Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Satellite Communication Permits in Russia?? Satellite Communication Permits in Russia??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 102
Satellite Communication Permits in Russia??
Just been reading the Winter 2011 issue of the Overland Journal.

It mentions 'Russia in particular is serious about satellite communication permits'.

Is this true??

I am planning to take an Iridium sat phone and a BGAN terminal.

If so where would I find one?

Thanks

Callum
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
I can't help on that one, BUT..

There are 'normal' mobile networks all across Russia. Every town and village has at least one network. It was part of the granting of operators licences that coverage be provided at practically every town or village.

You 'home' SIM will pick up every available network or you can buy a RUS 'pay as you go' SIM, but it will be only for one network. Both probably considerably cheaper options than satellite phoning but effectively almost as useful.

On all of Russian SibirskyExtreme, although not constantly phone watching, I was aware of only one smallish town where we could not get any signal - but that may have been a temporary local breakdown.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Feb 2012
strimstrum's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
+1 on Tony's reply - we bought a cheap pay as you go phone in Vladivostok with 150 minutes of national (ie ALL Russia) calls and that was enough for us - total cost around £30 if I remember right. The SIM will only last as long as your visa though.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Quote:
Originally Posted by strimstrum View Post
The SIM will only last as long as your visa though.
And ensure it is enabled for Roaming, even for use within Russia. This facility is free but must be ordered, even if from countrywide network providers.

Additional Roaming charges will apply for calls made, the further you travel across Russia from the SIM's base the greater. But it is not a lot of money.

If one is a prolific phone user it may be cheaper to ditch a (for example) Vladivostock SIM and get a more western orientated SIM as one progresses west.
I don't keep count but I notice my regular Moscow SIM needs topping up with money more frequently the further away I travel within RUS.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Cell phone cover in Russia is certainly not ubiquitous, particularly way out in the regions, but I think most people would be surprised how much coverage there is.

I broke down near Baikal in the middle of nowhere and picked up a signal on my Blackberry (but not my iPhone); at the very least you might want to invest in a phone with a sensitive antenna.

On the Road of Bones last summer every desolate settlement had cell phone coverage AND wireless internet (although usually quite slow), so you might want to pick up a wireless internet modem/SIM as well. Wireless internet access really saved me after I broke down near Baikal, I was able to read some posts on ADVRider that enabled me to diagnose and fix the problem, it was very cool.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
Quote:
Originally Posted by Landroverholic View Post
I am planning to take an Iridium sat phone and a BGAN terminal.


Callum
Why an Iridium AND a BGAN?
If Internet access isn't important, just take an Iridium. But if Internet is important, take the BGAN and save $$ by not buying the Iridium and paying the subscription.
I found in 16 months of travelling in Australia that the BGAN was perfectly satisfactory for both telephony and Internet (except for a mere 32kb/sec).

Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 102
Thanks everybody for the very useful info.

I already have a sat phone so I guess it just seems sensible to bring it along.

As for the BGAN I reckon I'll forget about that idea and just use internet cafes along the way to update blog and download photos etc.

I have an external mobile phone ariel on the car already so that shouldn,t cause any problems at the border ??

Thanks again everybody. You are an invaluable source of info.

Regards

Callum
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Feb 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New zealand, russia
Posts: 80
Taken iridium two times not problems at all
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Scotland Europe Russia Mongolia Siberia Australia June 2012 Landroverholic Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 27 Jun 2012 11:23
Camping Russia, Khazakstan & Mongolia muppet8mycat Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 18 11 Feb 2012 13:06
Heading to Sakhalin Island (Russia) this summer -- need tips from those who've been! Guy Jinbaiquerre Trip Paperwork 7 6 Feb 2012 02:24
Visa + accommodation SW Russia. tigs Europe 3 22 Jan 2012 22:02
Russia to Alaska...... Timferret Trip Transport 1 15 Jan 2012 17:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top