SPOT Global Phone

[ka4wja]

Just some additional info...

FYI, Spot's Global Phone coverage maps show "extended service" (poor/sporadic signals) in Mexico....as well as requiring "roaming charges" of $1.49/min in Mexico / central Amer.

And, they show NO coverage in Central Amer. at all...

So, again, not sure where the original poster was planning on sailing / cruising....but for those heading to Mexico and/or Central Amer, it appears that the Spot Global Phone is not "global" at all!!



And, for those in Europe and parts contiguous, Thuryra is a good service...


But, for everyone else....it's Iridium or INMARSAT (or HF Radio)...

Fair winds...

John

[onestepcsy37]

The reason the Spot locator beacon works so well is that it waits for a satellite to approach and then sends its message three times to increase the odds of getting through. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes to complete its job. Not that I'm complaining. We've been happy users for maybe five years now. But that kind of process wouldn't work so well with a voice phone.

What ka4wja said...

[barnakiel]

Some very interesting pieces of info here. So everyone THX for sharing.

I did not know SPOT constellation did not cross-transfer the data. How could they not to when sending a call from say NewYork to Berlin???

And I would not mix radio and sat technology. Just have a look at replacement batteries and attached aerials on a Spot phone and on an SSB radio and you will guess why.

Cheers,
b.