I took a rented Sat Phone to WCPP Solo.  I called home every night for 3-5 minutes.  Cost $9 per day to rent and $1.99 per minute.  I rented it to come 2 days proir to trip and sent back 2 days after trip.  Just put in Fed Ex with returnable label they sent along and it was done.
It worked fine as long as I was along shore or in open.  Lost signal once, but regained and called right back out after I got a new signal.
I took a spare charged battery with me and kept it in a zip lock to keep it dry inside a dry bag.  I loved it, and my better half enjoyed knowing I was fine.  Here is the link where I got mine from.
SunCatcher [smiley=thumbup.gif]

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