Does anyone here use satellite phones?

[nateo101]

My grandfather had a hear attack while building a tree stand on our land awhile ago. My uncle had to run a mile to get to a land line phone. I always carry a cb in my jeep but there are times when I am sure it would not reach out to a road. I don't think I will ever get one because I always hunt with other guys, but does anyone use them at all? If so how much do they cost if you don't mind saying?

 

[XJ_ranger]

Ive used one a few times - when I was in Alaska back country on a kayaking expadition for a 1.5week stay, once in the sierra's when we were a 2 hour 4x4 road to any emergency help and we were camping for 10 days, and once when we rented one just to try it out.

They work real well, but are expensive - i think we paid 135 for the alaska trip rental, with no minutes - had to pay 1.50 a minute for all phone calls.

they sent and recieved txt messages and also had a phone jack to plug a laptop modem into - that was cool, we spent 15.00 on a 10 minute online session - we had internet where no cell phones worked.

here are some pics of the alaska trip:
http://www.opiebennett.com/images/Prince-William-Sound/index.htm

this is the company that i have rented with:
http://www.iridium.com/

 

[bajacalal]

My grandfather had a hear attack while building a tree stand on our land awhile ago. My uncle had to run a mile to get to a land line phone. I always carry a cb in my jeep but there are times when I am sure it would not reach out to a road. I don't think I will ever get one because I always hunt with other guys, but does anyone use them at all? If so how much do they cost if you don't mind saying?

If your grandfathers hearing is bad I don't think a satellite phone is going to help.

Ok, all dark humor aside, does any sort of cell phone reception reach the area? Probably a dumb question because I live in a rather built up area and can't seem to get any at the house. Also, since family members of mine have had the same issues, its important that your grandfather carrys the aspirin (and other heart drugs if theyre prescribed) around with him.

XJ ranger: Thanks for the pics, thats where I really want to take my Jeep. Also, did you own/ride in the Toyota pictured?

 

[XJ_ranger]

If your grandfathers hearing is bad I don't think a satellite phone is going to help.

Ok, all dark humor aside, does any sort of cell phone reception reach the area? Probably a dumb question because I live in a rather built up area and can't seem to get any at the house. Also, since family members of mine have had the same issues, its important that your grandfather carrys the aspirin (and other heart drugs if theyre prescribed) around with him.

XJ ranger: Thanks for the pics, thats where I really want to take my Jeep. Also, did you own/ride in the Toyota pictured?

no -just saw them and had to take pics

we drove a rental car while in anchorage...

the wheeling up there is supposed to be unreal...

 

[nateo101]

If your grandfathers hearing is bad I don't think a satellite phone is going to help.

Ok, all dark humor aside, does any sort of cell phone reception reach the area? Probably a dumb question because I live in a rather built up area and can't seem to get any at the house. Also, since family members of mine have had the same issues, its important that your grandfather carrys the aspirin (and other heart drugs if theyre prescribed) around with him.

XJ ranger: Thanks for the pics, thats where I really want to take my Jeep. Also, did you own/ride in the Toyota pictured?

haha fair enough

There is some cell phone service but you have to drive 45 minutes to get it and it can be inconsistent......we have a cabin in the middle of nowhere that we have been working on for quite some time. It is just that accidents do happen and I wouldn't mind paying something for that extra piece of mine...

thanks for the link I will look into that

 

[hologram]

I sale them at West Marine.
Global Star GSP-1600 = $649.99
Motorola Iridium 9505A = $2199.99

The glodal star is more of a coast to coast phone.
The Iridium will work world wide.

You have to sign up for service through diferent companies. I think Global Star offers a service.

 

[old_man]

How about StarBand and a VOIP? I have a buddy in the mountains that has no electricity. He uses solar to charge a battery and an inverter to run his StarBand Internet access. With the voip, he has cheap long distance. He is a programmer and telecomutes. He can run on generator if necessary, but rarely does.

Sorry I just saw you were looking for a mobile solution.

 

[XJ_ranger]

Another cool thing that we had while in camp in the sierra's was Dish network TV - No cell phones, but 1200 channels including HBO and Cinimax -

Next years plans include satalite internet that doesnt cost 1.50 a minute, is high speed, and can be networked - More to say we did it than to acutaly webwheel at night...

The zuki samurai optima red-top will have a hard life next time