Globalstar Sat phone zero coverage in Baja this week

[PAB]

Just FYI to everyone.

I was in Baja this week and had cell service in many new places but each time I tried the Globalstar sat phone I had the same results as usual, zero coverage.

I have two for sale if anyone wants to try and use them.

[nimrod]

I'll give you 200.00 for both of them......

[bajafox]

Skinner had the same problem with Global Star a couple of races ago in Baja and ended up renting the Iridium phones.

Supposedly Global Star was having Satellite issues, guess they haven't fixed them yet...

Everyone I know who's used Iridium have really like them.

[Mango]

After reading PAB's comments I feel better about the move to Iridium & BGAN.

Anyone want a killer deal on seven Globalstars?

[booger]

iridium all the way,. i can be next to a global star anywhere in baja and my iridium hooks up while he gets a call failed ..and it will work while moving in the truck if you tilt towards the window..

[Phil@racetheworld.net]

IRC swears by IriDium. It hasn't failed us and is the linchpin of the equipment We bring into the field. Don't wait too long if you're renting phones for Baja in November. Or BGAN units for that matter. Anything that can give you good voice or full internet communications in the middle of no-where is hard to come by at the last minute.

[1BAJA03]

PAB what cell service do you have? I noticed you get good cell service ie Valle T @ the turn heading to the top of the world, 1000 preruns. thanks

[nimrod]

Pretty decent coverage at 77 too....

[la2baja]

As far as cell service, I have T-Moblie and it works in a lot of places my Verizon phone didn't.

[Curtis Guise]

isn't this old news? People were talking about how Global Star wasn't working before last years 1000 also. I hope no one bought them recently.

[nimrod]

isn't this old news? People were talking about how Global Star wasn't working before last years 1000 also. I hope no one bought them recently.

Oh great NOW you tell me.....Hey I want my 200.00 bucks back!:o :(

Just kidding:rolleyes: :D they seem to work really good on the short bus whenever I call Red Rider and Big Bird....

[ironmtnracing]

They key to cell service in Baja is that you have a GSM phone. CDMA (Verizon) can't roam on the existing mex carrier as they are GSM. T-Mo and Cingular (now the new AT&T) are your best bets.

P.S. - I work for AT&T

PAB - Can you give a run down on where the new coverage spots are for cellular and do you think it's good enough to bag on the Sat phone?

Thanks,

John

[ChrisW]

I just dumped my Boat Anchor (Globalstar) for an Iridium and was amazed at the difference. Was in Baja last week and the Iridium was perfect (almost like using a cell phone).

[nimrod]

If you are OFF the main highways chances are that you aren't going to have coverage.

For example most of the coast around Erinderia is not covered. we feel pretty confident down there on short trips just for fun with our radios and cell phones. Any kind of activity that involves going all out and driving on the edge of being out of control should be covered by a sat phone........Just my 2 cents...

PS. I am very impressed with the coverage and prices of my Cingular-AT&T phone with the Mexico plan. I look foward to the day when cell service in baja is as good as it is here.

[bajaxp]

My Cingular works better in Baja than in OC.

[ScottyA]

PAB aren't you going to tell us about your trip!

[nimrod]

PAB aren't you going to tell us about your trip!

He's working the Corr race for Speed Vision this weekend in Chula Vista and also a FMX event in Pomona Saturday night. I have a hunch we won't hear much from Pab until Monday.

[bajabigdog]

seems that Globalstar lost a few satellites, and there having trouble launching new ones since most satellites are launched out of Russia these days, and the weather has prevented them from launching, at least that's what they will tell you!!!

Dump them now....

Im hoping someone gets a class action going, since Im out about 3000 dollars in the last couple of years when the phones didnt work worth dam!!!!