[andy]

I had a chat with a satellite phone dealer. They don't do hire themselves, but could suggest someone else that charges $300 a month.

I asked about roaming it with other SIMs, and he said this would only be in GSM mode, that satellite coverage specifically needs a Thuraya SIM. I mentioned these global roaming SIMs, and he sounded sort of interested, but not enough to suggest I come and try it when I fished for the idea; it might clash with their commission arrangements anyway I suppose

We need someone to borrow one, but I suspect we'll find that if it did work, the satellite roaming charges will somehow be fed back from Thuraya