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Hurricane Phone Available for $4,995
[June 07, 2006]

Hurricane Phone Available for $4,995


(AP) Hurricane Phone Available for $4,995
By Peter Svensson
AP Technology Writer
NEW YORK
Southerners worried a hurricane will leave them without phones can now buy a "Personal Hurricane Kit" for just $4,995.

The kit, launched last month by Assemble Communications LLC of Davidson, N.C., comes in a watertight suitcase and features a battery-powered Inmarsat satellite antenna and handset. It also comes with cables to connect a computer to Inmarsat's broadband Internet service.



The price includes 400 minutes of talk time that don't expire until used and 150 megabytes of Internet access -- enough for about two days of average surfing.

Those who don't need broadband access or don't want a six-pound kit may be satisfied with cheaper, standalone satellite phones.


Phones for the Iridium Satellite LLC network cost about $1,500, and 500 minutes of talk time can be had for $550, though they expire after a year.

Globalstar Inc. phones cost as little as $645. There is an emergency plan that costs $29.99 a month, with minutes costing an additional $1.49 per minute.

Of course, hurricanes aren't the time for long, rambling conversations.

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