Sat. Phone info...

[northshoreone]

I am looking to head to the Bahama's for a month or more soon and would like any advise about the need for a Satellite phone on board. I will need to be able to stay in contact with my business....after all you have to pay for all of this fun...so I'm reaching out for your advise/experience's.

Thanks...

 

[GCSI]

When do you plan on going? I'm in Tampa and plan on going May 5th. I keep a Sat Phone along with a 406 EPIRB on boat in ditch bag with US Coast Guard number per programmed ON Phone. Used phone on rare occasions for other communications. The SatPhone and 406 EPIRB (w GPS) would be a deal breaker for me; wouldn't go without.

In the northern Bahamas, Virtually everywhere in will have cell service, however, the roaming bills can be breathtaking. A better option is to go ashore and buy "local" service and a disposable phone. In more populated areas, we use MagicJack via Internet connection. The Wave Wifi "Rouge Wave" seems to help in regards to picking up WiFi.

 

[Freestyle]

I just finished a month long Abaco trip. I rented a satellite phone from SatellitePhoneStore.com based in Sarasota. While not perfect, it did allow me to check in daily and conduct enough necessary business. You have to be outside to make a call which was sometimes hot and windy. Get the second least expensive Iridium one. It works much more like a cell phone.

The cost was still pretty steep. With the package of minutes I bought, phone rental, and FedEx costs, I think it was just under $4 per minute. I think you can roam with your cell phone for around that price. The concern with your cell phone is the cost of incoming data that you really do not want to pay for. The satellite phone also is a comfort at remote anchorages and another safety device if you need help.

Bruce
Freestyle
1986 67 CPMY
Tampa

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have rented a Sat Phone before as well. As I remember, incoming text messages were free. And buy the minutes up front as you get a substantial discount.

 

[Ross Macdonald]

We have owned an Iridium 9505 for about 10 years and have it connected to an external antenna. It sits in a docking cradle so can be removed if needed. We have had it for emergencies on our trips to Mexico. We purchase a 500 minute sim card and it is good for one year from date of purchase. The
cost was about $680 for the sim card We always got reception. I believe the newer 9555 is a little smaller. Ross

 

[northshoreone]

Thanks for the feedback. I will not be going until July...partner is a school teacher...Does anyone have a suggested source for purchasing the phone/sim package..antenna..?

Thanks again!