Guys

If any of you use an RB GAN to access the internet from the bush, be aware that they'll stop working at the end of this year and you'll need to replace the unit with something else. There's a few choices out there by way of replacement units - but about the least expensive I can find at the moment is about US$1000.

I know some of you are going to ask questions, so I have taken the liberty and found out what is going on.

Both RBGAN and BGAN are operated by INMARSAT.

RBGAN is an old system, and they are going to stop using it by the end of the year as Steve said.

One then can have two choices - in some instances only one I am afraid.

BGAN, from INMARAT, which covers most of the world.

Thuraya DSL, which covers part of Africa only. I know it works by Lake Kariba, but anything south of there has a big question mark on it.

We used RBGAN this year in Tanzania, and frankly, it left a lot to be desired. WE had quite a job getting a connection. And when we did it was rather flakey

May be that explains it now, as they are reducing their service.

I apologise for not going into more detail and thank Saeed for helping me out.

FWIW, It's early days yet, but so far the best replacement we've found and the one we'll probably go with is the Nera World Pro 1000, which if I read the offer correctly, costs about US$1000 and claims to offer data and voice, i.e. basically and RBGAN and Thuraya phone in one. The offer comes with the following:

1 x Nera WorldPro 1000, complete
1 x Nera WorldSet (voice handset)
1 x 3m Antenna Cable
1 x Carry Bag

I'm a bit confused about how or why the phone works on the Thuraya network and the B GAN works in Inmarsat network at this stage, but I'm sure we'll work it out.

Steve,

All the sat modems we have used allow voice as well as data.

They do not make this clear though.

We used the Thuraya DSL last year and were very happy with its operation. Much better than we had with RBGAN this year.

I talked to the dealer just now, and he said they should be several solutions offered towards the end of the year.

Saeed,

I have to say I really like the Thuraya phones and would buy the Thuraya DSL in a heartbeat if it worked Africa wide..... in fact, even if it worked in a band from SA up to the top of Tanzania........ but it doesn't, so we'll have to buy something that covers the areas we require............ but I sooooo wish Thuraya would launch another satellite to cover the area mentioned.