Satellite Phone?

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · September 23, 2021, 07:02:14 AM

Does anyone use a Satellite Phone while traveling Off Grid? I frequently end up in places where I have no cell phone connection with both my Verizon and my AT&T phone whilst traveling around the U.S. and Mexico and have considered getting a Sat Phone. Does anyone have experience with any of the models or used a different way to keep in touch such as SPOT and liked them?

https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-satellite-messengers/

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/

Gary

lostagain · September 23, 2021, 07:35:46 AM

We had them in the 80s when I was guiding heli skiing. We were out of radio range up in the mountains, and had one in the helicopter in case of emergency. They were heavy and big, and expensive. I don't know what they are like nowadays. Gary, it would do you good to be out of touch for a few days occasionally, no?...

RJ · September 23, 2021, 08:24:06 AM

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on September 23, 2021, 07:02:14 AM
Does anyone use a Satellite Phone while traveling Off Grid?

Gary -

Chris Dunphy (www.rvmobileinternet.com) has been following the development of the Starlink satellite system, but I don't know if it's going to include VOIP. Might ask the question over there?

FWIW & HTH. . .

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · September 23, 2021, 09:34:30 AM

Quote from: RJ on September 23, 2021, 08:24:06 AM
Gary -

Chris Dunphy (www.rvmobileinternet.com) has been following the development of the Starlink satellite system, but I don't know if it's going to include VOIP. Might ask the question over there?

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ,

Even though the Starlink system is a nice system, a friend of mine has one, it is way overkill if you just want a Satellite phone to call or text on. There are a lot of cheaper alternatives out there as you can see in my original post more suited to most of our followers on BCM. RF Mogul also has a satellite system they are about to release for much less money, but I would not pay their rates just to talk to someone on a phone.

chessie4905 · September 23, 2021, 11:52:17 AM

check Garmin. They sell them. check reviews for + and -'s. I recall seeing awhile back that email or text still work when out of range. Some use them while going to Alaska, as no internet in a lot of Canada pass through. Considering one, but still expensive.
I guess with your Eagle, you need to be able to stay in contact with Cliff when it let's you sit. 😀

someguy · September 23, 2021, 08:40:06 PM

Time on satellite phones is really expensive.

VOIP works on Starlink, but you will get drop outs once in a while. For $100/month, Starlink gives you phone via VOIP, Internet and unlimited data while on the road. Seems like a bargain to me.

Right now Starlink is tied to a specific area. That will probably change at some point.

SpaceX recently surveyed RVers about their needs. An updated dish has been discussed by some YouTubers. Seems like something new is about to appear.

Busted Knuckle · September 24, 2021, 07:41:29 AM

Gary as head of an international organization such as BCM I think you should get several different ones an conduct a test for your readers to see what's, what.

BK

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · September 24, 2021, 03:36:24 PM

Quote from: Busted Knuckle on September 24, 2021, 07:41:29 AM
Gary as head of an international organization such as BCM I think you should get several different ones an conduct a test for your readers to see what's, what.
BK

Great idea. I will call my buddy Elon and start the discussion this weekend.

uncle ned · September 25, 2021, 12:30:06 PM

Gary Do you need his private number. if so call.

uncle ned

PS i am still full of bull right BK

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · September 26, 2021, 07:14:37 AM

Quote from: uncle ned on September 25, 2021, 12:30:06 PM
Gary Do you need his private number. if so call.

uncle ned

PS i am still full of bull right BK

Not required. I will be having breakfast with him later this week.

Tedsoldbus · September 26, 2021, 05:40:10 PM

Gary,
They are teasing you, but a suggestion above may be worth a shot. A bus junkie though I may be, I follow a few RV U-Tube couples just to learn about Harvest Host, Places to camp etc. You ARE a celebrity. Just not on U-tube. Keeping the magazine going is I expect a full plate. But, the U-tube gang seems to get free battleborn batteries, free "E" bikes, free expandable ladders, free solar panel install - just for talking about them in their weekly "movie".
You are too busy and probably don't want to produce a U-tube every week, but it might be worth contacting the different sat phone vendors . Do an article on the product(s). Tell them you have a gazillion subscribers interested in this for safety on the road, need it for my business etc, but it has to be affordable! and I bet some will send you a phone and a few months air time. Cost nothing to ask...

chessie4905 · September 26, 2021, 06:05:22 PM

Also pose the question on the Alaska forum. That subject comes up frequently

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · September 27, 2021, 04:29:14 AM

Quote from: Tedsoldbus on September 26, 2021, 05:40:10 PM
Gary,
They are teasing you, but a suggestion above may be worth a shot. A bus junkie though I may be, I follow a few RV U-Tube couples just to learn about Harvest Host, Places to camp etc. You ARE a celebrity. Just not on U-tube. Keeping the magazine going is I expect a full plate. But, the U-tube gang seems to get free battleborn batteries, free "E" bikes, free expandable ladders, free solar panel install - just for talking about them in their weekly "movie".
You are too busy and probably don't want to produce a U-tube every week, but it might be worth contacting the different sat phone vendors . Do an article on the product(s). Tell them you have a gazillion subscribers interested in this for safety on the road, need it for my business etc, but it has to be affordable! and I bet some will send you a phone and a few months air time. Cost nothing to ask...

We do have a YouTube presence but it takes a lot of time to produce and upload videos and even longer to make them look professional. I have a guy that uploads YouTube videos of some of his work and at events, but I am very busy and I myself don't have the patience to watch more than a few minutes of videos but I upload a few now and then which you can see here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYo12H6ZCZAfIKKeoteg1Ow?view_as=subscriber

luvrbus · September 27, 2021, 05:32:59 AM

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on September 27, 2021, 04:29:14 AM
We do have a YouTube presence but it takes a lot of time to produce and upload videos and even longer to make them look professional. I have a guy that uploads YouTube videos of some of his work and at events, but I am very busy and I myself don't have the patience to watch more than a few minutes of videos but I upload a few now and then which you can see here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYo12H6ZCZAfIKKeoteg1Ow?view_as=subscriber

You tube must be something new

Busted Knuckle · September 27, 2021, 08:02:50 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 27, 2021, 05:32:59 AM
You tube must be something new

BK