Satellite Communications Helpful Information

Importance of Satellite Communications

Satellite phones have become a significant communications options for those who need to communicate while off the grid or have a mission critical communications need. Those who need to communicate out at sea, in the air or in other remote locations find that sat phones are often the only means available to stay connected with the rest of the world. Satellite phones are also used by first responders, public safety professionals and organizations that have a need to stay connected during and after a natural disaster or other wide spread communications outage. Satellite phones don’t boast all of the features found in today’s smart phones. Most sat phones don’t have cutting edge touch screens, high end camera technology or apps, but they do work in areas and situations where cellular connected phones do not.

Satellite phones are tools not toys. Satellite phones need to have a direct line of sight connection to a satellite in order to successful connect a call. For a sat phone to work inside a building they must be connected to an external antenna. For that reason, there are docking stations or repeaters available for most satellite phone models on the market. Satellite phones are easy to use, but they work a little bit different than the cellular phones people are generally used to, so SatPhoneStore provides quick start guides and has a knowledgeable customer care team available seven days per week to help its users get connected.

Some sat phone users have a need for data as well. Navigating all the options for satellite internet can be confusing and complex, but SatPhoneStore makes it easy by providing thorough information online, an in depth knowledge base, online chat and agents available by phone to help users make informed decision and choose the solution that is the best fit for their needs. SatPhoneStore has been connecting customers since 1976 and is standing by and ready to help you find the best satellite phone to meet your communications needs.





Top Five Satellite Phones for 2020

Choosing the right satellite phone can be an overwhelming experience. How do you know which device is the right one for you? We decided to take a look at the handheld sat phones available for 2020 and analyze them through the lenses of the following criteria: Durability, Coverage, Features, Cost and Overall.

We are rating the Iridium 9575 Extreme, IsatPhone 2, Iridium 9555, Thuraya X5 Touch and Globalstar GSP1700. Select a tab and scroll left to right to view how each device ranked.

Scroll right to view all phones reviewed.

Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rating: 7.5/10

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Rating: 7.3/10

9555-_iridium

Iridium 9555 Extreme
Rating: 6.5/10

Thuraya X5 TOUCH
Rating: 5.3/10

Globalstar GSP-1700
Rating: 4.5/10

Comparing different satellite phones and guiding users to the phone that best meets their requirements is something we do daily. Over the years our customers have presented countless different scenarios of needs and we could probably fill a book if we were to compare every possible feature and apply those to the different applications of satellite phone users. Under the assumption that our reader doesn't have the time to read our novel, we decided to take a narrow approach and compare what we consider to be the essentials.

For this comparison we decided to compare devices in the handheld phone category - self-contained devices that you can hold up to your ear and talk into without any additional equipment. We also decided to limit our comparison to capabilities and features that are built into the device itself. We are focusing on the factors that we find to be the most crucial, which are coverage, durability, features and cost.


Durability

Durability is extremely important to most satellite phone users because they often need to use the device in extreme conditions and outdoors. We analyzed the ingress protect (IP) rating for each phone and the over all construction of the device

1. Thuraya X5 Touch

The Thuraya X5-Touch is the most rugged phone in the market with IP67 standard and compliance with MIL 810 G/F. I P67 means the unit can be dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, and it is full dust and water protected and tested to withstand shock, vibration and extreme temperature. The Touch has has passed the rigorous MIL-STD 810 G/F testing standards. The 5.2” full HD touchscreen made of glare resistant Gorilla® glass. The toughened glass also works while the display is wet or while you are wearing gloves.

2. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Like the Iridium Extreme, the IsatPhone 2 by Inmarsat has an IP65 enclosure. This robust handset has been engineered to cope with anything that nature can throw at it - from searing heat to icy blasts; desert sandstorms or monsoon rain. It also carries an IK04 rating, denoting that the device is protected against 0.5 joules impact. Equivalent to impact of 0.25 kg mass dropped from 200 mm above impacted surface.

3. Iridium 9575 Extreme

The Iridium 9575 Extreme is ruggedly engineered to support high frequency users in the harshest conditions. It has an IP65 rated enclosure, which means it is "dust tight" and protected against water projected from a nozzle. It also has passed the rigorous MIL-STD 810F testing. The Extreme is designed to have everything sealed and is a top choice among military and public safety professionals.

4. Iridium 9555

Although the 9555 was not built to spec like its cousin the Iridium Extreme, it is still ruggedly built and can handle any environment: from baking desert to frozen ice parks. It boasts an illuminated, weatherproof keypad, hand-friendly form and aerodynamic features such as an internally stowed antenna.

