|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
Subject: [worldcruising] Iridium update
truelove39@XXX.XXX
Date: Wed Sep 26 2001 - 14:41:35 EDT
Looks like Iridium is here to stay. Globalstar's financial position does not
look promising, so I crossed them off the list, despite their 9600 baud data;
Iridium is half that, but promises 10K, using compression, soon.
An "old technology" Kyocera phone and marine antenna can be had for $900.00,
but it isn't data-ready. The "big" (original Iridium) Motorola phone is $895.
new or $495. refurbished. That's what most folks buy. The new, small Motorola
phone is $1495., but is waterproof, digital-ready and hands-free capable,
yada, yada, yada.
The best provider rates I could find were $1.40/min., which I find reasonable
for "any time, anywhere" phone and data service. Due to competition, rates
are falling, albeit slowly. You can call another Iridium phone for $0.85/min.
The monthly charge is a flat $20.00
The slick way to go is with the 9505 (small) phone, the portable dock, and
external antenna. This rig will cost $2795. The data software CD is $65.
(ouch!) The phone comes with a charger, so all you need for down-below 'phone
service is the outdoor antenna, which can be directly connected without the
docking station (they don't say that in the ads). There are also less
expensive antennas than the standard one. There are "boat show" specials
available.
For emergencies, there is some appeal for the "jump in the liferaft and call
the local coast guard" philosophy. Hopefully, the line isn't busy!
John
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Get your FREE credit report with a FREE CreditCheck
Monitoring Service trial
http://us.click.yahoo.com/MDsVHB/bQ8CAA/ySSFAA/_0TolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->
=====================================
to unsubscribe email to: worldcruising-unsubscribe@onelist.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
|