day,” Ross concludes.

Join Phantom Adventures and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

In the rugged backcountry of British Columbia, Phantom Adventures delivers world-class heli-skiing, alpine adventures and professional courses. Operating in remote and unpredictable environments, their expert guides prioritize safety while pushing the limits of adventure. But, with no cell coverage, reliable communication isn’t just important — it’s a matter of safety and survival.

Guides trust ZOLEO as a real-time adventure tourism communication solution in remote mountains.

To overcome these challenges, Phantom Adventures equipped its team with ZOLEO satellite communicators. These compact devices integrate seamlessly with smartphones, providing a reliable lifeline even in the harshest alpine environments. With connectivity across satellite, cellular and Wi-Fi networks, ZOLEO ensures guides can check in and stay in touch — no matter how remote the location or how severe the weather.

Consistent, reliable communication in remote mountainous areas 

Easy smartphone integration ensures ongoing connectivity 

Device is operational in extreme conditions down to -20°C/-4°F 

Faster emergency response times for guiding teams

ZOLEO Streamlines Emergency Air Rescue Messaging

TEAAM Case Study - Web.pdf

Reliable communication in remote, high-stakes rescues

Expanded messaging for critical medical details

TEAAM paramedics and pilots operate in remote, mountainous areas where reliable communication is critical — often making the difference between life and death. Previously the organization relied on two-way radios but they lacked range and clarity, creating significant safety risks. Additionally, their previous satellite messaging device was limited to only 160 characters, making it difficult to convey essential patient information clearly.

Teams experienced frequent two-way radio failures in mountainous terrain, compromising safety

Crews relied on a satellite messaging tool limited to 160 characters, which restricted crucial medical details

Staff navigated complex device interfaces that slowed communication during urgent scenarios

Delayed or unclear communication disrupted care coordination and reduced mission efficiency

In a critical incident, poor communication prevented a helicopter crew from quickly confirming whether a landing zone was safe. This caused mission delays and significantly increased the risk to both the patient and the crew.

TEAAM no longer has any communication gaps when its staff are deployed on missions that are beyond the reach of traditional networks. ZOLEO helps TEAAM keep its crews safe and ensures that it can provide patients with the care they need. “Responding to emergency calls is a high-stakes job,” says Miles. “It is comforting to know that with ZOLEO our team has their own lifeline too.”

Join TEAAM and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

With a mission to provide “patient care anywhere”, not-for-profit Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical (TEAAM) offers pre-hospital care and transport to those beyond the reach of traditional ambulances. Its staff of more than 100 paramedics, physicians, nurses and technical rescue specialists operate from four bases in British Columbia.

Reliable air rescue team communication from ZOLEO helps save lives when every second counts.

TEAAM deployed ZOLEO devices across its four operational bases after testing revealed its intuitive usability and extended 900-character messaging capability. Crews quickly adopted ZOLEO, finding it easy to use for both mission check-ins and detailed medical updates. They could communicate through the intuitive app interface or by using the device’s built-in buttons, making it a seamless part of their operations.

Ability to send detailed messages of 900+ characters 

Easy integration into helicopter response protocols 

Intuitive app interface, enabling rapid team training and onboarding 

Reliable communication across satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi networks 

Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical

ZOLEO Delivers Field Communication During Disaster Response

ZOLEO delivers critical emergency response coordination technology in disaster zones when others fail.

ZOLEO Case Study ITDRC - digital.pdf

Real-time coordination across disaster zones

Strengthened safety and team visibility in emergencies

Flexible, portable communication for volunteers

In August 2021, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, leaving over 650,000 individuals needing immediate assistance. ITDRC was deployed to provide critical support but faced significant communication obstacles due to severely damaged or completely destroyed infrastructure. Designed for stationary, internet-based use domestically, ITDRC's existing equipment was inadequate for Haiti's conditions, where cellular networks were largely non-existent even before the earthquake.

Teams operated without internet or cellular networks due to extensive damage or outages

Crews relied on traditional communication tools that required stationary setup and internet access

Teams struggled to relay their locations or health status effectively

Medical and logistical coordination was compromised during critical situations

Crews navigated high-security risks in gang-controlled roadways and remote areas, increasing the urgency of reliable communication

Initially, responders relied on satellite dishes, which restricted their ability to send GPS coordinates or check-in while in transit, causing significant delays during critical moments. 

Using ZOLEO for field communication enabled the ITDRC volunteers to coordinate the installation of equipment and power at 15 sites to support NGOs providing critical relief to affected communities.

Going forward, ITDRC will continue relying on ZOLEO to help maximize visibility and minimize risk in high security operations and allow the organization to respond to disasters that would otherwise be deemed too risky. ZOLEO will be used to enhance operational efficiency, as well as to ensure the safety and security of its team both in the US and across the globe.

Join ITDRC and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

Known for connecting communities in crisis, the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) provides technical resources to support disaster relief and recovery operations. Since 2008, the volunteer-driven organization has responded to crises across the US, including wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.

ITDRC deployed nine ZOLEO devices to support in-field volunteers and cross-border coordination. Devices were used for location tracking, emergency messaging and providing medical updates between Haiti and the U.S.

Rapid deployment in disaster zones with no setup 

Text-based communication through a familiar mobile app 

Flexible pay-as-you-go satellite plans for mission scalability 

Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

ZOLEO Enables Reliable Communication for Forestry Teams

ZOLEO strengthens safety and efficiency as a silviculture communication solution across five remote camps.

