Thuraya Provider instead of Optus

We went with Pivotel

We also went with Pivotel. Have been with them for 10 years. Great product and very flexible. We set it up a week or so before we leave and cancel when we get back from our trip.

Pivotel casual plan - $16.50 per month plus calls (@ $1 a minute, 50 cents for texts). Standard Australian mobile number so folk can call you for no cost if they have an unlimited call plan. Plan can be placed on hold when not being used for $7.50 a month - retaining the same number, or cancelled from month to month (but new number & set up fee required each time it is put back into use).

We have been on this plan for 6 or 7 years now & recommend it as the most cost effective 'emergency use sat phone plan' available. If you want to use it for regular chatting to family & friends get them to call you by sending them a text OR choose other plans with call costs included.

Have never had any problem with Pivotel. We get a monthly email informing us of them taking the $16.50 direct debit & have access online to the account & support if required (never has been though).

As above - Pivotel. The casual plan works for me and the system appears to work satisfactorily for where I am and where I want it to work.

Another easy sideways move to Pivotel on a casual plan for me.