thanks for the info I had decided to go with plan but after seeing your comments Ian and Sue I want to go back and check out prepaid again. I had a look at the iphone at telstra today and they showed me the connections for the aerial in the van and how it can be connected to the car. I am just obsorbing the info for me not sure I want to go that way. I like the idea of changing sim cards from new to old phone if needed that could work. have thought about sat phone mainly for emergencies but have been told if in trouble dial 000 anyway even though you have no bars, as it automatically find sat connection for you and the covers 99.9% of Auss. I asked a telstra dealer about it and was informed that that was correct. So long as we can get help if needed is all that matters. let me know if this is true or has been tested do I need to have full coverage if this is so. I would be very plsed to hear from more seasoned travellors. tahnks to all.