5. Globalstar GSP1700

The GSP1700 has not been designed to meet any specific standards for durability or ruggedness. There is a rugged holster option available that can offer some enhanced protection when using the phone in harsh environments.

Coverage

People that purchase satellite phones expect them to work off the grid, and many people assume they will work everywhere. The reality is some of these devices do offer truly global coverage so the user never has to consult a coverage map. Others are limited to specific regions.

1. Iridium 9555 and Iridium 9575 Extreme

Powered by a uniquely sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked low earth orbit satellites, the Iridium network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including across airways, oceans, and polar regions. Iridium completed a constellation upgrade in early 2019, replacing all its satellites and upgrading the supporting ground infrastructure.

3. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Inmarsat owns and operates 13 satellites in geostationary orbit 35,786km (22,236 miles) above the Earth. Inmarsat provides the L Band GSPS service for the IsatPhone 2 via their three award-winning (I-4) satellites, offering seamless coverage around the entire globe. Only the polar regions are without coverage due to the curvature of the earth.

4. Globalstar GSP1700

Globalstar voice service is available via its 24 low earth orbit satellite and network of earth stations. The GSP 1700 can access the network in 110 countries. Users should be aware that the regions covered are divided into a Home Zone and Roaming Zone. Globalstar customers accessing the network in the Roaming Zone can expect to incur additional fees.

5. Thuraya X5 Touch

Thuraya's satellite services are available in Europe, parts of Asia, Australia and most of Africa via its two geostationary satellites. They also offer GSM coverage in other regions via their roaming partners, but for the purposes of this review we are only considering the satellite-served areas.

Features

Most satellite phones are not smart phones. With the exception of the Andriod OS-powered Thuraya X5 Touch, satellite phones are pretty basic tools built to be reliable for communicating off the grid. There are some essential features, such as an SOS alerting capability and the ability to send text messages, that most satellite phones now include.

1. Thuraya X5 Touch

The Thuraya X5 Touch is both a satellite phone and a smart phone seamlessly integrated into one device. Users in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa can take advantage of it's ability to use whatever network available (satellite or cellular) to connect. The Android Nougat operating system and HD LCD touchscreen, make it the only satellite phone on the market that is a true smart phone. It boasts a USB-C connector for charging and data transfer, front and rear facing cameras of 2 and 8 megapixels, built in GPS and a dedicated SOS button. The X5 Touch has a decent battery life of 100 hours in standby mode.

2. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

The IsatPhone 2 by Inmarsat packs quite a punch for it's attractive price point. It has a built-in GPS that allows users to view their position and send via text or email. It offers tracking and has a dedicated assistance button. The high contrast color display is sunlight viewable, which is crucial for any device made to be used outdoors. It has built in bluetooth, audible minute minder feature, alarm and an eCompass. The 160 hour battery life is the longest lasting in the market.

3. Iridium 9575 Extreme

The Iridium Extreme comes with all the essential feature needed in an off the grid communications tool. It has a dedicated SOS button, and it offers GPS tracking. The 200 character display is daylight readable and backlit. It offers two way texting, it has a integrated speaker phone and 21 supported menu languages. Battery life is 30 hours in standby mode.

4. Iridium 9555

The 9555 is Iridium's base model satellite phone. It has a 200 character illuminated display and illuminated keypad. The handset has a sleek ergonomic design and offers enhanced two-way texting and easy to hear speaker phone. Battery life is 30 hours in standby mode.

5. Globalstar GSP1700

Globalstar's GSP1700 boasts the smallest form factor ever for a satellite phone and at just ounces, it is also the lightest. This economy device can fit any budget, but it lacks most of the extra features that are standard in today's satellite phone market. It has a color display with a simple menu structure. Battery life is 10 hours in standby time when connected to the satellite network.

Cost

Cost is important to consider when making any purchase, and satellite phones are no different. But when looking at cost it is important to evaluate what you are getting for the money spent to assess the true value. When making that evaluation we will consider the durability and features of the device and the availability of satellite coverage each network offers. Subscription fees and usage costs are also important considerations when purchasing a sat phone.

1. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

The IsatPhone 2 sells for $649. It is not the least expensive phone we offer, but because of the value proposition we have decided to rank it the highest. Features like built-in GPS, 2 way texting, SOS and tracking; plus the global network coverage make it an extremely attractive offer. Minimum cost for full year of service is $440 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $0.99 per minute.

