Getting mobile service out at sea?

[markb]

Hi guys,

I am new here so just starting to get a feel around the site.

I have a question for the sea fishermen.

I wanted to get an antenna for my mobile phone while I am out in the boat, and wondered where you would recommend getting one?

I tried Telstra who is my carrier but I was unable to get one from them.

I found this site www.telcoantennas.com.au but I wondered if anyone knew of a shop to get antennas from?

[ellicat]

I wasn't aware you could get one, but the usual boating shops like Bias and Whitworths may have an answer.

Depending on how far offshore you intend to go; 27MHz or VHF radios are usually the go.

No licence required for the 27MHz.

[tangles]

Not sure whether you are thinking of it as a safety measure, or you simply like to keep in touch.

If it's a safety measure then I have to agree with Ellicat on this one. My mate has a place up the bush and couldn't get mobile reception on his property. He bought a car antenna with a patch lead to suit his phone. He now gets patchy reception in areas where there was none, but not a good enough improvement to bet your life on it.

The benefit of a radio is that even if you are out of range of the coast guard or vmr, chances are you are in range of other boats.

[smokingfishingreel]

RFI Industries

QLD - Brisbane

RF Industries Ltd

Northlands Business Centre,

30 Raubers Rd

PO Box 340

Banyo, QLD, 4014, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3621 9400

Fax: +61 7 3252 5505

Email: Sales and Enquiries

[Marine Equip]

Hi Markb

U will still need the patch cables but the GME AE916 is a Digital Mobile Marine Antenna (which is a GSM 1500mm Antenna with a 2-way base. The base, cables and plug comes all included.

Hope we helped

Regards

The Marineequip Team