Heading to Zimbabwe on the 28th for Cape Buff and PG safari with my dad.

I was all set to rent an Iridium satellite phone for this trip then thought it might be worth it to own one. THis will probably be my only trip to Africa for a while but I see Alaska and other wilderness hunts in my future in the coming years.

Worth it or waste of money since they can be rented for $6 per day + calling plan?

Thanks.

I bought mine and have used it all over the world. The only thing that I have to worry about buying is the yearly plan of minutes. I buy the world minutes so I can use it anywhere, anytime.

You'll be shocked at how many places regular old cell phones work.

I'm renting one for a September fishing trip. I don't know if I could justify buying one. But then again, when do we need to justify anything we buy for hunting?

First I rented, then bought my own a few years go.

Amazingly, the Iridium 9505A was the top of the line model for, what was it, at least 5 years? They only recently replaced it with a newer model.

That longevity is unheard of in electronics. This means the phone will not be obsolete next month, or next year.

Another reason to buy,

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
But then again, when do we need to justify anything we buy for hunting?

Pretty much my rationale for most things hunting-related. My wife (30 years together) doesnt even ask "Why do you need that?" anymore.

Jack: And that Iridium 9505A will still be useful for many years to come, in spite of the "newer" model. I have a friend that regularly uses his 9505 (not the 9505A) and is taking it to Canada on Monday.

we bought ours and find that even in the States, there are places without cell phone coverage. also, we live in a hurricane prone area and having lived through one hurricane, Marilyn, and were without phones for about 45 days and power for 90 days, find peace of mind just having it available. My recommendation: buy, if you can-it will not wear out.

Based upon the input posted by some here, I've decided to buy one.

I appreciate the advice and that this technology will likely be useful for a number of years to come. The fact that I currently hunt in several places where there is no cell phone service sorta sealed the deal in my mind.

Thanks again,
Paul

They are a bargain....buy.

I have had a 9505 for years now and it still works like a champ. I know an outfitter in The Yukon who is still using his 9500 with stellar results. I suppose in another few years I might upgrade to whatever the top of the line model is then but that will be out of a sense of style, not technical obligation. All you need to worry about it buying a few hundred minutes a year to keep the SIM active and charged and that really is cheap insurance if you are in the bush regularly. I love not having to mess with new cell SIMs or wondering whether or not I will get service where I am traveling.

WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Being totally unknowledgeable about these phones, what do the weigh, what are the dimensions, how much do they cost if buying? I have a tendency to travel light when in the field so want to make sure they would not just get left behind because of these factors. Thanks.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I guess I am getting to be an old fart but I don't take a phone with me on trips. I go on vacation to get away from the damn things1

465H&H