Whether faced with a dead battery or an unexpected emergency, you’ve likely found yourself without access to a phone. It leaves you feeling helpless and even vulnerable. The makers of SpareOne phone seek to prevent similar situations in the future — or, at least, for the next 15 years.

Debuted at CES 2012, the SpareOne phone runs on a single AA battery, which can last up to 15 years or through 10 hours of talk time. The phone features straightforward, no-frills technology that allows you to make and receive calls from its simple, lightweight device.

SpareOne and XPAL Power (the portable power company behind SpareOne’s simple battery system) suggest using the phone for emergencies, such as natural disasters or roadside predicaments. But beyond that, SpareOne is great for planned activities that operate on tenuous communication means, such as backpacking or traveling overseas. You can even give one to the kids when they wander off at the mall.