Advice Sought on Sat Phones

[SHANEA]

Hello, I'm needing advice on satellite phones.  I will be renting one soon and I would like information on:
1.  Any dealer/rental place you would recommend?
2.  Iridium or Globalstar and why?  I take it these are the two major satellite networks.
3.  Anything else you can think of or provide.  Right now, the sat phone will be used in North America, but depending on performance, etc. I may purchase one for global use.  Do not need data capability.  Need voice and voice mail only.  Maybe texting or SMS.

[bjbriggs]

I found this place on the internet.  I have never rented from them, but have been checking with other sites and they seem to have the best deal.  I would go with Iridium,  I think Globalstar has some satellites down.  I'm going to try this bunch the next trip I go on.  It looks like it will cost you about $275 Rental for 2 weeks for 30 mins.  If you don't buy the pre plan minutes, they will charge $11/min.  I think I will try them out my next river trip.  Let me know if you find someone better.   Thanks Benny  Here's the website.

http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/satellite/phone_rentals_iridium.html

[SHANEA]

Thanks.

I went with http://www.roadpost.com/ at $8.99 per day with Iridium 9505A - I got great initial customer service from them.  Another outfit I contacted said "see our website" even though I had specific questions.

http://www.roadpost.com/Iridium-Satellite-Phone-Rentals-P176C65.aspx

If I like it, I'll probably purchase the http://www.roadpost.com/Iridium-Grab-Go-Kit-P411C3.aspx