Satellite Phones

[David Falls]

Anyone have any advice on a Satellite phone system to keep in touch while in the Bahamas and Florida Keys coastal area. Looking for input from current users.

Thanks

David

 

[ksanders]

We have a KVH mini Vsat satellite phone and internet system on our boat.

2 mb download speeds, crystal clear voice

 

[Larry M]

No sat phone experience but we have only been with out cell/data coverage 1 night from Mayaquana to the Abacos. We have an unlocked quad phone plus an unlocked usb dongle. This year the SIM card was~$30 US plus $25 US for 2 gigs data.

Edit: check out Sealifes blog. They're current using BTC with no sat. https://caribbeansealife.wordpress.com/

 

[tpbrady]

Unless you absolutely need voice, look at the InReach which will do text messages. If you have to have voice, look at the Iridium Go. It will do voice/text/mobile data. I found the InReach works very well for a lot less money than a sat phone.

 

[Old deckhand]

I used Sat for years but now prefer Delorme.

 

[N4712]

We have a KVH mini Vsat satellite phone and internet system on our boat.



2 mb download speeds, crystal clear voice

@ $0.99 per MB

 

[Capt.Bill11]

You don't need a SAT phone to just keep in touch in the coastal areas of the Keys and Bahamas. There is good cell coverage in both those areas.

But if you still think you need one, get a hand held and buy SIM for it loaded with minutes that are good for a year.

You can even rent SAT phones.

 

[ksanders]

@ $0.99 per MB

We pay $.49 per MB, but we buy a 3 gB plan in the summer.

Satellite data is not cheap, but when you need it, you need it. It allows us to use our boat, and still make a living.

 

[Nickair]

Satellite data for text is dependable/affordable and mobile for use if you fly airplanes also. Portable is handy. Try a sat phone rental to check that out if you are wanting voice. They rent here in AK for $150 per week, unlimited use I think.

 

[BandB]

Anyone have any advice on a Satellite phone system to keep in touch while in the Bahamas and Florida Keys coastal area. Looking for input from current users.

Thanks

David

After reading the other answers, my question is are you only in need of phone or do you have other communication needs such as internet and television? I ask that because our phone solution is definitely skewed because of our other needs.

 

[Dawdler]

we have the KVH system like K Sanders. works great (though not cheap). And nice to have offshore or where no cell service is available.

 

[N4712]

I have an IsaT phone pro that has been flawless. I've been thinking of getting a base station so I can use it below decks. One warning before going on a long trip make sure you call the sat provider and make sure your phone is activated, ours say for like 3 months off and it went inactive.