I have seen on these discussion boards where some of y'all have purchased satellite internet/phone systems for your soldiers personal use while depoyed. I have asked a couple people for more information on these but haven't heard back. I have tried looking online but don't really know what to look for and the info I have found is confusing! Does anyone have personal experiene with these? If so, will you please let me know what your suggestions would be for both equipment and monthly plans?? My soldier is deploying soon and I would like to be able to have something he can take when he goes! Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide!
The satellites run around 4000 dollars for setup(the actual dish) and 4000 additional dollars every three months. Guys usually get together in a group and establish a network. I have not heard about phone service, actually, I was under the impression phones were not allowed in Iraq(if that is where he is going). I do know of people who have cell phones down there, though. After he gets there, he will be able to join a group and have internet.
Definately dont spend that kind of money before he gets on station-most FOBS have internet access installed-either thru a local provider or a Satellite connection that is in place and the soldiers simply purchase the equipment from other soldiers leaving theater-and then go to gether as a group to pay for the service. There are phone centers on amost all the FOBs and where there are not DSN (government) phones are maid availabel for moral calls. Many soldiers are now allowed to have local cell phones-purchasing a local phone and a good international calling card is far far cheaper than satellite phone which runs about 500 for the hand set and 5 dollars a minute for the calls. There are phone centers in place for soldiers to use at most locations. As MrsJVB said-he will need to be there and be onstation before he even knows what the command will allow him to have and what infrastructure is available. Be aware that Iraq is a third world country and NO means of communication is fool proof-the infarstructure is not always the best and sometimes you just cant communicate.
Thank y'all so much for the info! I expected them to be expensive but not THAT expensive!! We will definitely wait until he gets there and see what we can do then. Thanks for your help!!
What we have done is purchased him a phone from someone leaving, and then I can call him with a calling card. I have a good phone service that is inexpensive comparatively. The phones can recieve calls for free so it is just the call from here on the calling card. Do not use att calling cards..research overseas rates.
When my husband was in Iraq, he traveled around a lot. Most of the FOBs that he went to had either phones or internet. He would buy a calling card before he left his main base just in case he would need it to call us. A lot of the time, the guys would even share the calling cards. So, purchasing the satellite just seems crazy to me. We spent MAYBE $60 for almost 7 months of him being in Iraq.
I just sent a satellite system to my son's platoon who are isolated and out of coms with the world. The unit was a Sabre 1 BGAN unit that sold for $1365. The monthly service was $40 and the rate for prepaid useage was $6.50 per MB (about 50 emails). The virtual sim card gets recharged in increments of 20MB ($130) and can be done by relatives at home online or by the servicemember themselves....
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mrsjvb,
I just sent a satellite system to my son's platoon who are isolated and out of coms with the world. The unit was a Sabre 1 BGAN unit that sold for $1365. The monthly service was $40 and the rate for prepaid useage was $6.50 per MB (about 50 emails). The virtual sim card gets recharged in increments of 20MB ($130) and can be done by relatives at home online or by the servicemember themselves....
Just out of basic curiosity-you entrusted this to the MILITARY MAIL SERVICE? in an area where mail trucks get BLOWN UP? Yikes-im astonished. And how does the command feel about that?
We will definitely wait until he gets there and see what we can do then. Thanks for your help!!
