New satellite phone

Costs and what you get seems to depend on the dealer.
For example the IsatPhone Pro ( IsatPhone Pro ) has a built in gps and it will send your position as a text or email message.
And it can receive text messages.

See the website above for details of what this phone can do.
The site says that it will do data early 2011. Slow data to be sure but it depends on what you want to do with the data.

But... will your dealer provide you with a plan that does more than just phone calls?

So, can you guys tell us something about using the gps and text messaging?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by miky

Costs and what you get seems to depend on the dealer.
For example the IsatPhone Pro ( IsatPhone Pro ) has a built in gps and it will send your position as a text or email message.
And it can receive text messages.

See the website above for details of what this phone can do.
The site says that it will do data early 2011. Slow data to be sure but it depends on what you want to do with the data.

But... will your dealer provide you with a plan that does more than just phone calls?

So, can you guys tell us something about using the gps and text messaging?

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The system we sell, enables you to send a text to a computer or mobile, giving your GMS co-ordinates, enter into GPS/Google and they then have your location...

I do have a problem ringing pre paid telstra phones ATM, must ring and report that fault, other than that it rings all the numbers I have tried (beware jc your numbers nearly at the top of the list). It will have its limitations I know but for the cost and being prepaid, along with HF radio, UHF radio and an EPIRB I feel faily well covered for any remote emergeny, just gotta hope it is now never needed.
cheers
blaze

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bblaze

I do have a problem ringing pre paid telstra phones ATM, must ring and report that fault, other than that it rings all the numbers I have tried (beware jc your numbers nearly at the top of the list). It will have its limitations I know but for the cost and being prepaid, along with HF radio, UHF radio and an EPIRB I feel faily well covered for any remote emergeny, just gotta hope it is now never needed.
cheers
blaze

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Much as I like talking to you Rob, I hope it doesn't mean the Disco is playing up!:o

Enjoying the great south west still I hope! Have you been into the 12Volt shop yet? They make some great gear in there.

JC

I was told several months ago that if you live in the country it is not that hard to get the federal government rebate on Sat phones which is quite sizeable (from memory 80%).
I was also told it is a case of going into a Telstra office asking about the rebate and then applying for it and several weeks later they come back with authorisation and then you buy the phone at the discounted rate.

Can anyone confirm this as correct?

cheers,
Terry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TerryO

I was told several months ago that if you live in the country it is not that hard to get the federal government rebate on Sat phones which is quite sizeable (from memory 80%).
I was also told it is a case of going into a Telstra office asking about the rebate and then applying for it and several weeks later they come back with authorisation and then you buy the phone at the discounted rate.

Can anyone confirm this as correct?

cheers,
Terry

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not meant for tourist 4WDers or grey nomads (although a lot have probably got it) :o

fair dinkum applicants would have a requirement for work or living in a remote place (ie. without 3G)

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme | Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 87County

not meant for tourist 4WDers or grey nomads (although a lot have probably got it) :o
<snipped>

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It is perfectly valid for grey nomads to qualify who, by definition, have no fixed address, and may for a significant majority of their travels be away from "regular" phone services like 3G, or even a landline.

Tourist 4WD'ers don't qualify since they are only away from their regular premises for brief periods.

If you live and work somewhere on our vast continent that isn't served by regular phone services you qualify for the subsidy too.

Cheers,
Iain

so would the INMARSAT phone come under the subsidy $600-85%=:eek:.i will fill out the form tomorrow

The inmarsat phone should qualify since the distinction does not appear to be on handset just on location and usage.

You need to obtain the phone from one of the dealers on the Dept list. You also need to have received approval from the Dept before you purchase the phone.

If you live and work outside of the mobile coverage area (you'll need to prove that) then you qualify for the full 85% rebate.

If you live in a mobile coverage area but are out of mobile coverage for more than six months in a two year period then you qualify for a 50% rebate on the phone purchase cost. That is out of coverage for six months not simply traveling about for six months. Of course that shouldn't be too hard to achieve an itinerary of travel involving that level of remoteness ;)

Both of these rebates apply up to a maximum handset purchase price of $1000.

Of course, the Dept is the final decision maker on approving you.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,
Iain

Shopped around for a Sat Phone and bang for buck ended up ordering via "juddy"... About to spend 5 months on the road and even if we wish to sell to recoup some costs well worth to have.

What I liked also is their pre-paid option has a 2 year expiry. In some areas of the world cheaper to call via sat phone then mobile phone with global roaming 8-)

Waaayyyy cheaper than the hire option...