2. Globalstar GSP1700

At $375, the GSP1700 is the by far least expensive phone on the market, but it is important to keep in mind that only refurbished versions of this device are still available. The phone itself lacks a lot of the features the other devices have and the network is regional. Minimum cost for full year of service is $780. This includes 100 minutes per month and additional voice calls are $0.99 per minute.

3. Iridium 9555

The Iridium 9555 standard package is $1,049. Iridium phones cost a bit more than those from Inmarsat and Globalstar, but the value of its brand new, truly global network is a crucial factor to consider. The 9555 offers two-way texting but no tracking or SOS services. Minimum cost for full year of service is $639 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $1.30 per minute.

4. Iridium 9575 Extreme

Iridium 9575 Extreme packages start at $1,295. Even though it is more expensive than its cousin the 9555, we are going to rank it the same due to its additional features of tracking and SOS. Minimum cost for full year of service is $639 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $1.30 per minute.

5. Thuraya X5 Touch

At $1,295 the X5 Touch is tied for the most expense handheld satellite phone. It's Android operating system and dual mode capability make it by far the most feature rich, but the fact that there is no satellite coverage in the entire Western Hemisphere weigh heavily against the value proposition. Minimum cost for full year of service is $348 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $0.99 per minute.

Thuraya X5 TOUCH
Rating: 10/10

IP67, MIL-STD 810 G/F

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Rating: 9/10

IP65, IK04

Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rating: 9/10

IP65, MIL-STD 810F

Iridium 9555 Extreme
Rating: 5/10

IP Rating: N/A

Globalstar GSP-1700
Rating: 3/10

IP Rating: N/A

Durability is extremely important to most satellite phone users because they often need to use the device in extreme conditions and outdoors. We analyzed the ingress protect (IP) rating for each phone and the over all construction of the device.

Thuraya X5 Touch

The Thuraya X5-Touch is the most rugged phone in the market with IP67 standard and compliance with MIL 810 G/F. I P67 means the unit can be dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour, and it is full dust and water protected and tested to withstand shock, vibration and extreme temperature. The Touch has has passed the rigorous MIL-STD 810 G/F testing standards. The 5.2” full HD touchscreen made of glare resistant Gorilla® glass. The toughened glass also works while the display is wet or while you are wearing gloves.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Like the Iridium Extreme, the IsatPhone 2 by Inmarsat has an IP65 enclosure. This robust handset has been engineered to cope with anything that nature can throw at it - from searing heat to icy blasts; desert sandstorms or monsoon rain. It also carries an IK04 rating, denoting that the device is protected against 0.5 joules impact. Equivalent to impact of 0.25 kg mass dropped from 200 mm above impacted surface.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

The Iridium 9575 Extreme is ruggedly engineered to support high frequency users in the harshest conditions. It has an IP65 rated enclosure, which means it is "dust tight" and protected against water projected from a nozzle. It also has passed the rigorous MIL-STD 810F testing. The Extreme is designed to have everything sealed and is a top choice among military and public safety professionals.

Iridium 9555

Although the 9555 was not built to spec like its cousin the Iridium Extreme, it is still ruggedly built and can handle any environment: from baking desert to frozen ice parks. It boasts an illuminated, weatherproof keypad, hand-friendly form and aerodynamic features such as an internally stowed antenna.

Globalstar GSP1700

The GSP1700 has not been designed to meet any specific standards for durability or ruggedness. There is a rugged holster option available that can offer some enhanced protection when using the phone in harsh environments.

Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rating: 10/10

Truly Global

Iridium 9555
Rating: 10/10

Truly Global

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Rating: 7/10

Global

Globalstar GSP-1700
Rating: 3/10

Regional

Thuraya X5 TOUCH
Rating: 2/10

Regional

People that purchase satellite phones expect them to work off the grid, and many people assume they will work everywhere. The reality is some of these devices do offer truly global coverage so the user never has to consult a coverage map. Others are limited to specific regions.

Iridium 9555 and Iridium 9575 Extreme

Powered by a uniquely sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked low earth orbit satellites, the Iridium network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including across airways, oceans, and polar regions. Iridium completed a constellation upgrade in early 2019, replacing all its satellites and upgrading the supporting ground infrastructure.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Inmarsat owns and operates 13 satellites in geostationary orbit 35,786km (22,236 miles) above the Earth. Inmarsat provides the L Band GSPS service for the IsatPhone 2 via their three award-winning (I-4) satellites, offering seamless coverage around the entire globe. Only the polar regions are without coverage due to the curvature of the earth.

