Satellite phones

[Toy Man]

Jerry suggested I post my experiences with a satellite phone here.

I have mine for 3 or 5 years so I am not current on what prices and services plans/charges are.

I purchased a used Iridium phone from Outfitters Satellite. It was about $500 then but I believe the price has gone up and there is a new model, the 6500.

Satellite Outfitters policy is that you have to be continuously signed up at $35 a month plus you have to make at least one call a month. I think my bill is $37 a month. Calls cost $1.50 a minute. The company used to have a plan where you could inactivate the phone for a six month block of time per year. I tried it and it was very clumsy to use and it seemed like I was always wanting to use it sometimes in the 'off' six months. Don't know if they still have a plan like that.

It is a little bulky, the lithium battery has to be recharged about every month or the phone has to be plugged into a 12v outlet. Not a problem in the vehicle but can be one a long rafting trips. I purchased an extra battery to handle these cases.

It is easy to use but reception varies. Best reception is where you have a clear view of the sky. Trees, canyons, etc can be a problem. You can also have good reception/signal for awhile and then it will go away.

While I have seldom used it, it has come in handy several times, especially last fall on our Mexico back country trip when we needed to communicate with a family member. I feel 'naked' without it.

http://www.outfittersatellite.com/

[Jerry]

It sounds like 99% of the time satellite phones would be more effective than ham radio, or any radio (including cell phones) that rely upon repeaters. Perhaps the only advantage ham radio has is when you are in a narrow canyon and cannot hit a satellite but may have the capability to broadcast on lower ham bands. With ham or other radio you are at the mercy of whoever is on the other end of the transmission whereas with a satellite phone you can talk directly with whichever emergency service you may need. Or, you can think up whatever excuse to satisfy your wife that it is truly necessary to stay out another day????? Of course the cost is higher, but what price safety?
Jerry

[Steve]

Remember that if you do not want to make the purchase, you can always rent a phone for a week or more. Also a good way to test one out.

Steve

[SafariAWD]

Hi folks!

New guy here >.<

Definitely useful for emergency anywhere. Heck even cell towers can crap out but the chances of the satellites in the space …

They are quite pricy and I never did foot down a monthly payment. I rented from a local shop and it would cost me about $35 for the month of rental where usually my bill ends up around $75. I think the price as gone up since I last rented. Currently from the local shops there are rumours of “Pay as Go” style for the satellite phones. It will most likely be quite pricy but very convenient.

I have used GlobalStar and MSat. Try the link below for more info and to find a retail dealer nearby (usually they will also carry MSat) - http://www.globalstar.ca/en/content.php?cid=200


Has anyone heard of the GPS Spot!? If not you better have a read – it might be tool you want without the price of the Satellite phone - http://www.findmespot.com/

EDIT: Looks like someone already mentioned the Spot in another thread Worth a read.

[Jerry]

I have made arrangements to rent an Iridium Model 9505 satellite phone from Day Wireless Systems for our trip to the Owyhee's over the Memorial Day weekend. It will be comforting to know that we will have a somewhat dependable, although expensive, comminications device to connect us with the outside world should it be necessary. The rental fee is $75 per week and/or $20 per day and calls are $1.99 per minute.
Jerry

EDITED

Check that. Dick "Toy Man" is bringing his satellite phone so will not have to rent one.

[Toy Man]

Umm ok but I will have my Iridium sat. phone also.

Toy Man

[Jerry]

Umm ok but I will have my Iridium sat. phone also.

Oh, wow! Thanks, Dick, I wasn't even thinking. I do (or do not) a lot of that lately. Your having a satellite phone is a comfort to all of us. I'll cancel the phone rental.
Jerry