I have an Iridium phone aboard for safety and the occasional phone call
home. I called on 12/31/2004 to refill my pre-paid card, but Outfitter
Satellite, was closed for the holidays. When I got through today I was
informed that as of 1/1/2005 minimum size refill that you can get is a $500
+ $40 tax! It used to be $200.

For $200 I'm willing to have a sat phone aboard for safety and saying hi to
mom & dad every once in a while. But $500 is pushing the limit. I just
don't need 500 minutes of talk time. I'm sure that lots of other cruisers
are in the same situation.

So, if you fall into the category of people that consider this a stupid
rate plan, feel free to send e-mail to and
and let them know what you think. I know that
I did. I don't know that it will do any good, but it's at least worth
letting them know what you think.

-- Geoff