On Mon, 3 May 2010 09:54:27 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

I am being pressured by family, my co-workers and clients to get a
phone that will work in most places I go. While I do not think
anybody needs to be on call 24/7/365,I will have to do something to
placate people. However, the reality is that nothing but a satellite
phone will work in many places I go. Not many cell towers in the N.
FL swamps and none offshore.

There is a boater named Jeff Siegel, creator of the "Active Captain"
web site, who has done a lot of research into different types of cell
phones. I recommend that you read his discussion:

http://www.activecaptain.com/article...ones/intro.php

That said, nothing works offshore or in the boondocks except a
satphone. By all reports that I've heard, Iridium is the best
although not the cheapest. Take a look on EBAY for good pricing. You
also need to get the "data package" which is relatively inexpensive if
you want to use the Iridium phone for internet access. External
antennas are highly recommended by most.

In the Bahamas there is a much cheaper option. Buy an unlocked GSM
phone for about $50 before you go. There is no need to activate it in
the US. When you get to the Bahamas look for the closest cell tower
and find the Batelco office underneath it. You can buy a Batelco SIM
card for $13, and that gives you a Bahamian telephone number. They
will usually install the card for you right on the spot at no charge.
You can buy minutes as needed from Batelco offices anywhere.