Seeking ideas for use of satellite phone

[SALT108]

Originally Posted by Littlechay

both transmitting and receiving ... if propagation works one way it generally works in the other

Generally I do a morning and evening email send/receive (depending on propagation). First Tx/Rx includes a request for the GRIB that I want. Second Tx/Rx, about 10 minutes later, downloads it.

I use HF as a preference (free airtime) but if propagation just won't play I use exactly the same setup on Iridium.

Nothing can be better than Iridium as it has global coverage. INMARSAT does not cover high latitudes, physically impossible. And their services for small terminals is not that great in deep ocean areas. Same for Globalstar etc..

With INMARSAT as you get towards higher latitudes your antenna needs to get bigger. I have used INMARSAT to 70 South on Fleet 77 but i have heard that iSatPhone won't go that far south.

Iridium just works the same wherever you are.

Thanks, for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

Actually, I helped develop the s/w for two different BGAN sat modems, which is why I was looking at IDP for this case. Yes, I remember we had some problems in Norway, aand not even too far north.

Since I am currently based in S.E Asia, InmarSat should be ok. I suppose I should look into pricing of M2M sat modems & airtime, to see which system is cheapest, but sicne I can already program the IDP and have one lying around, I will go with that, just for my friend.

Of course, if anyone thinks that there is a business case, that would be another matter entirely. But coudl I undecut exisitng services on price? Or features? Is there anything that they don't offer that sailors really want?