Satellite Phones

[hypnotizeminds]

I'm going to be short and sweet here:

I want to get a satellite phone because I'm sick of trying to choose which cell phone service sucks the least. The thing is, I know NOTHING about the phones or any of the companies that offer them.

Here is what I want out of the deal:
Free Incoming
Low Rates (Free if possible)
Obviously the awesome coverage
Speakerphone (big deal to me, dont ask)
A phone no higher than $1200

Is there anything like that out there?

Also, if anyone knows anything about these, please try and answer the following questions:
How to the contracts work? Yearly? Monthly? Are there any?
What companies are best and for what reasons?
Will the phones work indoors?

Anything else you can tell me that I might need to know, please do.

Thanks. :)

Addition: Oh, and I don't want a big bulky one, I would like to get one that can fit in my pocket or on a clip-on holster type deal. :D

Another addition: I heard something about a phone (not satellite) that you can buy for like a grand or so, and after that, everything is free for life. All calls are free, incoming free, no usage limits. I suppose all you would pay from that point on is taxes. Anyone know anything about this..?

[Mr Bean]

Hi

Go here (http://www.outfittersatellite.com/rentals.htm) and have a look.

Personally I think you're off your head 'cos of the call charges.

Have fun.

Cheers

Beanie

[errolo]

I can answer a couple of questions although I may be out of date a little and my experience is with the one we use in my business.

1. It's expensive. I could get a couple of cell phone for what this guy cost a month, not counting usage rates. The system we use doubles like a radio in a network of users throught the southern US, this is "free" between users, only a slight monthly charge, about $80US. The phone side is $2.50 per minute, slightly higher because we elect to have no bundle rate since the phone side is for emergency use only.

2. It has a built in antenna for portability, but this will not work indoors. For our use, we have a dish setup on the roof.

It works pretty well, but rates would have to come down considerable to make it worthwhile.

[renegade600]

you best stick with cell phones. Most satellite phones are priced towards businesses.

See this (http://www.globalstarusa.com/en/)

[hypnotizeminds]

I just got off the phone with Sprint. All I have to say is 'ugh'. :disgust:

I am thinking of going with Nextel I suppose. They are by far the best choice in my opinion, I was just hoping to go with something different than the norm, but I guess I should be realistic, eh?

[amnell71]

Realistic can be a good thing sometimes. We have Nextel and for the most part are happy. They, like every company out there, have their issues. However, I am looking forward to the merger with Sprint. Much as I despise Sprint, the merger should improve our Nextel coverage area immensely. And, Nextel offers "free incoming" plans, which I noticed you are looking for.

[hypnotizeminds]

I am dying for free incoming, because 90% of my usage is incoming. I rarely call anyone, but everyone loves to call me all the time, especially when my minutes get scarce at the end of each month. :curse:

[amnell71]

That's why I got it. Switching from a Verizon plan:disgust: to a Nextel plan, saved me big. Their plans are a little more expensive than the average, but you're getting alot more too.
As with most things, it's all a personal choice - one person likes Ford, one likes Chevy, someone likes Sprint, someone else Cingular.
Right now , it's getting hard to tell who is who, with all these buy-outs and mergers.

[hypnotizeminds]

Right now , it's getting hard to tell who is who, with all these buy-outs and mergers.
Right. That's one thing I am worried about, though. With my luck, I'll sign up with Nextel for two years and buy a new phone and get all settled in, then Sprint will merge with Nextel and my switch will be for no good purpose but wasting a few bucks and got hooked for another 2 years of my life.

I'll probably do it anyways. What can I say, I live life on the edge... :sarcastic

[oink]

You should be able to find someone to give you an older Nextel phone so you don't have to sign a multi-year contract. I have Nextel, free Nationwide direct connect, free incomming and unlimited nights and weekends and free nationwide long distance(no additional charge). Nextel is a bit more expensive that some. Nothing is free and I pay a fair size monthly rate. I look forward to the Sprint merger and I wouldn't update my phone until it is all worked out. Sprint has some very nicephones. I expect their direct connects to merge. From what I have heard, Sprint has the best data speeds when using the phone connected to a computer as a modem.

[jpmedic]

NEWS Flash: all who have went from sprint to nextel,, guess what, nextel is now owned by sprint, Sorry

[sho-dan]

:wave: how u doin hypnotizeminds

check out this site(i've used it),could help you in what phone you want but it will drive you buggers if you do to many phones reviews at once :dizzy: http://www.phonescoop.com

[hypnotizeminds]

:wave: how u doin hypnotizeminds
Always good, sho-dan, but even better when asked, thanks! How's things in the East?

check out this site(i've used it),could help you in what phone you want but it will drive you buggers if you do to many phones reviews at once :dizzy: http://www.phonescoop.com
Bookmarked.

Never came across that site before, looks pretty informative and will undoubtedly have an affect on who will get their hands on a good chunk of an upcoming paycheck from me. :D

NEWS Flash: all who have went from sprint to nextel,, guess what, nextel is now owned by sprint, Sorry
That's what I've been hearing. Makes me weary of switching at this time. I guess we will see what happens. Keep us posted if you can! ;)

[sho-dan]

:wave: I'm doing just fine hypnotizeminds,thankyou.getting ready for ST.Pats day,cornbeef and cabbage,some warm fosters(oil can) and 45F weather for the parade.i'am gettin new phones+the family plan.what a pain inthe eyeball.well enjoy the day.sho-dan

[hypnotizeminds]

Have a good Leprechaun's Day, buddy. http://forums.expectedmiracles.com/images/smilies/cheers.gif