Globalstar GSP1700

Globalstar voice service is available via its 24 low earth orbit satellite and network of earth stations. The GSP 1700 can access the network in 110 countries. Users should be aware that the regions covered are divided into a Home Zone and Roaming Zone. Globalstar customers accessing the network in the Roaming Zone can expect to incur additional fees.

Thuraya X5 Touch

Thuraya's satellite services are available in Europe, parts of Asia, Australia and most of Africa via its two geostationary satellites. They also offer GSM coverage in other regions via their roaming partners, but for the purposes of this review we are only considering the satellite-served areas.

Thuraya X5 TOUCH
Rating: 9/10

AndroidOS, 8MP/2MP Rear and Front Cameras, SOS Button

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Rating: 8/10

SOS Button, Sunlight-viewable Color Display, Bluetooth

Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rating: 7/10

SOS Button, Speaker Phone, Backlit Display

Iridium 9555
Rating: 5/10

Two-Way SMS, Speaker Phone

Globalstar GSP-1700
Rating: 3/10

Color Display, Crystal Clear Voice Quality

Most satellite phones are not smart phones. With the exception of the Andriod OS-powered Thuraya X5 Touch, satellite phones are pretty basic tools built to be reliable for communicating off the grid. There are some essential features, such as an SOS alerting capability and the ability to send text messages, that most satellite phones now include.

Thuraya X5 Touch

The Thuraya X5 Touch is both a satellite phone and a smart phone seamlessly integrated into one device. Users in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa can take advantage of it's ability to use whatever network available (satellite or cellular) to connect. The Android Nougat operating system and HD LCD touchscreen, make it the only satellite phone on the market that is a true smart phone. It boasts a USB-C connector for charging and data transfer, front and rear facing cameras of 2 and 8 megapixels, built in GPS and a dedicated SOS button. The X5 Touch has a decent battery life of 100 hours in standby mode.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

The IsatPhone 2 by Inmarsat packs quite a punch for it's attractive price point. It has a built-in GPS that allows users to view their position and send via text or email. It offers tracking and has a dedicated assistance button. The high contrast color display is sunlight viewable, which is crucial for any device made to be used outdoors. It has built in bluetooth, audible minute minder feature, alarm and an eCompass. The 160 hour battery life is the longest lasting in the market.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

The Iridium Extreme comes with all the essential feature needed in an off the grid communications tool. It has a dedicated SOS button, and it offers GPS tracking. The 200 character display is daylight readable and backlit. It offers two way texting, it has a integrated speaker phone and 21 supported menu languages. Battery life is 30 hours in standby mode.

Iridium 9555

The 9555 is Iridium's base model satellite phone. It has a 200 character illuminated display and illuminated keypad. The handset has a sleek ergonomic design and offers enhanced two-way texting and easy to hear speaker phone. Battery life is 30 hours in standby mode.

Globalstar GSP1700

Globalstar's GSP1700 boasts the smallest form factor ever for a satellite phone and at just ounces, it is also the lightest. This economy device can fit any budget, but it lacks most of the extra features that are standard in today's satellite phone market. It has a color display with a simple menu structure. Battery life is 10 hours in standby time when connected to the satellite network.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Rating: 8/10

Globalstar GSP-1700
Rating:7/10

Iridium 9555 Extreme
Rating: 6/10

Iridium 9575 Extreme
Rating: 6/10

Thuraya X5 TOUCH
Rating: 3/10

Cost is important to consider when making any purchase, and satellite phones are no different. But when looking at cost it is important to evaluate what you are getting for the money spent to assess the true value. When making that evaluation we will consider the durability and features of the device and the availability of satellite coverage each network offers. Subscription fees and usage costs are also important considerations when purchasing a sat phone.

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

The IsatPhone 2 sells for $649. It is not the least expensive phone we offer, but because of the value proposition we have decided to rank it the highest. Features like built-in GPS, 2 way texting, SOS and tracking; plus the global network coverage make it an extremely attractive offer. Minimum cost for full year of service is $440 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $0.99 per minute.

Globalstar GSP1700

At $375, the GSP1700 is the by far least expensive phone on the market, but it is important to keep in mind that only refurbished versions of this device are still available. The phone itself lacks a lot of the features the other devices have and the network is regional. Minimum cost for full year of service is $780. This includes 100 minutes per month and additional voice calls are $0.99 per minute.

