Satellite Communications
 

Do you require a license etc for Satellite phones in Niger, Libya Algeria etc?

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

Iridium satellite phones. Talk to "Applied Satellite Technology" based in Croyden Surrey (UK).

Correct Me if I am wrong but I thought Iridium went bust last year and planned to burn up all their satellites?

Relaunched recently and have secured a contract with the US Government so hopefully that should keep them in business.

Iridium is indeed back - shame to waste all those satellites after all

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

CS

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.

I've heard that the "Inmarsat" system also works there. Is this correct?

Erik :-)

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

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.

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

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