SPOT renewal

[Andy]

My SPOT account is up for renewal. It's ~$200 a year. Is there a way to get a better rate plan?

Thanks Andy
IBA 444

 

[rneal55555]

I have used the Bubbler GPS phone app with good results, I have suspended or cancelled my actual Spot plan when I don't actually require it mine, I usually have it just for the IBR. I understand I am giving up the help function when there is no cell service. FWIW a text will frequently go through even if a call won't. If I spent a large amount of time in isolated areas without cell coverage I may come to a different conclusion.

 

[Steve Bell]

I called them when my renewal was up and said I was going to cancel due to the rate. They lowered the rate to 150/year. It is nice to have especially when you are traveling where there is no cell signal.

 

[MrMarcus]

Didn't save the bubbler software locations when there is no cell coverage and sent it when connected again?

 

[EricV]

When you call to cancel, they will refer you to a "retention specialist" that will offer you a better deal. If you say no thanks, sometimes they offer you an even better deal. Or just tell them I'm not sure it's a good enough value for me to keep it right now, and see what they say.

Option B is to move to a monthly plan and only activate it for the bigger trips, but we like having it all the time so just try and get the best deal each renewal.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Seems pretty steep for IBA rides. When I was looking into it, the cost seemed prohibitive to me. Not helpful for your question, just wanted to give an opinion for others who may be considering options.

 

[EricV]

Seems pretty steep for IBA rides. When I was looking into it, the cost seemed prohibitive to me. Not helpful for your question, just wanted to give an opinion for others who may be considering options.

Only a few IBA rides require Spotwalla. Even back around 2011 Spot wanted $150/year for service. Satellite tracking service isn't cheap.

Cellular services are, for a reason. Volume of sales and overhead.

At the end of the day, if you want to do the rides that require Spotwalla tracking, you will have to choose what works for your location and budget.

 

[WY88]

Hate the price, can only use it roughly half the year, and the monthly program is not for me either. Wife loves me having it, some rides require it, so I have it, unless something way better comes along.

 

[igneouss]

I use monthly. Start it up when I need it and shut it off when I don't. Doesn't save a ton but it is a bit less in the long term.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Only a few IBA rides require Spotwalla. Even back around 2011 Spot wanted $150/year for service. Satellite tracking service isn't cheap.

Cellular services are, for a reason. Volume of sales and overhead.

At the end of the day, if you want to do the rides that require Spotwalla tracking, you will have to choose what works for your location and budget.

Getting access to Spotwalla through the IBA Premier program is awesome! I am assuming the OP does not have this option.

 

[Stephen!]

Only a few IBA rides require Spotwalla. Even back around 2011 Spot wanted $150/year for service. Satellite tracking service isn't cheap.

Also note that Spotwalla ≠ SPOT service. For certificate rides, any device that feeds position data to Spotwalla is acceptable. It is when you start participating in rallys that require an actual close-to-real-time satellite tracker that you start talking about needing the higher priced services.