Chander Agarwa, the executive director of Transport Corporation of India, has been described as a "gadget freak" whose latest desire is to own a satellite phone.

He said, that if he had a satellite phone, he would be able to make calls from remote places and deserted lands.

Mr Agarwa, who has a passion for searching for unusual information on the internet, told the India Times that his current phones include a BlackBerry 8800 and an O2 Xda Exec.

"I use O2 when travelling overseas. The in-built Wi-Fi comes handy on international trips."

He also told the newspaper that he sends 100 emails a day and receives the same number.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that French motorbike enthusiast Paul Mondor is to undertake a dangerous cross-country trip armed with a satellite phone.

The motorcycle journey across Labrador includes a trip across a 1,500-kilometre roadway of ice

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Mobile service provider Nashua Mobile, in conjunction Evosat and Inmarsat, is to offer cheap voice and broadband access via satellite links.

Nashua Mobile managing director Mark Taylor said the deal with Evosat and Inmarsat has helped bring down satellite costs, which is often the main obstacle when it comes to developing satellite phones.

From next week, subscribers will be able to enjoy mobile phone-quality connectivity, as well as access to the internet, email and video conferencing, reports technology website IT Web.

"A single terminal, which can be purchased from Nashua Mobile, will allow users to access data applications and make a voice call at the same time," stated Mr Taylor.

And because Inmarsat satellites cover more than 80 per cent of the world’s land mass, subscribers will be able to make satellite calls anywhere.

Nashua Mobile is one of South Africa’s largest, independent mobile solutions providers, with more than 670,000 customers.

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An adventurous motorbiking Frenchman will need to take a satellite phone with him as he aims to cross the trans-Labrador highway on two wheels, it has emerged.

Paul Mondor will set off on his cross country journey on January 1st 2008, which will involve him taking a trip across a 1,500-kilometre roadway of ice. In the summer, this track is open sea, reports the Prince Albert Daily Herald.

He is under no illusions about how difficult the ride is going to be, even though he has taken similar trips before.

"It’s going to be tough. Let’s be honest - it’s going to be downright dangerous going across Labrador in the middle of winter," Mr Mondor told the publication.

He added that the region is "so remote," suggesting that the federal department of transport issues travellers at each end with satellite phone technology.

Satellite phones are often carried by people who travel or work remotely such as mountain explorers and fishermen.

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Satellite phone technology is one of the options available to guests on the Hanse Explorer, a cruise ship which sails along the Brazilian coast.

Indeed, the vessel’s cabins have some of the latest technology, including large flat screens that are ideal for working on digital photographs, according to Easier.

Also provided is an outside dining area and a relaxed and informal atmosphere all round, the site states.

Aside from the technology, the boat takes people on a journey from Belem to Brazil’s capital Rio de Janeiro, which takes 15 days in total.

Travellers will be able to absorb the sun’s rays, while also experiencing some first-class diving in the coral-filled sea.

Spinner dolphins, rays, reef sharks and turtles will be among the creatures cabin guests can phone home about.

Ocean Star is the operator behind the Hanse Explorer. The company is recognised for its strength and sailing capabilities on a global scale, according to owners Ocean Yachts.

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A British rower, who plans to cross the Atlantic ocean for charity, will have 24-hour medical backup via satellite phone, it has emerged.

The Comet reports that 33-year-old Scott McNaughton, along with marine engineer Neil Hunter, 36, will attempt to make the 2,935-mile trip to raise money for Diabetes UK.

And if they do get in any trouble on their journey, they will be safe in the knowledge that they can call for help at any time.

Earlier this week, a group of endangered Maltese fisherman was located when a member of the crew managed to get a satellite phone message out to his wife.

Commenting on the charity challenge, chief executive at Diabetes UK Douglas Smallwood told the publication: "This is a truly astonishing challenge. The money they raise will go towards our vital work in helping to improve the lives of people with diabetes."

Mr McNaughton added that the Atlantic crossing will involve working "two hours on and two hours off, 24 hours a day, for 50 to 60 days".

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