Satellite Phone Coverage

In my working years were on the road alot with the work teams and needed internet. The sat internet was big flop for us - too much money up front and never knew if it was going to work or not.

We went with VERIZON and their air cards back in the day. These worked almost everywhere we went.

I now use the VERIZON MIFI unit which is a stand alone unit and provides a WIFI hotspot for about 60-feet around the unit. I can connect to this unit with up to five of my internet devices. This works anywhere a Verizon cell phone works. I got into it when the rates were lower and got setup for 3GB at $27 a month. I think they are 5GB plan now for $50 a month. This runs all of the tablets, portable computer, etc that have WIFI capability.

The MIFI 2200 (they have a newer version out now) fits in the palm of your hand or shirt pocket, has a good 4hrs on internal battery or runs from a 120VAC xfmr plug. We are completely happy with the service we get with ours using the VERZION Network for checking emails, bank accounts, keeping up with the kids... I carry my Dell 17-inch M90 laptop computer and the wife has her HP 11-inch portable... Connects to the internet everytime we turn them on. No wires connected.


photo from google images

NOTE: I just read the post from Mr TEXAS about his service with VERIZON and yes it is true "total" coverage of the US is not available with Verizon. It certainly has been the best coverage for us in our travels anyway all over the south and southwest as far as OKLA and TEXAS. All cellphones in the back roads of ALA and MISS is a bad spot for us as well. These are mostly run by mom and pop companies I think.. Even here at our VA stick home VERIZON was bad until they finally put up another tower somewhere. It was like green acres here as you almost had to climb a telephone pole to clear the 300-foot ridge we live under to get the service. The wifes family was living outside of Bonham TX (Gober, TX) and coverage was bad there as well.

pnichols wrote:
Have you tried using Verizon cellular service through a cellular band antenna and a cellular band amplifier? We use this setup in our RV for both phone boosting and Internet browsing via Verizon cellular broadband service.

The antenna/amplifier combination will often get us out for phone calls and Internet access with no bars showing on a standalone cell phone.

I will invite you to visit us and drive just 8 miles west, then try and use your Verizon with the amp.....ain't gonna work. If you live in the urban areas or restrict your travels to the major highways, then cell service is OK. But remember, over 25% of the US does NOT have cell service and many of us live, travel and work in that 25%.

Have you tried using Verizon cellular service through a cellular band antenna and a cellular band amplifier? We use this setup in our RV for both phone boosting and Internet browsing via Verizon cellular broadband service.

The antenna/amplifier combination will often get us out for phone calls and Internet access with no bars showing on a standalone cell phone.

Mbethrobi wrote:
Asking here in the General RV section hoping that some of you out there may have experience with Globalstar Satellite phones? I am looking to see if the coverage is available throughout the USA on a consistent basis, and if you are/have used this your opinion. Thank you.

one of my riding buddy's has a sat phone. He looked at various service providers coverage and reputation. Globalstar was NOT at the top of his list. To many places/conditions that he couldn't get coverage. He ended up going with another carrier but regardless there ARE conditions when a Sat phone will NOT get reception. far fewer than a cell phone, but he does run into it. Heavy rain is one condition, canyons or heavy tree cover are another. I've been with him in places where the sat phone could not get a signal.

Bottom line: You'll get a better chance of getting reception with a sat phone but it will NOT guarantee reception.

I have contacted Globalstar and they have explained their coverage, I was inquiring specifically to those who have experience using their product. I have tried finding other forums specifically focusing on customers opinion of Globalstar but I have been unsuccessful thus far, and was just inquiring here in the case that there may be RV users who have had experience with this product. The monthly cost is relatively low, however the cost of the equipment is substantial, and I am trying to get real experience opinions before I shell out the money for this. Our cellular is TERRIBLE!!!! in the areas we tend to visit, and I am trying to find something that will be reliable. Thank you.

Satellite phone operate on different satellites, depending on where it was purchased and which satellite it is tuned to. You can have the satellite changed to cover everywhere as you travel, but NO, there is NO satellite that covers all of North America. There are some that are close to full coverage in the lower 48, but again, none provide 100% coverage. Contact your local provider for info on what they have to offer. I do know the price has come WAY down on them. We paid under $100 for ours and the minutes are now much cheaper than they used to be.

I thought the point of a satelite phone was that it worked everywhere? Otherwise why not just get a cellular phone? Just asking..