Surge In Satellite Phone Rental To Film Industry

Online mobile phone retailer mPhone has reported increased interest from the film industry in rental satellite phones in quarters two and three of 2006.
This increased awareness of satellite phone technology is believed to be the result of safety concerns coupled with reluctance to buy the expensive phones, which can cost over £1000 each. The phones are being used by film crews on location in remote areas.
In contrast to the traditional model of buying a phone and paying for calls and line rental, mPhone offers simpler, more affordable rental solutions. The user pays a deposit before the phone is delivered and then post-pays the bill when the phone is returned. If the average usage surpasses a low, pre-agreed, level the line rental becomes free - otherwise it's as little as one pound per day.
"We very much encourage our customers to actually use the phone and not pay line rental as a result," explained Ali Mahmoud, Managing Director of mPhone. "If the user was on a long trip, say fifty days, and used the phone every day to the pre-agreed level, the cost would still only be 5% of the cost of buying a satellite phone. Furthermore, if you buy a phone you still have to pay call charges and rental on top of the purchase price. Finally, unlike a regular mobile phone, incoming calls to satellite phones are free," explained Mahmoud.
"In addition, renting a satellite phone is much easier than people think," continued Mahmoud. "All the customer has to do is fill in a brief form on our Web site and click send. They will be sent a document to sign and return by fax or post. A couple of days before their trip a courier will arrive with the phone - it's as simple as that," continued Mahmoud.
"It makes sense to book the phone well in advance though. By doing this you can have your number supplied early on. As a result, you are able to let all the interested parties have it in plenty of time. This ensures the logistics of the journey run smoothly," he concluded.
Satellite phones are rugged and mobile telephones designed for use in remote areas or situations where a normal mobile phone wouldn't be able to provide network coverage. Most models offer SMS functionality similar to a normal mobile phone as well as data capability, allowing users to access e-mail and surf the Web wherever they are. The mPhone range includes the Inmarsat mini-M, with voice fax and data services and the Iridium satellite phone, one of the smallest phones on the market.
(SP/CD)