Iridium Prepaid SIM for 1 year

Heiner

Can't help with the prepaid sim, don't think Telstra who are the Aussie provider for Iridium do them. You might be better off getting one in your country.
But a satphone isn't a replacement for a PLB/EPIRB and vice versa, they perform different functions.
Picture this, you have a vehicle accident at speed, roll the vehicle and are trapped/incapacitated/injured badly in the accident.
As a result of the accident the satphone is damaged/can't find it but the PLB/EPIRB is right there beside you strapped to the cargo barrier, all you have to do is turn it on and preferably throw it out the window so it can radiate its signal as to your location and the fact that life is in danger.
Once it is activated it will work continuously and you can fade into unconciousness etc while it does its work.
There are plenty of scenarios along similar lines and a PLB is far more robust in construction than any phone so is less likely to be damaged in an accident.
You should carry BOTH especially if travelling solo or in a solo vehicle.

You can get them here

The only Satphone that will currently give Australia-wide coverage is a Motorola 9500/9505/9555 which connects only to the Iridium Satellites.

You can get two types of SIM card to put in them -

1. Iridium International Satellite Number - an International call from anywhere in the world. Available from Telstra and many others. Monthly charge.

2. Telstra national mobile SIM card (not prepaid, no 1900 barring, International Roaming enabled). Called using normal mobile number. No extra monthly charge. Pay about $4 a minute for outgoing and INCOMING calls. SMS about 50 cents (9500 can't send SMS).

Hi Heiner

We chose a satellite phone, and this is probably what you need. Have you compared the cost of hiring a satellite phone? It did work out cheaper for us to purchase.

Recent thread 75768 talks about Spot messenger. Not able to ring out, but better than an EPIRB as you can call emergency services as well as send an "I'm OK" or a "i need help" message to chosen numbers.

Motherhen

I know the OP already has a satphone but others may be interested to know that there are 2 for sale in the EO Trader:

http://www.exploroz.com/Trader/Phone_TV.aspx

One (maybe 2) clicks away.

And they are not mine so it's not self promotion. It's actually promoting the Trader section.

answering all replys and follow-ups..

@Peter, yes you're right, that scenario wasn't in my head, so i have to think about buying a new version of EPIRB. Do i get one in a shop or do i hve to order one and must wait until delivering (Sydney) ?

@Boobook, thx for the links, a little expensive (prepaid for 12 month)...

@MIKE DID, yep, i have an old 9500, but no GSM-CASSETTE so GSM is impossible.

@Motherhen, interesting information, i will read this thread, thx.



@ALL, I found this Fastwave

PrePaid200
200 Minute * PrePaid SIM Card - Valid 12 months $398.00
* based on call charge of $1.99 min for Australian originated calls

sounds good ? !

HI, you can get a prepaid sim card for your Iridium phone, however it would be a lot cheaper on call rates to go with a 12 month contract which you've indicated is the timeframe you need one for. You're welcome to give me a call to discuss further or alternatively email me at mike@realtimeplatform.com and we'll be happy to assist. FYI - We also do rental phones.

Mike, you mentioned using a Next G Sim Card (postpaid) in a motorolla, I have read about this before on this website (archived item)

Do you or anyone else know if it works on any Motorola Iridium phone purchased from either the states (USA) or the UK? presumably they are on the same bandwiths?

Next G (blue tick) is Tri-Band - will this work in a phone purchased from overseas??

Thanks in anticipation,
John

Heiner, I did a small spreadsheet a couple of years back to look at the way I should address the issue of a SIM card or Global Roaming enabled. We have a similar phone. I use Telstra SIM with roaming enabled.

The break even point was if I was going to make over 50-60 calls totalling +120 minutes approximately. That had to assume I was able to use the $10 of free calls each month. If those calls weren't to be part of your normal regime, the break-even cost was higher again and allow you more calls or minutes.

Look to see what you pay for your own roaming solution cost as the sat phone will probably be pretty close to normal international calls from your own provider. It has to be part of your mix in your decision.