Satellite Phone Forum

[Richard J]

I have the opprtunity to get a Globalstar GSP-1700 satellite phone for $300. I fish 30 - 50 miles out of PC/SI and go to the Bahamas a few times per year. I have heard that the Globalstars are hit and miss with coverage, not sure how true that is today. Just trying to find out if it is worth $350 to get the phone? Also, does anyone know what the monthly recurring cost is and how much airtime does that provide me? Again it will only be used in extreme emergency since I have an EPIRB just thinking about getting a SAT phone as well.
Thoughts?

[tozza]

I have the opprtunity to get a Globalstar GSP-1700 satellite phone for $300. I fish 30 - 50 miles out of PC/SI and go to the Bahamas a few times per year. I have heard that the Globalstars are hit and miss with coverage, not sure how true that is today.

If it is a "true" sat phone this coverage should be every where. If not DO NOT GET IT.

Satellite Phones are the best thing known to man in my opinion when it comes to safety equipment. I use mine all the time though.

Good Luck.
tozza

[Bob]

I looked into satellite phones because of several months in remote areas of Alaska last summer. My conclusion was that if I was to buy one, I wanted Iridium, definitely not Globalstar. With the Globalstar, you have to know when there is a satellite overhead, and then transmit. The coverage was not there. This seems to pan out with the reports on this site.

What do you really need a satellite phone for? Another option is the SPOT--not an EPRIB, and don't consider it as such, but it does allow tracking by family and friends, and has several "messages" pre-programed in it. The other option is SSB radio. I have a large older set I'll sell you for the same amount!
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Bob Austin

[IMuller]

I have not heard, in almost a decade, anyone who is really satisfied with their Globalstar service ..... bring it up in offshore circles in my state and you will hear nothing but complaints....

Iridium is more expensive, but when you turn it on, it works.

I don't use a Sat Phone for chit-chat.... when I power it up, it better work.

[tozza]

I use the Iridium phones. They to me are the best. There was one for sale on eBay a few weeks ago. Do a search and you will find it. It was a pretty good deal and it was ready to go with minutes and everything.

Iridium's are the only ones I have had success with.

Also do not under estimate the uses of a good sat phone. I know two people that would not be alive today if it was not for theirs. You should have an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and any other devise like that you can afford however nothing is better than a direct line that you can talk to someone if you are in distress. They are a must have if you go over 15 miles out in my opinion.

tozza