[pct-l] Globalstar Satellite Phone

[Halfmile]

It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has actually used a
Globalstar satellite phone recently. Their satellites network has
experienced "degraded performance" the past couple of years.

http://globalstar.com/en/index.php?cid=107

They launched a bunch of new satellites back in October and have plans
to launch more, but I don't know if  any of them are online yet.

This web tool shows you when your Globalstar phone should work:
http://calltimes.globalstar.com/

A quick look at Campo, CA for today shows the phone should work about
15 or 20 minutes out of each hour with the longest call duration of 13
minutes and 20 seconds (but mostly shorter calls).

Considering the price it might still be worth it, if you can reliably
predict when the phone will work. But their is a reason for current
the low price.

-Halfmile




On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 11:02 AM,  <dnlcyclone at aol.com> wrote:
> Thanks to...can't remember who posted it, but thanks for the heads up on the Globalstar Satellite Phone.  To those that didn't see that post, it's really a good deal.  The phone usually goes for over $1100, and a monthly service plan for $50 a month.  If you launch your annual plan before March 31st, you can buy the phone for $500 and sign an annual contract for unlimited airtime minutes for only $20 a month.  Additional fees are $50 for first time activation, and a $30 shipping fee.  So, for $820 (up to $900 with taxes) you get a year's worth of great reception in the wilderness and a phone that will last for years.  I think it's a good deal, and if you're travelling with a partner or two, you can leave/cancel other phones for 5-6 months and just take the Globalstar.  You're given a phone number with an area code that corresponds to your home region in the U.S., so anyone can plug your Globalstar number into their cell phone and call you.  You also get voicemail that allows
>  you to save 25 messages.  The phone also has the capability to hook up with a modem and send emails, store data (audio blogs, you name it)...It's a wad of money in the beginning, but a worthy investment.  My wife and I have spent $1000 a year using our cell phones, and cell phones really don't work on the trail.  Anyway, thought I'd say thanks for the heads up and plug a product that could be of some help to some others.
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> David Liechty
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