Iridium 9555

The Iridium 9555 standard package is $1,049. Iridium phones cost a bit more than those from Inmarsat and Globalstar, but the value of its brand new, truly global network is a crucial factor to consider. The 9555 offers two-way texting but no tracking or SOS services. Minimum cost for full year of service is $639 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $1.30 per minute.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

Iridium 9575 Extreme packages start at $1,295. Even though it is more expensive than its cousin the 9555, we are going to rank it the same due to its additional features of tracking and SOS. Minimum cost for full year of service is $639 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $1.30 per minute.

Thuraya X5 Touch

At $1,295 the X5 Touch is tied for the most expense handheld satellite phone. It's Android operating system and dual mode capability make it by far the most feature rich, but the fact that there is no satellite coverage in the entire Western Hemisphere weigh heavily against the value proposition. Minimum cost for full year of service is $348 and typical usage fees for voice calls are $0.99 per minute.



Solutions for Every Situation



There are many devices that can assist in different situations as well as address various needs. Do you find yourself hiking and in need of a handheld satellite phone or are you planning a crossing on your sailboat and need to be able to communicate via voice as well as obtain weather files? Whether it be in air or on the ground, there is a satellite device that will keep you connected while off the grid.





Compare Satellite Communication Devices

Do you sometimes wish you could just put all the features and specifications for each product on to a big grid to compare them side by side? Compare and review the best satellite communications devices and networks for your next adventure. SatPhoneStore sells, rents and supports the top communications devices and satellite internet solutions. Learn everything you need to know to make the best purchase decision on which device and network are best for your needs.


 
Iridium 9575

Iridium 9555

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

Thuraya X5-TOUCH

Globalstar GSP-1700

Iridium GO!
Size 140 x 60 x 27 mm 143 x 55 x 30 mm 169 x 75 x 29 mm 145 x 78 x 24 mm 135 x 55 x 37 mm 114 x 83 x 32 mm
Weight 247g 266g 316g 262g 200g 305g
Battery Life
(Talktime/ Standby)
4 hours /
30 hours
3 hours /
30 hours
8 hours /
160 hours
11 hours /
100 hours
2.5 hours /
24 hours
5.5 hours /
15 hours
Coverage
Send/ Receive
SMS Messages
SOS Button X X
Display Mono Mono Color Color Touchscreen Color Mono
Bluetooth X X X X
GPS X X
Ingress Rating
(Water Resistant Rating)
IP65 IP65 IP65 IP67 IPX7 IP65
Durability Rating MIL-STD 810F None IK04 MIL-STD 810 G/F None MIL-STD 810F
Extreme TrackPro Compatible X X X
  More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info




 
Addvalue Wideye iSavi

Globalstar Sat-fi 2

Inmarsat BGAN

Iridium Certus

Inmarsat LX

Maverick Land VSAT
Size 180 x 170 x 30 mm 38 x 74 x 147 mm (Starting At)
202 x 202 x 51.8 mm
35.6 cm
(Antenna Diameter)
(Starting At)
79.5 x 51.8 x 31 cm
(Package Dimensions)
(Starting At)
79.5 x 51.8 x 31 cm
(Package Dimensions)
Weight 900g 357g (Starting At)
1.4 kg
3.4 kg (Starting At)
23 kg (Package Weight)
(Starting At)
23 kg (Package Weight)
Equipment Cost
(Starting At)
$1,249 $250 $2,367.90 $6,995.00 $12,161.30 $2,960.00
Coverage
Minimum Subscription Plan $19.99/ Month $39.99/ Month $39/ Month $69/ Month $1,399/ Month $300/ Month
Maximum Subscription Plan $499.99/ Month $199.99/ Month $110/ Month $1,129/ Month $32,920/ Month $1,188/ Month
Max Download Speeds 384 kbps 72 kbps (up to) 650 kbps 700 kbps 4 mbps 10 Mbps
Max Upload Speeds 240 kbps 72 kbps (up to) 650 kbps 352 kbps 4 mbps 5 Mbps
Data Cost (Min. Plan) $3.75/ MB $5.00/ MB $4.95/ MB $6.75/ MB N/A (Unlimited) N/A (Unlimited)
Data Cost (Max. Plan) N/A (Unlimited) $3.00/ MB $4.95/ MB $3.00/ MB N/A (Unlimited) N/A (Unlimited)
Voice Call (Average) $0.79/ Minute $0.99/ Minute $0.80/ Minute $0.89/ Minute None N/A (1 Included VoIP Line)
Minimum Contract Term 1 Month 12 Months 3 Months 3 Months 12 Months 12 Months
  More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info




