SAT phone rental advice?

[dcarr1971]

Hi,

Have any of you rented a SAT phone for use here in the North Eastern US for a short term?

If so, can you give me any insight into your experiences and the associated costs? (i.e.- Monthly (~$30)+shipping to/from (~$60-$70)+inbound and outbound airtime (~$1.79/min outbound).) Are there any other 'hidden' costs to look out for? Any other advice or suggestions would be appreciated...

As background, I know little or nothing about SAT phones beyond what I've read on some of the rental companies websites. I'm scheduled to be spending 4 days in southern WV off roading with my family and a number of friends in a few weeks. I've just confirmed that we'll be in a location where there is no cell service, but due to last minute changes at work I have to be available for business emergencies the same weekend as the trip.

I'll cancel the trip as a last resort, but am thinking that a SAT phone rental might be an option if I can find one at cheap enough price. (FYI, I'm thinking that cheap = ~$100 to $130 + airtime.)

Thoughts?

 

[shogun]

First off, I have no direct experience, but did research it a couple months ago with a user (not rental co).

One issue of interest is the sat network. Some providers aclls go up to sat, down to nearest phone system and then long-distance landline. Others (iridium) have enough sats that it goes up to sat, then sat to sat to closest destination landline. Thus less or no long-distance landline charge.

I have not confirmed this with a provider and it probably wont be a factor in your location. Then again, if you hear any banjo music, start running/paddling.

 

[Mash5]

I have used Road Post and I was quite pleased with the experience and the product. I dealt with Maz 877-236-4121 ex283. I would call him direct. Their phones come with all the gear you may need including the external antenna for use from inside the vehicle, an extra battery and car changer.

I planned to only use it for emergencies but one of our group ended up coming in late and he called us on it several times. Incoming calls are free so I don't know what he ended up paying. I know most phone provider charge a lot to call a sat phone. It worked very well and even got a good enough signal inside the remote cabins that we didn't have to hang out outside to wait for his call.

It's not cheap but it only cost me what I expected to pay, and was worth the peace of mind for the situation on that trip.

If you plan to use it a lot the price would rise fast.

 

[BarryNorman]

Dave, as mentioned earlier, the best option is an Iridium phone.

I think you'll find that you can hire a phone within your budget of 'cheap'. There are a few companies out there, but from my research, Mobal seem to have the best reputation. They provide free shipping both ways, whereas other companies seem to add this on top of the rental price.

If you're shopping around the hidden costs you need to look out for are:
1) hefty deposits
2) high return shipping charges
3) minimum usage requirements
4) extra fees for things like itemized billing

The phone won't work unless the antenna is extended (i.e. won't receive calls), however you should be able to get a magnetic antenna for the roof of your vehicle - which gets over this problem.

I hope this helps you.

Baz :coffeedrink: