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The phone is bigger than usual; it takes a bit longer to connect than normal; and on a couple of my calls my mother's voice sounded like she was underwater.
In fact the call was far from the sea - going instead thousands of miles direct from the handset up to a satellite and into her home a thousand miles away. Welcome to the world of satellite.
Worrying history
The history of satellite telephone companies is very unhappy. Iridium which is already up and running has filed for bankruptcy protection - as has ICO Global Communications, which hasn't even started service yet.
But launching a new service is what Globalstar did at the trade show Telecom 99 in Geneva.
And the company predicted it would make a profit by 2001, as it unveiled an $18 million dollar offensive to win customers.
The concept of satellite phones is delightful. It's a phone that uses dozens of satellites orbiting the world and lets you make phone calls from just about anywhere. As long as the thick antennae can see the sky, you can talk.
But the reality has been anything but pleasant. The increase of cellular coverage and better reception meant many prospective customers were no longer interested.
Today's tri-digital phones can be used in just about every country at moderate cost to the business user.
Read more about satellite phone on www.satellite-phone-rentals.com
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