 
Sailor Fleet One

Iridium Certus

KVH V3HTS

KVH V7HTS

Intellian V60 Aura VSAT System

Intellian V65 Telenor VSAT System
Antenna Diameter 29.4 cm 35.6 cm 37 cm 60 cm 60 cm 65.0 cm
Antenna Weight 4.8 kg 3.4 kg 11.3 kg 26.1 kg 59.5 kg 59.5 kg
Equipment Cost
(Starting At)
$1,999.00 $6,995.00 $14,995.00 $27,995.00 $22,940.00 $23,990.00
Coverage
Minimum Subscription Plan $25/ Month $129.99/ Month $99/ Month $799/ Month $499/ Month $199/ Month
Maximum Subscription Plan $229/ Month $2,579/ Month $1,999/ Month $10,299/ Month $4,549/ Month $9,992/ Month
Max Download Speeds 100 kbps (up to) 700 kbps 5 Mbps 10 Mbps 6 Mbps 8 Mbps
Max Upload Speeds 100 kbps (up to) 352 kbps 3 Mbps 2 Mbps 2 Mbps 2 Mbps
Data Cost (Min. Plan) $5.95/ MB $16.50/ MB $0.99/ MB $0.40/ MB N/A (Unlimited) N/A (Unlimited)
Data Cost (Max. Plan) N/A (Unlimited) $0.95/ MB $0.39/ MB $0.40/ MB N/A (Unlimited) N/A (Unlimited)
Voice Call (Average) $0.60/ Minute $0.60/ Minute $0.49/ Minute N/A (1 Included VoIP Line) N/A (1 Included VoIP Line) N/A (1 Included VoIP Line)
Minimum Contract Term 1 Month 3 Months 1 Month 1 Month 12 Months 12 Months
  More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info More Info





Frequently Asked Questions

Satellite phones have become a significant communications options for those who need to communicate while off the grid or have a mission critical communications need. Those who need to communicate out at sea, in the air or in other remote locations find that sat phones are often the only means available to stay connected with the rest of the world. Satellite phones are also used by first responders, public safety professionals and organizations that have a need to stay connected during and after a natural disaster or other wide spread communications outage. Satellite phones work where traditional cell phones do not, as long as you have a clear view of the sky, you can make a call.

Satellite phones work by connecting you through satellites positioned in orbit around Earth. This eliminates the need of cellphone towers and allows global satellite network coverage as long as you have a clear view of the sky. Additionally, the user pays same rate per minute or text message anywhere in the world (no roaming).

Cell phones do not use satellites, instead they rely on cellular towers for signal. Satellite phones are not limited to the short range of cellular networks and offer global telecommunication at the same rate, anywhere. Where cell phones are limited to the local cellular network coverage and also acquire additional costs when utilizing other cellular networks such as roaming services.

If you need a satellite phone for more than 1 month of the year or multiple times a year it is recommended to buy a satellite phone instead. If you only need a satellite phone for one or two weeks at a time, renting one would be a better option.

SatPhoneStore can deliver a satellite phone to you as fast as the next day if major shipping companies offer that service to your area. In critical and emergency situations we can often deliver the device to you the same day via courier. We also offer same day pick up in our Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa locations.

Satellite phones work everywhere with a clear view of the sky. Because they work through satellites positioned high in Earths orbit they need unobstructed view to function properly. Satellites offer global coverage from pole to pole, in mountainous regions, deserts and anywhere at sea.

Satellite phones need a clear line of the sky out in the open to work. There are however satellite phone accessories such as antennas and docking stations that allow your satellite phone to work indoors.

The 3 largest satellite phone companies/provider are Iridium, Inmarsat and Globalstar. The difference between the 3 are the following:


  • Iridium has an LEO satellite network with 66 satellites orbiting the earth, allowing for truly global coverage.
  • Inmarsat has a geostationary satellite network, with satellites over the equator, giving almost full coverage of the earth, falling off towards the north and south pole.
  • Globalstar has an LEO satellite network giving regional coverage in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa.

Satellite phones use international phone numbers and most cellphone users don’t have international calling activated with their carrier. SatPhoneStore offers US Phone Number plans that provide our subscribers with a US phone number that allows all calls placed to be a US local call.

SatPhoneStore makes sure to send out emails to all our customers who bought a device that has a firmware every time they are made available. We also make sure to have a knowledgebase article with the instructions on how to upgrade your firmware. If you would rather have one of our specialists perform the upgrade, you can send your device in and we will upgrade it for you, for a fee.



Customer Testimonials and Reviews