Though
launched
in 2000, not many people know of the
ACeS
system.
ACeS focuses on the East Asian and Southeast Asian markets.
Using one Geo-stationary satellite (Garuda 1), ACeS offers a GSM
900/Satellite system that covers most of Asia. A second satellite,
Garuda 2, is scheduled to cover North Africa and parts of Europe.
ACeS was used on Everest in spring 2001, and on K2 in summer
2000.
It reportedly worked well. ACeS offers the worlds lightes satellite
phone
–
an Ericsson R190 at only 210 gr.
The cost of the unit is below $750 and air time is around $1 per minute. For
dealers, check the ACeS site.
The Ericsson
R190 supports data transfers (9.6 kb/s) and SMS (short text
messages) when in GSM mode. By using a Psion Gold Card System and a GSM upgrade kit, data
transfer is
possible in satellite mode (2400 b/s).
ACeS could be a possible choice for Asian climbers.
Though
launched
in 2000, not many people know of the
2000.
It reportedly worked well. ACeS offers the worlds lightes satellite
phone