what satellite phone?

**none1** · 09-22-2005, 11:48 PM

Hi all! Heading into hurricane areas, again, don't want to get caught without phone service, again.

Anyone have any experience with satellite phones? I know nothing, except that they exist.

Thanks!

**Jammer** · 09-25-2005, 01:32 AM

There 3 dollars a minute.

**hd54321** · 09-25-2005, 04:50 AM

Iridium was the only satellite phone provider I had heard about it. But, I think they went out of business a few years ago. Also, you need a line of sight (as with any device picking up satlellite signals) with a sky while you are on the phone.

-HD

**tj!2k4** · 09-25-2005, 05:00 AM

i remember hearing the same thing about iridium, but it looks like they're still around and doing well..

**shizzle** · 09-25-2005, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by none1

Hi all! Heading into hurricane areas, again, don't want to get caught without phone service, again.

Anyone have any experience with satellite phones? I know nothing, except that they exist.

Thanks!

I have little experience with them, just have used one. But I know they are expensive. Very. I think a basic model runs around $750. I wonder if the sat phone companies give promotions with contracts or whatever? Your'e gonna have to look into it, but don't be too suprised at the rates.

**Bugbyte** · 09-25-2005, 12:39 PM

Iridium has managed to stay in business by providing service to the military, after reorganizing in bankruptcy.

I've had some experience with a briefcase sized one 6-7 years ago. The antenna was built into the briefcase and required you to align the azimuth and elevation to hit the satellite. There was a delay as the service was to a geostationary satellite 22,500 miles up and then back.

It worked quite well once it was set up. Cost was $3000 and a couple bucks a minute.

I'm certain they have smaller and easier devices now.

**SFiorito** · 09-25-2005, 12:47 PM

i used an iridium overseas. there are other satellite providers also, not just iridium. it should be about $1/minute with certain plans. works fairly well but there's a slight delay. never got a chance to use the data service though (not very fast obviously).

http://www.outfittersatellite.com/iridium.htm

might want to look at GlobalStar: http://www.outfittersatellite.com/globalstar.htm