Satellite Phones

Mick,

There is also a heap of related Forum threads located at the bottom of the attached Sat Phone article in his post as well ;)

Cheers Kev

Unlikely you would qualify for the govt phone subsidy - got to spend 180 days in the next 2 years out of mobile terrestrial phone range - but I guess it depends on what you say on the application forms.

Get yourself a prepaid plan with Vodafone and you will breeze the 180 days in. They have shocking country coverage. Best plan we ever got.

We did. I got the phone last week and am connecting it before the end of the month. And its also a prepaid plan.

Phil

I wish this site had an edit function.

I meant to say that we got our sat phone last week. 50% subsidy. We will connect it just before the next trip.

Phil

We did hear about the govt subsidy but wondered how you could prove your 180 days, although we will be away for a year and could argue that at least 180 days will be out of range. Vodaphone sounds like a plan.

Start by adding up any days that you would plan to be out of the mobile phone coverage.

They want your travel plan only for remote areas where you are out of coverage for your mobile phone for the next two years. Not the proof you will be there. It is virtually impossible for then to monitor and check.

eg. We go to Adelaide via Broken Hill 3 to 4 times a year to visit our son. That totals 16 days for two years. Then we also go to the 4wd clubs property in the hills near Cooma for working bees and just to camp or drive the clubs tracks, at least 8 weekends a year. Thats another 32 days over two years. We planned a trip to the Simpson. Thats a four week trip out of mobile coverage. Another 28 days. And another trip to the Kimberley via the Tanami. Another 28 days. And so it goes. It easily adds up. And if I am still alive (cancer), the CSR.

They just want the plan, including plenty of remote place names that they can believe you will be at.

Phil

Great tips Phil. Will download the form today. We actually hope to do the CSR sometime this year whilst out. Actually looking for another vehicle to do with us as friends from GC 4WD club that we were going to do it with have had to pull out.

Mike

Excellent Mike

It shouldn't be too hard.

Enjoy the trip. We just cameback from aVic Alps week longs drive. Got bogged etc etc etc.

Check the hole out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GcNoJ3bXxI

Enjoy

Phil

Either copy and paste the whole link, or open on the underlined part, and click on Satellite Phone from the Index.

Mh

Richard, Did you find their plans okay
Muddy Mick

Seems OK.
There are now a few providers for the Inmarsat so I think it's reasonably competitive.
Haven't done a detailed comparison of other providers as we got in early and my business partner did the deal. We went pay as you go and a recharge last for 2 years.

P.S also a new one coming that use with smart phone !!!