Blue Collar Group Silviculture Case Study.pdf

Consistent communication across five remote camps

Improved emergency preparedness for reforestation crews 

Teams of up to 50 workers operate across five remote camps, often hundreds of kilometers from the nearest roads or infrastructure. “Very rarely do we have access to cell service,” says Charlebois. The camps are so isolated that Blue Collar often relies on helicopters to transport workers, deliver gear, and move seedlings. Once on-site, crews live off-grid for days at a time.

Crews worked at reforestation sites with little or no cellular service

Teams relied on previously installed satellite internet that was slow and unreliable

Organizations evaluated other satellite communicators that proved costly and complex

Workers climbed steep, accident-prone terrain while carrying heavy loads

Safety check-ins were inconsistent and difficult to manage

Teams navigated hazardous conditions, including extreme weather, wildlife encounters and challenging vehicle routes

Supervisors frequently lacked visibility into the status and location of workers during long, multi-kilometer treks. Without a reliable system in place, these conditions left workers vulnerable and response times uncertain.

Blue Collar needed a communication solution that was affordable, dependable and easy to use to complement their safety protocols and help ensure the well-being of their remote crews.

“Not only has ZOLEO prepared us for emergencies, but it has enhanced our operations,” says Charlebois. Though the primary reason for adopting ZOLEO was initially for improved safety, ZOLEO enhanced processes by providing a reliable means of communication between teams in the remote field. “In our business, things change due to weather and difficulty of access. When it doesn’t go according to plan, we can now use ZOLEO to effectively communicate with our team wherever they are. All we have to do is send a text.”

Based on the great feedback they received from the staff involved in the trial, Blue Collar Silviculture quipped their entire management team with ZOLEO devices. Anyone in a role that oversees people now has their own dedicated device and SMS number so they can be reached at any time. Going forward, Blue Collar Silviculture plans to deploy ZOLEO in all its remote tree-planting projects. “The ability to communicate back and forth when off the grid has become such a key part of our operations, ZOLEO is now included in our management toolkit,” Charlebois concludes.

Join Blue Collar Silviculture and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

On a mission to reforest the Canadian wilderness, the Silviculture division at Blue Collar has been providing reforestation services across British Columbia and Alberta since 1983. The hardworking team of 300 people plants an average of 30 million seedlings over the four-month planting season each year. Blue Collar is committed to ensuring its workforce remains safe and productive, which in turn contributes to the success of its clients and stakeholders.

Blue Collar implemented ZOLEO satellite communicators across its remote teams. Easy-to-use and cost-effective, ZOLEO ensures reliable communication through satellite coverage, providing instant check-ins, real-time messaging, and clear operational visibility.

Reliable satellite connectivity, even in remote wilderness areas 

Simple check-in and messaging capabilities integrated into daily workflows 

Cost-effective communication solution compared to previous tools 

Enhanced visibility and improved worker safety 

Blue Collar Silviculture

ZOLEO Improves Communication for Helicopter Crews

ZOLEO simplifies helicopter operation communication, ensuring smooth check-ins and team coordination.

49 North Helicopters Case Study - Summer.pdf

Seamless, standardized communication across the fleet

Faster pilot onboarding with intuitive technology

Real-time coordination for mission-critical responsiveness

Operating helicopters in mountainous regions comes with high costs and safety demands. 49 North Helicopters relied on FM radios and a competing satellite device, but both were unreliable or overly complex. Inconsistent connectivity made it difficult to coordinate pick-ups, drop-offs, or schedule changes in real time.

Teams experienced FM radio failures in mountainous areas

Crews used satellite tools that were difficult to operate and inflexible

The organization faced safety and timing risks during pick-ups and emergency communications

Communication systems posed significant cost and complexity challenges

Crews sometimes had to resort to relaying instructions at the hangar or in person, wasting valuable mission time and increasing operational risk.

Today, 49 North Helicopters has a ZOLEO device assigned to each aircraft they operate so they’re always connected. No matter which helicopter a pilot is flying, they can open the ZOLEO app and connect to a ZOLEO device in under a minute before taking off.

Join 49 North Helicopters and thousands of organizations worldwide who trust ZOLEO for mission-critical communication.

With a fleet of 10 aircraft based on Vancouver Island, 49 North Helicopters Ltd., operates year-round transporting passengers and provides services like sightseeing, aerial photography, heli-skiing, fire suppression and search and rescue. It also provides training for student pilots. As an aviation ‘jack-of-all-trades’, 49 North Helicopters serves customers throughout British Columbia and often operates beyond the reach of cellular coverage.

Business Case Studies

Discover How ZOLEO Keeps Teams Safe and Improves
Business and Field operations

Trail Bus

Simpcw Resource Group (SRG)

Sierra Forestry Consulting (SFC)

Northern Health

Phantom Adventures Ltd.

Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical

Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

Blue Collar Silviculture

49 North Helicopters

Moto Trails USA

Stellar Adventure Travel

Scott Lake Lodge

Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF)

We're Here to Help

Business Case Studies

Discover How ZOLEO Keeps Teams Safe and ImprovesBusiness and Field operations

Trail Bus

Simpcw Resource Group (SRG)

Sierra Forestry Consulting (SFC)

Northern Health

Phantom Adventures Ltd.

Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical

Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

Blue Collar Silviculture

49 North Helicopters

Moto Trails USA

Stellar Adventure Travel

Scott Lake Lodge

Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF)

We're Here to Help

Discover How ZOLEO Keeps Teams Safe and Improves
Business and Field operations