Satellite Phones: Cost, Comparison Plans & Reviews 2021 (Updated)

How are Satellite Phones Typically Used?

Sat phones are popular for expeditions into remote areas where terrestrial cell and data services are unreliable and unavailable. Satellite phones have been around for decades, but until the launch of the Iridium network, they were often only offered at an unaffordable price. Satellite phones can be a valuable back up to traditional cell phones because they operate independently of terrestrial communication or cell phone networks, which can be unreliable or non-existent in less populated regions or remote and can be vulnerable to natural or man-made disasters.

Unlike cell phones, satellite phones require line-of-site with the sky to receive a signal for service. Don’t expect your satellite phone to ring in the lobby of your hotel or inside a stateroom while at sea. However, you might be able to receive a signal if you are by a large window or in an open, remote spot. Hardened structures, buildings, mountains, and heavy tree cover can all negatively affect your signal. Pilots often leave a satellite phone or an Iridium GO! on the dashboard of their plane’s cockpit to receive a signal.

While voice calls to a satellite phone incur a significant international calling surcharge, texting is often treated much like texting on a cell phone. The cell phone subscriber with an international SMS feature can text to a satellite phone at about the same cost to say, texting a cell phone in Mexico or other international numbers. Inmarsat and Iridium satellite phones can send and receive text messages (SMS) or short emails, making satellite communication quick and easy. Globalstar phones can only receive messages up to 35 characters, but cannot reply.

The Inmarsat IsatPhone offers global satellite connectivity at an affordable price. In addition to voice and text, the IsatPhone also includes a built-in GPS receiver. While signal acquisition is somewhat slow due to the placement of the Inmarsat I-4 satellites and GPS acquisition, the call quality is reasonable. For the ultimate in satellite communications the Iridium Extreme is the most rugged, and full-featured satellite phone on the market today. Utilizing the Iridium network for unparalleled quality and coverage, this IP65 rated handset can be dropped into a puddle and still function for voice calling or sending your GPS coordinates via SMS or email.