"So where is your evidence? It is not "reliable" information if you are only guessing. Is there any evidence that these satellite systems don't work in Tasmania or that they don't provide the necessary coverage."
I'm just basing that on previous thread from tasadam...viewtopic.php?f=21&t=415&p=13184#p12557
I've yet to find a spot that the Iridium system doesn't work effectively....but I'll keep on trying.
If you also look at the coverage map from Thuraya...it just encompasses Tasmania...no more or less...which again in my opinion may give less than satisfactory service if and when it was required.
All the 3 types will no doubt provide coverage sitting on top of some range...but its being able to get reception in an emergency that I'd be concerned about...especially if solo.
My only concerns were with walkers maybe thinking of purchasing a Sat phone in place of a PLB...no other reason.
When GPS was fist introduced...it also had very little southern polar coverage...hence its use for mapping etc was greatly reduced here in Tas. Obviously it has since been fixed with a greater # of Sat's in orbit. So I guess I'm a bit wary of a similar coverage by the Sat phone systems mentioned...where there is a definite lack of polar coverage.
If others can post their Sat phone experiences in a similar manner to the GSM thread...this may help...but I expect there's not many out there.
sT
