Satellite Phone

Berdar

Berdar

Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
285
Hey all,

I'm about to take another trip to the sandbox(i'm in the National Guard). We're headed to Afghanistan this time.

My boss approached me last night about the company providing me with a Satellite phone for the duration of my trip. I've been looking online, but have only confused myself even more with the phones, plans, etc. I've found some phones at a reasonable price on Ebay, but really don't know where to go after that.

Does anyone have any experience with Sat phones or know of the best plans, etc?

Thanks all... Bladeforums rules.

Bill
 
I've used Motorola Iridium satphones extensively in the AK wilderness. They have worked well (surprisingly, even from inside a tent). They will not work terribly well in some deep canyons and I have been told that they have problems under some types of jungle canopy (but I haven't tried one in a jungle).

I have used both older and newer models with equal success. The newer ones are more compact, however. I've seen some pretty good prices on factory refurbished older Motorolas.

Best of luck,

DancesWithKnives
 
Why do you need the Satellite phone? Uncle Sam should provide all the communication you need in combat. Are you going to have enough time to do "business" while deployed? Who is going to pay the phone bill (they can be significant if you use them)?
 
the Army will provide all the comms needed for operational use. We're going to be setting up one of the Platoon to Company sized bases on a mountain. They won't be setting up any landlines to anywhere...much less back to the states for moral calls. I was explaining all of this to my civi boss and that we'd rely on Snail mail as a primary means of communication back home.

The company I work for is as close as any family that one could ever have. The Boss asked me to do the leg work for Sat Phones. He's planning on letting the company pay for a phone which will let me and possibly my men call home occasionally.

Really what I'm asking for is advice on who has the best plans, what's the best equipment and all that jazz...

Thanks All.
 
I've heard that the Qualcom satphones have less delay in transmission (they say the delay is about 0.8 sec. with the Motorolas I've used). However, I never looked into them because they do not work well in the far north (like AK) or south. Nonetheless, they might be fine for your application if they are still available.

Best of luck over there,

DancesWithKnives
 
There is no need to buy one, these days it is quite possible to find good rental deals. What would you do with it when you return? Mobal claims $9 a day but read the fine print.

I have used a few brands and I seem to remember Globalstar not being very good but that was a few years ago, that may also have been the handset and not the service itself. I have heard good things about Thuraya but dont have any experience with them.

Look after yourself out there and thanks for your service, come back in one piece.
 
Based on my most recent experiences in Australia, Canada, and, Peru I would definitely go for the Iridium before the Globalstar (less dropped calls). I've used InfoSat almost exclusively for all my rentals in Canada (they also have offices in USA), they are top notch with great customer service.

I would rent rather than buy (is there a reason you want to buy?). Do you need a handheld unit? If you are in medium sized camp and will have multiple users, you can cut costs a lot by getting a semi-portable unit like the SkyComIP or Hughes system, this includes high-speed data and a voice line. They are relatively easy to install and it's really nice having the high speed internet (if you really want to keep the guys happy set up a wireless network in camp). I see from their website that they are now advertising the self-deploying dish, I've been waiting for this one... it will certainly simplify setup (no more aiming the dish with a compass and a signal meter).
 
Motorola, do not buy off of ebay for this kind of thing. I would call one of the providers and explain your needs to them. ALL of them are expensive. You will be able to determine what kind of rate you can get if you work with the providers. I would buy before renting for one reason only, if your boss want to keep the phone around for emergency use when you get home. Also be aware that COMSEC may not allow you to use the phone while on ops, I THINK you can request that you be issued ( your unit rather) a sat phone. Final thought, you might find that a cell phone might just work depending on your location.
 
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