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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

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sat phone 24-Jun-2004 At 3:05:35 PM Andrew_M

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Hi Dan,

Have you thought about buying one? I checked a few months ago and they're actually not that expensive if you go through Telstra. Certainly a lot cheaper than if you buy them elsewhere in the world (something like Aus$1000 which was less than half the price of the same model in the US). Even the plans aren't that expensive really (again much cheaper than overseas...about $1 a minute I think). I suspect that they might be subsidised by the Aus govt due to the political issue of communications for rural areas. Anyway, still a truckload of money, but worth considering if you are likely to be a moderate user.

You could also look into Vodafone's Globalstar system. They've got dual use GSM/satellite phones at a moderately reasonable price too. Again, can't remember the exact costs. Of course Globalstar doesn't have the range of Iridium, but if you're in Australasia, Eurasia or the Americas it's supposed to be OK. Can't comment because I've only used iridium (borrowed a handset myself a couple of times).

Adnrew