Cape York Connections posted:

I am using the next G sim and all good.
I am not sure what you are asking about in your post.

All the best
Eric

George_M posted:

kk13

If you only require the satphone for five weeks, you'd be much better hiring one.

George

AdrianLR (VIC) posted:

kk13,

It's a standard Telstra plan. SIM only and no contract which means that you can suspend it at any time.

Data via a satphone is expensive. I have a data kit for my 9505a but don't use it. Runs at 9600 bps at best. Could be useful for text-only email as long as you set your laptop up for no virus/Windows etc auto updates, prepare everything offline then send. I used the NextG broadband setup through the back of NSW up to Innamincka and it was great. By no means extensive coverage but every few days we were somewhere that worked (and when it did it worked very well).

Adrian

kk13 posted:

Thanks for your replies .. We plan to be doing more touring around in outback regions so maybe buying one is beneficial .. yet to be decided. Any ideas who hire them out George?

Adrian, with your standard telstra plan does it cost megabucks for people to call you? what is the cost for sms? how does the data kit work?

Will probably only need text only email so that would work ok.

Thanks again for your replies.

kk

George_M posted:

kk

Lots of places hire the Iridium units - just depends on where you live, although many firms will post the unit to you.

Two companies I've had experience with are Landwide (I think they advertise on this site - www.landwide.com.au), and Renta2way at Box Hill (03 98985988). TRTelecom in Melbourne also rent Iridium units (I think). These places will have dealers in other States.

George

AdrianLR (VIC) posted:

For hire, try Hire - one of the EO members

People calling you pay normal mobile rates to Telstra phones. You pick up the satellite charges which are about $4 per minute (same as outgoing). SMS is around $1.50. If all you want is emergency contact or (as we use it) an SMS each night to say we've arrived somewhere then it's a good option. If you're intending to use it as an everyday phone then a specific satphone plan (either pre or post-paid) will be cheaper. Jim's site above has lots of info about the options available when you hire a phone. This will give you a guide even if you buy your own.

I montored ebay for many months before buying one. Some of the prices people were paying were ridiculous - more than brand new from a reputable dealer in the US. There is a cycle - the closer you get to the outback travel season the more expensive they become.

The Data Kit interfaces the phone to a laptop through a serial port or USB via an adapter. The odd looking thing in the photo is a stand for the phone so that the antenna points to the sky when in use. Around $100 US.

Adrian

kk13 posted:

Thanks very much for your advice and information George and Adrian.

Really appreciated. :)

KK