Hi, Welcome to Satellite Phone Store.
Thanks to technology, the world is flat. Without leaving your bed, you can check the weather on the opposite side of the globe or call a friend in another state. Now, imagine your bed is suspended on the side of a cliff secured by a few carabiners and rope—or you’re waking up in a remote oil field or on assignment at a refugee camp. The fancy smartphone in your pocket is now only good for taking pictures—which you have to wait to share once you get back into cell range.
How can you enjoy the best of both worlds? If you’re an avid rock climber, work in remote areas, or enjoy spending time on the open ocean, you no longer have to sacrifice communication needs. What was once considered specialized gear for the military and secret agents is now available to everyone.
Over the past several years, satellite phones have quietly made giant leaps in accessibility and affordability. For example, did you know some satellite phones now have push-to-talk capabilities, or if you only need a satellite phone for a few days or weeks, you can rent one?
We pride ourselves on offering a full-service solution. We understand this technology can be intimidating for first-timers and those who haven’t purchased a new satellite phone in years. We welcome the opportunity to explain the difference between GEO and LEO satellite technologies, and which will offer better coverage, voice quality, and data speed to suit your needs. As industry experts, we know which companies are planning to shoot more satellites into space and which are building more ground stations. We hope the information below helps narrow your decision and invite you to stop by one of our stores so we can answer any questions you have in person. After all, nobody understands the importance of good communication when you feel lost in the middle of nowhere better than us.
Satellite Phone - Choosing the right phone
Technical Specs
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| Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Kit | Iridium 9575 Push-To-Talk (PTT) Satellite Phone | Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone | Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Thuraya XT-Lite Satellite Phone | Thuraya XT-PRO Satellite Phone | *Preowned Globalstar GSP-1700 Satellite Phone | |
| Satellite Coverage | Global * | Global | Global | Global | Global | Global | Regional | Regional | Regional |
| Data Speeds | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | High | High | High |
| Voice Quality | Better | Better | Better | Better | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Push-to-Talk | |||||||||
| Text Messaging | |||||||||
| Size | Small | Small | Small | Small | Medium | Small | Smallest | Smallest | Smallest |
| Durability | Toughest | Toughest | Durable | Durable | Toughest | Toughest | Durable | Tough | Durable |
| Battery | Best | Good | Good | Good | Good | Best | Better | Best | Good |
| GPS | |||||||||
| Emergency SOS | |||||||||
| Send/Receive Email | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | GmPRS | Accessory | ||
| Router Compatibility | |||||||||
| Who’s it for? | A favorite for maritime users because of its long battery and water resistance. Emergency responders, renowned journalists, military and government agencies have relied on Inmarsat for decades, making IsatPhone the number 1 choice. | All-around phone. Reliable, durable, great for emergency needs and remote use. | Great for direct talk in remote locations; e.g., emergency responders, oil and gas, race teams, search and rescue, homeland security. | A slim and compact global satellite phone that fits the majority of customers' simple voice and sms needs. | A no-frills, well-built and easy-to-use phone. A little long in the tooth, but can easily be tossed in a bag for emergency use and basic needs. | Connect your smartphone or tablet within an approx. 100-foot radius. Great for anyone who wants to use their current device anywhere. | A no-frills talk phone, with the longest-lasting battery. It lacks the data capabilities and durability of the PRO, and also suffers from the same regional coverage limitations | A talk phone, with the longest-lasting battery and built-in GPS. However, it does suffer from regional coverage limitations. | It lacks some coverage, but offers GPS, 4 hours talk time & 36 hours standby battery with low priced airtime plans. |
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| Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Kit | Iridium 9575 Push-To-Talk (PTT) Satellite Phone | Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone | Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Thuraya XT-Lite Satellite Phone | Thuraya XT-PRO Satellite Phone | *Preowned Globalstar GSP-1700 Satellite Phone | |
