Globalstar Update ?

[SCCatSailor]

So, now that some of the new satellites are up, anyone have any real world experience to report? Specifically, I'm planning a trip to the western Carib this fall/winter and am trying to decide whetehr to activate my old globalstar (that was close several times to being thrown overboard when last used in 2007).

Thanks all.

[timb7734]

Just traded my old Globalstar for an Inmarsat. Never got a good connection with Globalstar even when using their preferred times. So far happy with the phone, and data capability is soon to be up.

[Dockhead]

I inherited a nice fixed Globalstar phone from the PO of my boat and since I'm going to be offshore a lot this summer I was thinking whether or not it would be worthwhile to rescusitate it and activate it.

I remember Globalstar was supposed to be launching new satellites and getting their network back into shape -- has that happened? As of last year I seem to recall that the netword was nearly unusable -- still the case?

[rcmpegasus]

I have been using my Globalstar a bit and coverage seems to be much better than last fall. Still breaks in coverage, but maybe 40 min of call time per hour. Once connected was better clarity than a cell call.

[teejayevans]

I believe they started new satellite launches this year, I vaguely remember seeing the press release.
Tom

[JustinandKaitly]

Love My Globalstar Service! could be because it is the most bang for you buck. Because of our lifestyle and the nature of our work we privi to have access to just about every type of SatSys out today. I still Plug and Push Globalstar!

[R2boat]

We have ridden through the storm with Globalstar...each year gets better...be sure to use the Globalstar Call time feature...we email a position to some one at home who then emails us the call times...not perfect but gets the job done and cheaply...

[Zonker]

Anyone has experience with VSAT (for ex. TracPhone V3) ? Compared to Inmarsat's pricing VSAT looks to me like a bargain (ca $10 vs $1 per MB).

[JustinandKaitly]

Hi Zonker,

I will be happy research this service more for you and see if I can get a test unit and give you a proper review. I will call them in the morning and post the response I get.