2 way satellite communicator

[BILLy]

Hi
Does anyone use or has used such a device for expeditions or other uses? I'm after some info on such devices please, like which ones are good, what case would you take one with you for example, how do they work, pro's and cons if you would. I'm looking to maybe get one for my son who will be travelling at the end of the year, would it come in handy?
Kind regards
Bill


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[neoaliphant]

Hi
Does anyone use or has used such a device for expeditions or other uses? I'm after some info on such devices please, like which ones are good, what case would you take one with you for example, how do they work, pro's and cons if you would. I'm looking to maybe get one for my son who will be travelling at the end of the year, would it come in handy?
Kind regards
Bill


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Ive only used one in UK for testing and setting up for client, but the support from Charles from Ashbury is marvelous, highly recomend them as a company.
https://www.ashburysatcom.co.uk/

 

[BILLy]

Thanks for reply Neo, I'll check them out


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[DavidJT]

My understanding from ocean sailing friends is that the contract required to use sat phones and calling charges are very expensive.
They have recently bought a satellite position device that allows limited 2 way texting and SOS. Currently working fine from the middle of the Atlantic and apparently much more reasonable costs.

I think they chose a Delorme InReach.

 

[neoaliphant]

My understanding from ocean sailing friends is that the contract required to use sat phones and calling charges are very expensive.
They have recently bought a satellite position device that allows limited 2 way texting and SOS. Currently working fine from the middle of the Atlantic and apparently much more reasonable costs.

I think they chose a Delorme InReach.

In reach is popular for messaging purposes

If its only for during one trip, i would definitely rent, ashbury do rental, £80 for one week inc 35 minutes calling.

 

[DavidJT]

That's quite reasonable for a short trip

 

[BILLy]

Thanks, the trip is for two years, so was thinking maybe buying one then selling it on after, thanks
Bill


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[neoaliphant]

Thanks, the trip is for two years, so was thinking maybe buying one then selling it on after, thanks
Bill


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Ive just asked someone if they want to sell theirs.......

 

[BILLy]

Oo thanks Neo, 👍👍


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[santaman2000]

Thanks, the trip is for two years, so was thinking maybe buying one then selling it on after, thanks
Bill


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Don't know much about what's available but if you're thinking of selling it on after 2 years you'll probably want to get the newest technology available. Otherwise it'll likely be obsolete (and worthless) after 2 years.

 

[neoaliphant]

Its the isatphone pro that my client has
http://www.inmarsat.com/service/isatphone-pro/

as opposed to the current 2
http://www.inmarsat.com/isatphone/

its not like android phones that lose value rapidly.

if its for sending basic messages and calls, they havent changed much in years.

just new types of devices like the inreach.

the satphone 2 has new features like bluetooth and a tracking mode etc.

like cell phones, sat phones dont all have the same covereage, mostly artic is the issue.
Where is he going?

 

[crosslandkelly]

Where is your son traveling to? When my friends son took his gap year and traveled SE Asia, Australia, NZ and S/America, they were in constant contact via Skype, Facebook and mobile phone.

 

[BILLy]

Hi guys
Thanks again for the replies. He's travelling to Asia, eg India Cambodia Vietnam Phuket mambi Kathmandu Australia NZ etc, he said like you guys there is reception in most places, he's walking the base camp for 17 days, not sure about reception up there though,
Thanks again
Bill



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[neoaliphant]

Thats OK then

see info from ashbury

"[FONT=&quot]While the Thuraya and Globalstar satellite phones work only in specific regions, the Iridium satellite phones work anywhere on Earth, while the Inmarsat satellite phones work anywhere except the polar regions.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]While both the Iridium and Inmarsat satellite phones can be used out at sea, the omni-directional antennas of the Iridium satellite phones makes them better suited for the marine environment. However as a general rule of thumb, the Inmarsat satellite phones are cheaper to use than the Iridium satellite phones."

I would go with inmarsat,[/FONT]
Also satellite phones cant be unlocked at all. they are fixed to a network

Hi guys
Thanks again for the replies. He's travelling to Asia, eg India Cambodia Vietnam Phuket mambi Kathmandu Australia NZ etc, he said like you guys there is reception in most places, he's walking the base camp for 17 days, not sure about reception up there though,
Thanks again
Bill



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[BILLy]

That's really great info Noe thank you very much 👍👍


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[neoaliphant]

Ive just asked someone if they want to sell theirs.......

Sorry, client doesnt want to sell it...

 

[BILLy]

No probs Neo, thanks for helping 👍


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[Wayne]

I have used Thuraya extensively and works well on all regions except North America. When communication is absolutely essential in the remotest parts of the globe then I use Iridium phones.

Call charges aren't that outrageous for pure voice. Keep Communicatíons simple. For gap year travel I don't think I would bother with a sat phone as its another bit of expensive fragile kit to get lost or stolen. You will be surprised whoever it's possible to get perfect mobile reception these days.