Anyone know what the best deal is out there? In terms of an affordable, quality phone and cheap minutes?
I’ll find out what my buddy has. Phone is like $1000 and 30 minutes per month is about $400.00/month
“Those who have the ability to make a difference have the responsibility to do so.” Thomas Jefferson
iridium is who we use, they have yearly rollover plans and also if you only want it for the few months out of the year, they have monthly plans, I think its $99 a month.
Iridium and Inmarsat are the 2 best imo… Dealt with both and both have flexible postpaid and prepaid plans. Inmarsat seems to have a stronger network due to some technical differences but hard to go wrong with either.
Not sure of all the details, but SPOT has a phone option now. I think the phone is like $499 and they offer a “prepaid” plan starting with 75 minutes for $105 and then working up in price. Not sure if the minutes expire or not. They did offer other options like monthly plans.
218WA Sailfish
The "Penn"sion Plan
Thanks for the info. Also, good tip on the SPOT. I didn’t know they had a phone. Looking at the plan pricing, they seem to just be a re-seller for globalstar.
I was way off on plan, buddy has an iridium and pays almost $700 for 150 minutes for the year. Just uses it for emergencies and likes it alot.
“Those who have the ability to make a difference have the responsibility to do so.” Thomas Jefferson
Iridium is the best but is pricey. Globalstar went to crap, but they have been steady adding satellites and supposedly have a good product now. They are pricing aggressively to regain market share as they are still working to rebuild their brand…I’m close to pulling the trigger on one but haven’t done it yet.
Pat Condon
“Carla Dee”
I am glad this was brought up. I have been looking at them as well. Gives my family more piece of mind knowing they can get me or I can call them offshore in my little boat.
Pioneer 197
Hey Skinnee,
We bought a DeLorme inReach communications device. You can text messages to people and they can text back. It also shows your location, is set up to send a distress call like a epirb (we have that too). Although you are not actually talking to the person, you have the capability of sending and receiving text messages for a much lower cost.
The device itself costs about 250-300, and there are varied plans, ranging from $20/mo to about $50/mo. When B is out on the other boat doing charters I get messages telling me how they are doing, where they are, when they are heading home, etc., and I have been able to text back.
I am still getting mine set up for our boat.
Google it and check it out. IMO, it is a great option to have on the boat.
I have the Delorme as well, it is nice to be able to text whoever you want out there, it connects through your bluetooth and you can set it up to ping in different intervals. It is also nice because if I want to know something about the trip we took, say we found some nice bottom when I was fishing with a friend, but forgot to get the numbers I can pull it up on the website and look to where we slowed down etc. and get the lat and long.
'90 Maverick Master Angler 18.5/'03 150 Evinrude
'05 Angler 27 CC
I use Globalstar and have for several years. It was terrible a few years back before they upgraded thier network. Before, you might have a 5-10 minute window every 1/2 hour to make a call. After the upgrade, you rarely have a reception problem. I pay about $52/month for unlimited minutes. When I make a call, the reception is better than most cell phones. Amazing how clear the call is and there is no delay when speaking.
The J Team
Mayhem & Madness
Mayhem–can you send texts as well?
Pat Condon
“Carla Dee”
quote:Wow. I thought I remembered seeing an unlimited plan for around $50 a month. Was that some sort of special or something? Now, their plan is $149/mo for unlimited minutes. Do you know the name of your plan?
Originally posted by Mayhem and MadnessI use Globalstar and have for several years. It was terrible a few years back before they upgraded thier network. Before, you might have a 5-10 minute window every 1/2 hour to make a call. After the upgrade, you rarely have a reception problem. I pay about $52/month for unlimited minutes. When I make a call, the reception is better than most cell phones. Amazing how clear the call is and there is no delay when speaking.
The J Team
Mayhem & Madness
That was the “customer loyalty plan” they started about three years ago when their satellites weren’t operating and wanted to keep customers. It was as low as 19/month with little service but still is 49 for those who stayed with them. With the upgraded sats, there is no problem with connectivity.
muttsandjefffishing.com
facebook.com/Mutts & Jeff Fishing
Hey Pat, no texting for me on this plan. I use the SPOT for check in. Not sure I want to text out there, too dang busy. Besides, too many people want to have a conversation via text and that annoys me. I would rather pick up the phone if they want to have a conversation.
MuttsandJeff is correct on the limited plan. It is called the Evolution 3 plan. I called to double check my plan and it is not being offered anymore and there is no deadline showing on my plan. They are migrating people off this plan and the lady I spoke to said that since I was always on the unlimited plan, that may be why they haven’t changed my plan. Hopefully I didn’t make them aware of an oversight and they go change my plan.
I do have to give them a lot of credit for rewarding customers for staying with them. Unfurtunately, not enough complanies think like that now days.
The J Team
Mayhem & Madness
I want texts to send to the woman…“weather is nice, staying the night out here back at noon tomorrow”…no talking is perfect!
Pat Condon
“Carla Dee”
Hey Skinnee. I just saw an ad in Coastal Angler for Globalstar sat phones. They give you afree phone for signing up. Yes, I know, nothing is free but it may be worth checking out.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
quote:Checked into that. You only get the free phone if you sign up for the $149/mo unlimited plan.
Originally posted by DFreedomHey Skinnee. I just saw an ad in Coastal Angler for Globalstar sat phones. They give you afree phone for signing up. Yes, I know, nothing is free but it may be worth checking out.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
These guys have a decent deal for a phone and either pre-paid or post-paid options. I really like the idea of the pre-paid except for the fact that the minutes expire.
http://www.roadpost.com/IsatPhone-Pro-Satellite-Phone-P735C407.aspx
13ft Whaler with 25hp Johnson
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.