I just got back from spending a few days at an outpost cabin, fishing. Two of us snowmobiled in with big work sleds pulling Otter sleighs. The temps got over freezing and the deep snow we were running in got soft, not a good combination,we were constantly stuck, finally my sled overheated and seized up. We left the sleighs and rode 2-up to a trappers cabin, luck was with us and he was there. He had a Globalstar (Spot) Sat phone which we used to call the rest of the group that was coming the next day, to warn them off until there was freezing temps. His sat phone had an external antenna on the cabin, we spent quite a bit of time getting a call out on it, it was way better than nothing, but after having a bad experience with a Spot a few years ago, it cinched my view on how poor that sat system works.

Anyway, after some other misadventures on that trip, I swore when I got home, I would order the Iridium phone that I had been postponing the purchase of. So what I am looking for is a somewhat compact model phone that probably does not need all the bells an whistles, but must be durable and waterproof. Next I need a plan for Canada, the phone is just for emergencies, so minutes are not a big deal, if I need it the cost per minute does not matter. I know Nimpo mentioned a Canada and Alaska plan. What phone do you suggest, what plan and who has the best prices? Thank you for any thoughts on this.

Steve

Own 9555 and buy the 30 day SIM(s) from RoadPost when needed. Purchased extra battery and 12v adapter. Works good around the world (mostly).

I shopped quite a bit, and even the cheapest pay as you go plans were more than the Ca - Ak plan. $190 for 200 mins, 6 months. Mins roll over so you can leave thousands of min's. in your will.

Just curious. Wouldn't it be cheaper/better with current technology to go with the Inreach and link it to a smart phone?
Gary

shortfielder wrote:Just curious. Wouldn't it be cheaper/better with current technology to go with the Inreach and link it to a smart phone?
Gary

It's txt only.

29singlespeed wrote:

shortfielder wrote:Just curious. Wouldn't it be cheaper/better with current technology to go with the Inreach and link it to a smart phone?
Gary

It's txt only.

*nods*

And it requires two devices (failure modes) instead of one.

But I still have a hard time thinking of a situation where that wouldn't be an ok compromise to save some reasonably serious money.

The SE can be used without a smartphone but pretty cumbersome to type a message, at least for me, without one.

Thanks for the replies. Nimpo, that does look like the best plan for me. I will want to go with a stand alone phone to stay compact, as it will be used on the snowmobile as well as plane. It looks like the newer 9575 unit may be the way to go, maybe get the Pelican case, any other extras or add on features? Any thoughts as to the best place to buy the phone, that has descent price and knowledgeable sales people? I will probably want to buy it out of the US because of price and have it shipped to someone there. I am heading down there in a couple of days and can pick it up. Thanks.

Steve

I ordered an Iridium 9575 Extreme with Pelican case and the Canada-Alaska 200 minute plan from GTC this morning. They did come down off their published price. It was painful, but will give great peace of mind knowing if I am in the middle of no-where (which is always) and I get marooned for what ever reason, I can call for help.

Steve

I've got a $60 globalstar gsp-1600 (ebay/craigslist) and the $300/yr 120 minute "emergency' plan. (~$25/mo).

Now, this isn't an iridium, but for the price it's better than nothing.

It works adequate for the close/open flight plan and quick check in type stuff I've done with it.

I would not recommend for northern canada or norther Alaska though. Works fine for anything south of that with enough reliability to be acceptable.

I have a Globalstar 1600 with two batteries, a charger, and a leather case that I will sell for $50 if the buyer will pay the postage.
Charles

I got the new Iridium today, did not start the plan until May 1, so will have to wait to try it out. I had a Globalstar phone offered to me for free last summer and turned it down because of how poor their service is in our area from past experience, using one again last week clinched the deal for me (no Globalstar). I would rather pay up and have something I can depend on, some day that could be very important.

Steve

Agreed, GS sucks... but it's better than no phone... It is better today than a couple years ago.

Charles: I will buy yours from you if you PM me.