Sat phones?

[DC Ben]

Been suffering through a classic get-what-you-pay-for experience with cheap/nonfunctional Globalstar. Time to switch to something that works. Recommendations? Mostly it would be a mid atlantic offshore emergency phone, but there are other remote trips in my future so awesome if service is good worldwide.

Thanks!

Ben

[ChrisPenning]

Ben,

Iridium hands down.

Regards,
Chris

[platinumgoat]

I spoke to someone at globalstar at the end of 2011 , and they told me that they would have more satellites up by March 2012. He also said because of that I would be able to use the phone anytime , no special windows. Sounds like that was another Globalstar lie. I keep the phone in my ditch bag. I sure hope it works if I need it! Very disappointing reading your post.

[DC Ben]

Platinum, I did some googling and apparently they did launch more satellites - broken satellites - so their service hasn't improved. Tried yours recently?

[b1tuna]

X2 on the Iridium. I've had one going on 5 years and use it a few times each year. It's worked every time and it's crystal clear 60 miles off the beach. No complaints and no problems.

[platinumgoat]

I have not tried it yet. I purchased the phone three or four years ago so I could fish weekdays. All I needed at the time for work was a phone. Still have not fished on a weekday , and sounds like if I keep the global star I still won't be

[Mackey]

I have GlobalStar hard mounted that camewith the new boat. It took six weeks to resolve activation issues and a dialingout problem. The help line people were of little help and even gave outmisinformation on my model phone. Well it is working now and the reception isgreat when there is a satulite in the sky (which is most of the time). But Iwould have to say, if the GlobalStar did not come with the boat, I wouldn'trush out to buy their service or products.

[DC Ben]

So you're in the liferaft in the tempest, taking on water - "hold on guys, this thing should work by morning"

[Mackey]

For me the SAT phone is just a way to tell the wife if we are having Mahi or Tuna for dinner. If I am in a liferaft, my EPIRB/gps is transmitting my Lat & Lon to the coasties.

[NachoLibre]

Ben,

I've had an Iridium from Satcom Direct for 4 years and have zero complaints. I have the 9575 now and love it. It works every time as long as you charge it and pay your bill. I keep mine in a Pelican case to keep it protected when not in use.