Thread: Sat Phones

I use an Inmarsat phone and buy credit for a pre-paid SIM. Works well - Arguably Inmarsat works best closer to the equator as the Inmarsat satellites are geostationary over the equator. That said it worked well in SW Tas recently, you just need to see the sky to the North. Plus Inmarsat are used by mariners all over the world AFAIK, so unless you plan to visit polar regions I'd expect good coverage with these phones.

From my reading Inmarsat and Iridium are the most reliable reception-wise of the four options I looked at.

Like everyone else I only carry the phone for emergency use and occasional texts when out of mobile range for extended periods (such as a recent 7 day bushwalk).

Michael

I have a Thuraya XT lite for sale cheap if anyone needs a Sat Phone.

It has a Pivotel sim card which are very reasonable to own and use. Incoming calls and texts are free which is a great bonus.

Like most Satphones it is directional but when connected to a roof aerial the coverage is much improved and very reliable.

Ian
Bittern