Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators replied:

I have the Telit 550 from Globalstar. Bought it in 2000 and has been great and I won't go anywhere without it. If you buy it outright and go for a $40.00 plan with $35.00 free calls it works out great. I use the sim card in my normal cell phone most of the time on the Vodafone network and when I need satalite I just pop the sim card in the Telit.

Great !

Footloose replied:

I've had poor experiences with Globalstar recently. I'd suggest buying any Irridium set.

nowimnumberone replied:

was talking to Glenn(vic)tonight hes over at cape Leveque.
we were yacking about how his globalstar sat phone is going.
he says its the worst phone he has used no reception hardly any where
drops out all the time.hes given up on it now packed away in camper.
from what he tells me the people hes been chatting with around camps are saying the same type of things complete rubbish.
so from what ive heard probably keep away from them(globalstar)

Member - Andy Q (VIC) replied:

G'day, Like a few others on this site I bought an EricssonR290 from ebay 2 years ago(they were all new, just an older model, $500 each we all paid). Got it connected through GlobalStar. Used it on our trip along the top end.
As recently as last Saturday I took my other off roader on a 300km trip, rang my wife at stops in the mountains along the way......no problems

andy

Footloose replied:

Didn't Globalstar lose a sat a while ago ? I've been told that they are Ok on the east coast but rubbish in WA deserts etc. (This might explain my poor experience with em )

Nordave06 replied:

Been using an Iridium on telstra for a few years now , no problems. Hear a lot of people complain about Globlestar.
Recently read about the option to use gsm sim card may give it a try. (see other posts about this)

Member - John (Vic) replied:

I would suggest doing a search in the archives on here.
This topic has been done quite a few times with many people having difficulties with the Globalstar system.
I remember a post by a Doctor awhile back who worked for the RFDS and said they such poor service with Globalstar that it was a waste of time.
They now predominately use the Iridium System and indicated that they were getting rid of the Globalstar phones.

I also have a Motorola 9505 on the Iridium system and had no issues in the western deserts during my recent trip.
The phone has been very reliable everywhere I have used it from the Vic High country to the outback.

I guess in the end you get the service that you pay for.