But one major benefit of Beartooth is that it allows for asynchronous communication, while traditional radios don't. That aspect could turn communication in remote areas from centering around crucial information only (since everything is immediate) to something closer to traditional casual text messaging. That's a big plus, and it makes a Beartooth a nice complement to traditional gear rather than a replacement for it.

I have absolutely no affiliation with Beartooth, nor do I own one. But I have gone on long hiking and canoe trips in rural areas and could see a Beartooth as a nice addition.