Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of Northstar Relay (“Relay”, “we”, “us”), a satellite-text Q&A service reachable at +1 (864) 387-3529 and at northstarrelay.com. By creating an account or texting the service, you agree to these Terms.

The service

Relay lets you text questions from a satellite-capable device and receive automated replies, including live data from public sources (weather, tides, trail context, first-aid references, and similar). Replies are best-effort informational guidance, not a substitute for professional advice or emergency services.

Eligibility and accounts

• You must be at least 13 years old to use Relay.
• You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you register, including the satellite device phone number you provide.
• You are responsible for keeping your account credentials secure. Notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorized use.
• You may only register phone numbers you own or are authorized to use.

SMS messaging

By registering your satellite device phone number, you consent to receive automated SMS replies from Relay in response to questions you text to the service. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel at any time.

See our Privacy Policy for how we handle SMS data.

Not for emergencies

Relay is not an emergency service. Satellite delivery can be delayed or fail. For life-threatening emergencies, use your device's dedicated SOS button (which routes to the appropriate rescue coordination center) or contact local emergency services. Do not rely on Relay for medical decisions, evacuation calls, or any situation where delay could cause harm.

Acceptable use

You agree not to use Relay to:

• Violate any law or the rights of others.
• Send abusive, harassing, or unlawful content, or attempt to use Relay to send such content to third parties.
• Reverse engineer, scrape, overload, or attack the service.
• Circumvent rate limits, safety filters, or authentication.
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your affiliation.

Accuracy and reliability

Relay pulls from public data sources and large language models. Information may be incomplete, out of date, or incorrect. Conditions in the field can change rapidly. Always verify safety-critical information (weather windows, avalanche conditions, medical dosing, route finding) against a second source and your own judgment before acting.

Fees

Relay may be offered free of charge or at a fee disclosed at the time of signup. Message and data rates from your satellite or cellular carrier may apply and are your responsibility.

Termination

You may stop using Relay at any time by texting STOP or deleting your account. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, abuse the service, or create safety risks.

Disclaimers

Relay is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or that replies will be accurate or complete.

Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Relay and its operators will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, revenues, data, or goodwill arising from your use of the service. Our total liability for any claim relating to the service will not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim, or US $100, whichever is greater.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold Relay harmless from claims arising out of your use of the service, your content, or your violation of these Terms or applicable law.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Disputes will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in California.

Changes

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be announced on this page with a new “Last updated” date. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions? Email hello@northstarrelay.com.