sharktooth
Junior Nomad
Posts: 56
Registered: 2-5-2010
Member Is Offline
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Satellite phones - Iridium rentals
Looks like the Iridium is has the best coverage - sounds like globalstar has been having satellite issues....
Been shopping a bit - does anyone have a reference for a good place to pick up an Iridium rental in San Diego? I don't want to deal with shipping
etc.
thanks.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Discover Baja Travel Club advertises them for rent...
There is a business in Santee where Baja Pits rented them when we pitted for them at the '06 Baja 1000.
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
Member Is Offline
Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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You right, Globalstar does not have as good coverage as Iridium.
With that being said, I have a near new GSP1700 Globalstar phone for sale for only $300. Significantly cheaper rates than Iridium.
Sorry to all, I did not mean to hi-jack this thread but the phone looks and worked perfect when the satellite is in range. Go to there web site.
U2U me if interested.
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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Ken Bondy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3326
Registered: 12-13-2002
Member Is Offline
Mood: Mellow
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I've rented them from Discover Baja several times and am happy with the phones and the service.
carpe diem!
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Floatflyer
Nomad
Posts: 314
Registered: 2-15-2009
Location: Whidbey Island, WA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wet & Cold
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I, too, have a Globalstar phone, but it is on a shelf waiting forf the day that Globalstar has a reliable and reasonable ability to allow customers to
make calls.
Since I use my Iridium sat phone for position reporting when on remote camping trips AND for emergency notificaiton if needed, I refuse to wait for
the published times per day that Globalstar is viable.
Cheap rates mean nothing IF you can't use the phone! Now if you can wait hours to make a call and you are happy with that, Globalstar will work.
Your choice.
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
Member Is Offline
Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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Floatflyer
I agree with you 100% with the exception you do not have to wait hours, just 5-10 minutes until that flippping bird gets into range. If you can wait,
the rate plan is great.
I used mine in Alaska and the wait time was not that bad.
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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Floatflyer
Nomad
Posts: 314
Registered: 2-15-2009
Location: Whidbey Island, WA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wet & Cold
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Howard, I will take your word for it. The last time I tried my Globalstar was a year or more ago and it certainly took me much longer than 10 minutes
to get a signal. I just gave up and will wait until signal acquistion is no longer a factor.
It is unfortunate that competition isn't stronger. I pay $42/month for Iridium and about $1.30 minute, ouch. I will monitor Globalstar's performance
more closely now. Thank you.
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3464james
Nomad
Posts: 103
Registered: 8-10-2008
Member Is Offline
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I have used All Roads Communication in San Diego for the past several years. They will mail your phone to you and and you can mail it back. They have
been very helpul in a time of emergency when my rig broke down in Baja. They provide a 24 hour number you can call and will assist in arranging off
road towing, they are the best. The tow truck driver in San Felipe could not tow over the border and AAA would not cross to tow me the 1000 feet
necessary to get across the border. Mike, at All Roads Communication, found a friend in Mexicali who did it for us for free. Great people, great
service. Additionally they provide all of the sat phomes to the Baja 1000 competitors so they have contacts all up and down Baja. Can't say enough
good about them.
Jim D.
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
Member Is Offline
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Globalstar sucks!
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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sharktooth
Junior Nomad
Posts: 56
Registered: 2-5-2010
Member Is Offline
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Jim - coincidentally - I had already talked to All Roads Communications, and if no one had recommended anyone better, I was going to go with them.
They are in San Diego - not too far off the highway, and they are open at 8am - so I will pick my phone up in person.
Turns out that you save about $70 if you pick the phone up and drop it off in person (instead of having them mail it to you)- saves shippng cost and
extra rental days if you pick up/ drop off in person. And they will show you exactly how to use it.
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sharktooth
Junior Nomad
Posts: 56
Registered: 2-5-2010
Member Is Offline
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Just got back from 2 weeks in Baja - I ended up renting an Iridium phone from All Roads Communications - and it worked great.
Never had to wait for satellite signal, and only cut out a 1 or 2 times whole trip - and could reconnect in seconds.
Made the wife happy being able to check in.
If driving through San Diego - you can pick your phone up and return it directly to All Roads Communications and save about $70 by not having it
shipped.
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wannago
Newbie
Posts: 20
Registered: 2-22-2010
Location: Idaho
Member Is Offline
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Hello
My husband and I are moving to Mexico about 5-10 miles from Santa Rosalia in Nov 2010.
Duane is retiring and I work virtual. I am looking for information on the internet, cell phone, land line, satellite and voice over IP.
Any information would be greatly appreciate.
Wanna\'Go
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