I did some reading on inreach - seems like a lot of fundamental capability at a reasonable cost (both hardware & use fees) if you're a voyager in remote areas. Texas to Key West direct is fairly remote.
With T-Mobil opening up its Gulf service this summer, there's cell coverage a substantial distance offshore from Houston to Mobile.
https://www.tmonews.com/2019/07/t-mo...e-gulf-mexico/
Thanks everyone for the informed input.