Thread: New sat phones soon

Yes let us know what you think .... I'm just deciding whether to fork out for a new EPIRB at $400-600 or go for a satphone. If the difference is not too great, i may as well go with the satphone and have two way comms.

Originally Posted by waynep

Yes let us know what you think .... I'm just deciding whether to fork out for a new EPIRB at $400-600 or go for a satphone. If the difference is not too great, i may as well go with the satphone and have two way comms.

The new Iridium is about 3 grand - if you get the subsidy - that will knock off between $800.00 to $1000.00 from the price. The new generation EPIRBS with GPS are about $600.00.

But - you can only use the EPIRB in a full emergency situation - I have both an Iridium and EPIRB, and see the EPIRB as a backup to the sat phone in case of failure or unreliable coverage.

Iridium 9555 here soon.

Thuraya launched, got a handset arrived on test. It's small, light, colour, camera. Unlike the older models you couldn't kill someone with it.

GlobalStar continue to have major problems and IMHO need to be avoided until they are sorted out. They have a website where you can work out the best time to make a call. The fact they put that up speaks volumes.

Yes Globalstar satellites are failing one by one. Let's if the rep[lacements get up next year.

I'm leaning towards the smaller Thuraya - sat only, colour screen, about $1000, car kit is another $1000.

Regards
Max P

Originally Posted by rmp

Iridium 9555 here soon.

Thuraya launched, got a handset arrived on test. It's small, light, colour, camera. Unlike the older models you couldn't kill someone with it.

GlobalStar continue to have major problems and IMHO need to be avoided until they are sorted out. They have a website where you can work out the best time to make a call. The fact they put that up speaks volumes.

How is the Thuyraya going ?

Originally Posted by waynep

How is the Thuyraya going ?

Good. Made a call with it every time I've tried to. Not GSM quality or reception of course, it is a satphone after all. Not all agreements are in place for data/SMS yet. That's all for the moment. Keep an eye on Overlander for a full report including the basic carkit.

Also, Iridium's new handset is in stock now so I shall get my hands on one of those too.

I'm going to talk to Telstra about the Iridium as I need to upgrade my old handset (its the old brick like Motorola one). Any info on the 9555 would be appreciated.

My understanding is that the iridiums work "anywhere" but some of the alternatives only work under a satellite "footprint" (which doesn't cover the whole of Oz)

I've only used a motorola and the iridium network (it was fine) - can you please tell us as to what system and kind of coverage the new ones have?

thanks - Laurie