Interesting product!
The information online is opaque to say the least!
My biggest questions would be on
Battery life.
The fact sheets say 15.5 hours standby and up to 5.5 hours talk time. Be interesting to see real world examples for land use. Iridium is well known for sea phones which with no pesky mountains in the way of the sky makes for much better reception and less strain on the battery.
How good is the reception for voice calls..
I have a inreach mini which uses the iridium network and in the bush sometimes it takes 15-30 mins to get a message out/in. I assume voice would require a much stronger signal. That they promote the external antenna booster on the same page makes me a bit wary.
Cost.
It seems people calling you need to call your dedicated iridium number(not your regular mobile number) and pay international rates.
Calling out (or in) it seems you need a plan with a iridium reseller or get a prepaid card. Couldn't find the prepaid cost but the plans are costly although seems prices have come down.
Telstra have plans.. basic is $45 pm plan cost and $1.20 per minute calls.(within Australia) and providing you sign a 12/24 month contract.
https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-net ... -satelliteIridium mentioned that friends/family could access a web portal to SMS you without cost. No mention on how much it costs to message back. Likely you need a plan or a pre paid.
Seems you can use it to send/receive picture messages which is a nice capability. Not sure on cost.
My initial thoughts are this product is likely most appropriate for companies/expeditions wanting voice/msg access for staff operating in remote places like a ship or a mining site. Especially as one device can be used by up to 5 people at once within 30m. Staff just need the app on their phones.
Think of iridium go as a satellite phone (with all the associated costs) but it brings the advantage that you don't need to bring another handset.(apart from your personal mobile)