Satellite Telephones at sea!

[Allen]

Hi,
Can anyone offer advice on the purchase and use of a satellite telephone at sea?
Many thanks,
Allen

<hr width=100% size=1>Allen

 

[zefender]

I wans't interested in datacoms, just voice. So I bought an Iridium phone (actually one of the old style 'bricks') from ebay in the US for about £350. You then need to open up an account with a reseller and calls cost about $US3/minute (if I remember corrrectly). The quality is OK but there is a bit of a delay and voice clarity isn't brilliant but perfectly understandable (though my missus thought I was drunk the whole time!)

Other options are Thuraya (spelling), mini-sat and the hugely expensive Sat-C. Because of weight and cost, most are not suitable for sailboats. What you choose depends what you're looking to do, and where (since they are not all global in coverage).

Not an expert - hope this helps.

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[qsiv]

Cruising area is a very significant factor in any choice - so where will you be!?

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[Allen]

Thank you for your interest.
I will initially be cruising around the UK and then into Europe.
With kindest regards
Allen

<hr width=100% size=1>Allen

 

[qsiv]

Well, you are well within the Thuraya footprint - it would be worth costing carefully the standing charges .v. call charges for the use you intend making of the system.

Natural alternatives are Iridium and Globalstar (in that orde, I would suggest).

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[pwfl]

Oh, I just replied to you on the PBO forum, but I see it's all going on here. It is definitely $1.50 per minute though (not $3), & $0.75c to another Iridium

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