IsatPhone Experience

[ncapener]

Looks like satellite phone has become somewhat affordable.
I would like to hear form sailors that have an IsatPhone. Like it? shortfalls?

Thanks,
Neal

[sailingdog]

I doubt many have any experience with the ISATPhone, since it is a very new unit. I've used both Globalstar and Iridium phones, along with the larger MiniM and B-Term type satellite phones. What did you want the phone for? What were you going to use it for, and what parts of the world were you planning on using it in?

[ncapener]

I will use the phone on the B.C. coast this year, later on on the way to and in the South Pacific. $1000 gets me the phone and 250 minutes of air time. Small price to pay to let family know about my wereabouts once a week. Text message is 50 cents a piece.

Neal

[sailingdog]

Probably not a great choice, since you won't have coverage on the North American side of your trip AFAICT. The ISATPHONE coverage map looks like this:





and the accompanying statement is on the page with the coverage map:

This map depicts Inmarsat’s expectations of coverage, but does not represent a guarantee of service. The availability of service at the edge of coverage areas fluctuates depending on various conditions. Satellite phone services coverage February 2009.

As you can see, very little east of the line going from Japan to half-way across Australia appears to have any coverage.

Iridium would give you better coverage. Globalstar has had voice coverage issues that they're in the midst of resolving by launching new satellites.

Here is Iridium's coverage map

[ncapener]

Actually, coverage is world wide. Both north and south poles are not covered.
I did not have time to play much with the new toy, but I turned it on this morning and the phone was locked on the satellite and ready to use in about 15 seconds.
Me think I like it.

Neal

[ottos]

Did you consider SPOT It doesn't have worldwide coverage, but would cover BC - and then in the future, prices for global coverage would likely drop. Just a thought.
.

[sailingdog]

Just curious as to why they had that other coverage map on their site, if the coverage is GLOBAL. Good luck with it and let us know how it all works out.

Originally Posted by ncapener

Actually, coverage is world wide. Both north and south poles are not covered.
I did not have time to play much with the new toy, but I turned it on this morning and the phone was locked on the satellite and ready to use in about 15 seconds.
Me think I like it.

Neal

[ncapener]

I get a different coverage map that shows three satellites covering the globe.

I used the phone this morning to call my mother in Austria. Clear voice, no background noise and no delay. Sound quality better than any cell phone I ever used.
I am absolutely happy with the unit.

Neal