Satellite Phones

Submitted: Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 13:57
ThreadID: 12838 Views:1596 Replies:4 FollowUps:10
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I just want to share my experience with purchasing a Satellite phone.
I applied for and received a Government subsidy. The subsidy is $1100 on the $30 plan and $1500 on higher plans.By taking the $80 plan the deffered out of pocket
cost is $500. After connecting I changed back to the $30 plan which cost $100 to do.
So my Motorola 9505 cost $600 all up spread over 24 monthly payments. This later phone enables text messaging which like other mobiles is a cost effective way of communicating.
Most other companies seem to have connection fees, charges for incoming call and other shortcomings.

I'm happy anyway

Cheers
........ and safe travelling
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Reply By: Member -Bob & Lex (Sydney) - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 16:14

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 16:14
Us city folk can't get that deal, but good luck to you.
AnswerID: 58463

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 17:40

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 17:40
Bob,

Anyone can get the deal. Just apply for the subsidy. Go to www.dcita.gov.au/satphone and check it out.

Regards
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Follow Up By: outback ted - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 17:47

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 17:47
The criteria for the grant is the length of time you spend in an area without mobile coverage. It doesn't matter if the area is were you live or if you work in the area or travelling through it.

People I know in Melbourne have been approved for a subsidy for a round Australia trip and also a surburban builder who works in outer suburbs with less than reliable mobile coverage.

I hope this can be of some help to you or anyone else who is interested.

Cheers
......... and safe driving
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Follow Up By: John - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 18:53

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 18:53
Hi Willem
You need to add your sat phone to your equipment list for your truck.
You have everything else in there.

Regards
John
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 19:07

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 19:07
John,

Yeah, and my new toothbrush as well......................:-)
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Friday, May 14, 2004 at 14:09

Friday, May 14, 2004 at 14:09
Have you included the porta potty yet?
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Reply By: sean - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 18:22

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 18:22
Ted

I have had a Mororola 9505 for a couple of years now and have found it to be faultless. Big relief after globalstar/vodaphone that gave me nothing but trouble over a three year period (and I had 2 of them at the same time).

My approval number on the subsidy was no 2. I always wonder who was no 1.

Good post and way to go...

Sean
AnswerID: 58475

Follow Up By: Snatchem - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 19:17

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 19:17
Sean

what are the call costs in comparison to mobile phones ?

thanks
Snatchem
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Follow Up By: outback ted - Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 20:29

Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 20:29
Snatchem,

Telstra 30 plan
$30 month
$10 worth of call included
50 cent connection fee
99 cents per 30 sec.
SMS - $1.50 each

Down to as low as 86 cents per minute depending on plan.

cheers
ted
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Follow Up By: Snatchem - Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 11:36

Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 11:36
outback ted

thanks for that info.

cheers

snatchem
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Reply By: Phil P - Friday, May 14, 2004 at 17:10

Friday, May 14, 2004 at 17:10
Outback Ted,

I wish you posted this 2 weeks ago ! I wasn't aware that I could apply for the subsidy living in Melb. I ended up the the Ericsson R290 with Globalsat.

Cost me
$530 Phone delivered
$200 Connection
$35 per month including $10 of calls (GSM & Satellite)

I would have prefered the 9505 phone as the R290 is 4 year old technology !

Phil P
AnswerID: 58623

Follow Up By: outback ted - Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 10:36

Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 10:36
Phil P

Sorry about that , so many people on this Forum have so much experience and knowledge on products and services than I havr that I learn a lot more that i could possibly contribute.

But with my work i need reliable communication where ever I am, be it Satphone, Digital, Email etc.

I believe you R290 is a dual( GSM & Sat) phone so that is a bonus.
Telstra tell me that a similar phone on their network is around 18 months + away.

I enquired about the Satphone / laptop connector and software. The cost is around $400 BUT for anyone wanting to go up this path I was told to wait for exciting developments in this area in the near future.

Over a two year period your Satphone will cost you a minimum of around $2 a day, cheap insurance I think.

I hope this helps yourself or any one out there wanting such info.

I promise to post any thing i learn qicker in the future as I certainly take more from this Forum than I put in.

Cheers

Outback Ted
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Reply By: Midge - Monday, May 17, 2004 at 20:45

Monday, May 17, 2004 at 20:45
Is it Telstra you are with or another server
AnswerID: 58978

Follow Up By: outback ted - Monday, May 17, 2004 at 21:32

Monday, May 17, 2004 at 21:32
Midge

I am with Telstra , for two reasons.

1. At the time it seemed the best deal for my circumstances. But with all mobiles things change weekly.

2. My other services are with Telstra and i have them interacting with each other. I think I have dug a hole for my self sometimes.

Cheers

Ted
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