Delorme Inreach - Aussies getting ripped off yet again

[LandSailor]

Compare the US subscription plan - minimum yearly cost is approx $120 which includes 10 msgs per month

http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-i ... -plans.php

The Aus subscription plan with 10 messages per month (additional cost of 75c per msg) works out to be $330 per year

http://alwaysinreach.com.au/index.php/p ... e/15-rates

So subscribe to the US plan if you can!

[roysta]

Compare the US subscription plan - minimum yearly cost is approx $120 which includes 10 msgs per month

Oh yeah, I can tell you a bit more about this one.
I bought an inReach recently (a good piece of machinery) via Amazon, cost me US$210 plus $45 delivery cost, which is much cheaper than getting it here.
The first thing I did was go checking how to hook up here and the Delorme website points you to Pivotel.
Now not only are their subscription rates a rip-off, but because I bought the device offshore they wanted A$170 + GST (another $17) as a "connectivity fee".
That sent me on a hunt for other possible companies to connect with.
I came up with these guys: http://www.track4ever.com/
Ok, their subs are still more expensive than the US, but I just liked the way they responded to my enquiry.
I tossed up whether to go with their casual 4 month plan, but it actually works out better to go for 12 months.
Pivotel so very much reminded me of Telstra.
I didn't investigate whether you can connect via the US, I will check it out though, however, I suspect Delorme won't allow it because they have distributors here.

[roysta]

Right, further to this, US residents only can take advantage of the US sub plans.
There are separate ones for Canada, then Pivotel ones for Australia, NZ and Indonesia.

[photohiker]

This is correct info, Aussies are being ripped off for the service plams.

Already covered in the Emergency Help Devices thread.

[LandSailor]

Roysta, Photohiker..thanks for the heads up. The sad thing is that the high prices charged for the Australian service will clearly significantly reduce the number of users for this useful service. You have to ask what is the point of having Australian distributors? We were far better off ordering online from the US with their significantly more cost effective plan. The Australian distributors of Delorme Inreach have added no value whatsoever (significantly decreased value in fact).

[roysta]

LandSailor, there are a few of us on the same page here and frankly Pivotel could do with a serious reality check.
These people are serious rip-off merchants.
They are in the same bucket as Telstra, trying to protect some imaginary monopoly to the point where others will creep up on them, grab their marketshare to the point where they're dragged screaming into the real world.
Pivotel are sharks with their ridiculous plan rates.
Who the hell do these people think they are.
Well, let me tell you, there are other operators out there who will help consign these people to a large rubbish bin.
For anyone here considering buying a Delorme inReach (a great device), buy it from the USA and try this website
http://www.track4ever.com/

[photohiker]

The Australian distributors of Delorme Inreach have added no value whatsoever (significantly decreased value in fact).

Agreed. Every part of the service management and monitoring of the InReach occurs in the USA, yet the Australian agents are extracting a significant margin for doing almost nothing. As always, if they offered the same service as the US for an extra 10-20% there would be no problem, just the odd whinge, but they cannot help themselves.