Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jun 2001
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
Satellite Communications

Do you require a license etc for Satellite phones in Niger, Libya Algeria etc?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2001
Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
I'm not sure if Niger want a licence for a sat phone, but they certainly asked if we had any when we entered Niger from Algeria last Christmas. If I remember correctly, it was near the top of their list of concerns.
It is probably impossible to get a licence, so the next best thing is to hide it. I'd be surprised if they undid everything in the vehicle at customs. Where do you get a satellite phone that will work at that latitude?
Richard
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Jun 2001
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
Iridium satellite phones. Talk to "Applied Satellite Technology" based in Croyden Surrey (UK).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jun 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Cork,Ireland
Posts: 150
Correct Me if I am wrong but I thought Iridium went bust last year and planned to burn up all their satellites?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jun 2001
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
Relaunched recently and have secured a contract with the US Government so hopefully that should keep them in business.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jun 2001
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,800
Iridium is indeed back - shame to waste all those satellites after all

Applied (UK) are at
http://www.satcomms.com/

CS
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Jun 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I have a contact for both the handheld and Mini M (cheaper) units.

You will spend more time and money on getting licences for the 'phone than on the rest of the whole trip. Just hide it (but somewhere: 'not hidden, just there for safe-keeping'!.

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jun 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
I've heard that the "Inmarsat" system also works there. Is this correct?

Erik :-)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Jun 2001
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
The handheld Globalstar satphone definetely works in Algeria - I have tried it out myself in Feb./March this year. Have a look at http://www.globalstar.com/

Seb
Sebastian.Luning@gmx.net
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Jun 2001
ctc ctc is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 249
Inmasat does work but is a little more expensive tha iridium. Inmarsat uses geostationary satelites [rotate at same speed as earth] whereas Iridium uses a numer of different satelites which cross over your horizon. On a particularl callyour iridium phone may have to hop between sats [to mauintain comms] therefore risking a dropped call. Inmarsat could therefore be said to be more reliable. Re inmarsat, mini M seemed to be the most appropriate.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Jul 2001
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
There is a guy in Arizona selling Inmarsat Mini-M phones on eBay. (NEC Planet 1-s, apparently new, out of box) They're no longer made, but full support available, and at under $500 they are very good value compared to $3000+ for new Nera or T&T units. (I paid about the same for a 3 week Nera rental !) The associated Comsat package allows zero fixed monthly cost, 2.99 per minute calls billable to a credit card. Seller seems reliable, my phone works without a glitch.

Check for auctions by satdish@vtc.net

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 8 Jul 2001
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
There is a guy in Arizona selling Inmarsat Mini-M phones on eBay. (NEC Planet 1-s, apparently new, out of box) They're no longer made, but full support available, and at under $500 they are very good value compared to $3000+ for new Nera or T&T units. (I paid about the same for a 3 week Nera rental !) The associated Comsat package allows zero fixed monthly cost, 2.99 per minute calls billable to a credit card. Seller seems reliable, my phone works without a glitch.

Check for auctions by satdish@vtc.net

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:46.