PLCs can come with GSM unit which will send information via a sim card.
These would normally be used to send out alarms eg if the temp got too high/low then a text or email would be sent to the address list.
If you are looking for something that logs and sends data then this site may help it...
Could you use 2 linear joysticks 1 for large movements and the other for "fine" movements i would have linked these thru a plc to the frequency drive. BUT i would have thought if you have the fine linear joystick as a high resistance in series with the large movement joystick which would be a...
Have you considered a crouzet plc the software is £10 and the hardware is cheap with modules that you can add on. I got some with 16 Inputs 6 of which are 0-10v. lcd display and 10 relay outputs the plc is an xd24 i think and cost about £120 gbp. They also do a gsm modem when i last looked that...