T&T: Satellite Phones

[Milt Baker]

Terry,

Several companies rent satellite phones for use in the Bahamas or elsewhere, but the prices come out high--about $50/week plus $1.80/minute.  I've heard from several people dissatisfied with Globalstar in the Bahamas and lower Caribbean, but that was months ago . . . maybe it's working better now or maybe listees have updated information.

One company I've dealt with and have been very satisfied with on satellite communication is Explorer Satellite (www.exlorersatellite.com).  Talk with the owner, Andy Cool, and let him have your questions, especially whether he recommends Globalstar or Iridium for Bahamas communication.  Personally, I am a very satisfied Iridium user over many years, but part of my equation in using Iridium for e-mail is using Ocens.net (www.ocens.net) which speeds up the very slow Iridium baud rate with compression.  For voice, Iridium is OK though dropped calls are not unusual and voice quality is just adequate.  

Usual disclaimers: no connection with the companies above, just a satisfied user.

--Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater 


Terry wrote: 

Does anyone have info. on renting satellite phones for use in the Bahamas? I have been talking with Globalcom is their others?