Article by Pat Schrawder
SATELLITE PHONE UPDATE
There are several forms of communication available to those out on the water. The most popular and least expensive is the VHF radio. With the addition of DSC, it is even more valuable as a safety tool. Cell phones are being used and are very popular because you may already have one and its use is not confined to boating. SSB is a vanishing method of communicating for smaller vessels due to its size and cost, although it still remains a standard for larger vessels and commercial interests.
The remaining and increasing usage for communications is the satellite phone. We talked about this product last year but its time to take a look at what’s new or different in the satellite phone picture for 2012. A few additional manufacturers have either entered the market or kept competitive in the field such as Thuraya, Intellian, Thrane and Thrane, JRC and KVH. However, some of these brands only carry large, fixed models that are mostly adaptable to large vessels. The real increase in popularity remains among the handheld devices. Battling for top place in that field again this year are Iridium and Inmarsat.
Iridium began service in 1998 but met with some business plan problems that resulted in its filing for bankruptcy in 1999. However, they were purchased by another company and restarted operations in 2001 with improved phones and prices. Their least expensive phone is an older Iridium Model 9500 that sells for around $545. It has 2 hrs. of talk time and 16 hrs. of stand-by. The dimensions are: 7.6” L x 2.44” W x 2.66” D and it weighs 16 oz. Their service rates start at $39.99/month with an airtime rate of $1.49/minute. The monthly rate includes 10 minutes of talk time. They charge an extra $4.95/month for voice mail. The minimum plan is for 1 year. Of course, they have other models that are smaller and lighter in weight, but are more expensive.
Inmarsat started in 1979 and provides very good coverage from a network of geosynchronous satellites. Originally known for their fixed station satellite phones whose hardware is larger and more expensive to purchase and whose service plans are mostly higher in cost, they provide a great range of voice and data features. What has really put their name at the top in the list of satellite phone choices is the Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro. This unit offers satellite telephony, voicemail text, email messaging and GPS location data. It has up to 8 hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time. It’s dimensions are: 6.7” L x 2.1” W x 1.5” D and it weighs 9.8 oz. According to Inmarsat, it is the only portable satellite phone that supports Bluetooth. Their service rate structure is a bit more flexible than Iridium but also more complicated. The lowest rate is $34.50/month including 10 minutes of talk time and $.94 to $1.05/min. Voicemail is $.94/min. Service is available on a month-to-month basis with no long term commitment.
In both of the above cases, you should contact Iridium and/or Inmarsat directly to get an exact idea of the service charges tailored specifically to your needs before proceeding. If you travel offshore, far enough that you are consistently out of communication range by other means, a satellite phone may be a reasonable investment for you. If you would only occasionally find yourself in that situation, I would consider renting a unit. Average rentals are $50/month plus service, with no commitment beyond the rental time.
Don’t confuse these rentals with those offered by most cellular phone companies. Cellular companies also offer satellite phone rentals but there are two types. One is actually a satellite phone much like the above and is rented for a fixed isolated time period and includes voice mail, etc. The other is referred to as a “global phone”. It offers service using your same cellular telephone number to use while traveling abroad such as on a cruise. Before renting a sat phone from a cellular company, I would ask them what service provider they are using. In my opinion, Iridium and Inmarsat are the most reliable.
Pat and her husband, Larry are owners of L&L Marine Electronics on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City, MD.