Ericsson R290

very hard to get accessories, spare parts and suport plus they have a very short battery life.

Regards Richard

Andrew you should have a read of the following previous Post's on Global$hit before you contemplate buying a phone on thi service.

There is a very good reason why these phones are on ebay cheap.

Have a look at........

No 42786
No 42886
No 42152

Cheers

Hi Andrew,

I have had one for a few years. Works well (including Simpson,CSR & VIC High Country). They are very good value for money. Battery life is average, however if you are in the car, no problems as you can use it while charging it. They are also a GSM phone for when you are back in range. You need to manually switch it between Sat Mode & GSM Mode.

Regards
Phil P

Hi I suggest don't. Look to alternatives.

I have seen a copy of a letter that basically says that they can't repair or replace some of their satellites and that the level of service may be an issue for some time.

It is a real problem in parts of Central Austalia.

I can't say too much more obviously.

Barry

Hi John

yes read your letter.

I have a different letter that admits the system is degarded and likely to be for some time.

Barry

Thanks, once again I'm amazed at the wisdom and experience of the exploroz forum! I read the threads that Victor referred to and it seems that a Globalstar phone may not be the solution I'm looking for. A HF radio seems to be a better option. We are spending 3 months on the road leaving Sydney in July to go up the coast to Cairns, turn left to go to Broome via Kurumba, Roper Bar and the Gibb River Road, then home via the Tanami track, Alice, Lake Eyre and Broken Hill. We are towing a camper trailer with a 2006 100 series Landcruiser. I can hardly wait.
Yabbo

Andrew Y,

I think I would be getting a sat phone aswell as a HF radio.

The sat phone is good for staying in contact with family and getting help.

A HF radio is good for keeping in contact with the VKS network, when you radio in the record your travel plans and give valuable information about road conditions plus they are better with dealing with problems, brakedowns or emergancys.

When you radio in for help the repeat everything you said to them,firstly to get the details right and secondly some one monitoring may be very close to you and can render assistance. The VKS network is also better then you phoning someone for help and them getting it mixed up or panicing (especialy family and freinds)

Regards Richard