Originally Posted by
hedoman
Since I have have not read a definitive answer to the original question, which is strange considering amount of posts, my guess is that it will cost $8 to $10 per minute on cell phone. Bought Iridium last January, sitting in cabin, talking on SAT for $1.25/minute. With cost of cell service from some countries, it has been a good purchase..
There is NO definitive answer. Too many variables-cell provider, ship charges-all different.
AVERAGE cost for cell ON THE SHIP bouncing off the ship towers-about $6.00 per minute.
AVERAGE cost for ship phone (cabin phone)-about $9.00 per minute
I agree-my sat phone goes with me whenever I leave the USA. Since the per minute price has gone down considerably since I first purchased the phones, it really is almost "economical".
Even though I think Mobal is a great bargain for the casual traveler, you cannot use it on a ship without the ship surcharges IF the ship has cell at sea service. However, Mobal works VERY well on ships with no cell towers and you are within line of sight of a cell tower. Used my Mobal phone down the entire West coast of South America from my balcony in December.