Hi and Welcome to the PolarTREC family! I love reading your journals. I had similar problems with the satellite phone in Antarctica, the satellites just don't stay in range long enough. Try not to get too frustrated and just keep on trying. You are doing a great job and I am sure your students, family, and friends are really enoying reading about your adventures.
Lindsay PolarTREC 2009-2010 Microorganisms in Antarctic Glacier Ice