| Price | Free w/ plan | $1,399.00 | $1,595.00 | Free w/ plan | $1,699.00 | $795.00 | $599.00 | $999.00 | Free w/ plan |
| Coverage | Globalpoles 90% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 66% | 66% | Regional |
| Weight | 279g/9.84oz/0.62lbs | 247g/8.71oz/0.54lbs | 247g/8.71oz/0.54lbs | 266g/9.38oz/0.59lbs | 375g/13.23oz/0.83lbs | 295g/10.14oz/0.65lbs | 186g/6.56oz/0.41lbs | 212g/7.84oz/0.47lbs | 200g/7.05oz/0.44lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 2.13 x 1.54in | 5.51 x 2.36 x 1.06in | 5.51 x 2.36 x 1.06in | 5.63 x 2.17 x 1.18in | 6.22 x 2.44 x 2.32in | 4.5 x 3.25 x 1.25in | 5.04 x 2.09 x 1.06in | 5.04 x 2.09 x 1.06in | 5.31 x 2.17 x 1.46in |
| Battery Life | 8 hours talk; 100 hours standby |
4 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
3.5 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
3.1 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
3.6 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
7 hours talk; 16 hours standby |
6 hours talk; 80 hours standby |
9 hours talk; 100 hours standby |
4 hours talk; 36 hours standby |
| Display | Color | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Color | Color | Color |
| Durability | - Humidity tolenrance up to 95% - Dust-splash - Shock-resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant |
- Jetwater resistant - Dust resistant - Shock-proof |
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| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | N/A | IP65 | IP65 | N/A | IP55 | N/A |
| Web Browsing | GmPRS Down/Up. Speed up to 60/15 Kbps | ||||||||
| Data Speed | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | N/A | 9.6Kbps | 9.6Kbps |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | |||||||||
| GPS | |||||||||
| Emergency (SOS) | |||||||||
| Low-Earth Satellites (LEO) | |||||||||
| Geostationary Satellites (GEO) | |||||||||
Who Are These Phones For?
A Quick Breakdown
This phone offers amazing voice clarity and has the longest-lasting battery in the game. The IsatPhone 2 is as durable as they come, holding up in 95% humidity environments and splash-resistant. To be clear, this phone isn’t waterproof, but it is a popular choice with land prepaid customers and security agencies—or anyone who appreciates good coverage, along with low-cost satellite airtime, equipment, and monthly fees.
This phone is an all-around, reliable satellite phone, providing 100% global coverage. The phone could have better voice quality, but it features the highest grade of durability and can be relied on when needed; in particular, high-stress environments where GPS tracking is vital and an emergency SOS button might be necessary.
The push-to-talk function makes this phone a game changer for those on a team in remote areas. The PTT offers all the advantages of the Extreme, with the added benefit of communicating with others directly and without using satellite minutes or data. Future firmware releases will allow the phone to receive missed calls and message alerts while in PTT mode, but today it operates in either PTT or Satellite phone mode. For those on race teams, in the oil and gas industry, or involved in search and rescue operations, the Iridium 9575 PTT is unparalleled.
The 9555 runs on the same satellite network as its Iridium brethren and is an easy-to-use, no-frills, reliable satellite phone with 100% global coverage. If occasional phone calls and text messages are all you need or perhaps you desire the comfort of having an emergency line wherever you go, the 9555 is tough enough and small enough to get the job done. In short, the Iridium 9555 is a fairly reliable phone for everyday use without rugged exterior features like its big brother, the 9575.
This phone was released in 2004 and might seem a little long in the tooth, but it’s durable and gets reliable coverage on the Iridium network. In fact, this might be the simplest phone to use because it lacks options and complexity. It’s slightly big in size but is a reliable USA-made phone and a favorite among U.S. government employees. Caveat: Unlike some other phones, the Iridium 9505a does not have a dedicated emergency SOS button.
This amazing device provides a satellite connection to your existing Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer, within an approximate 100-foot radius. Up to five devices can be connected simultaneously, allowing you to use your existing devices for voice calls, text messages, emails, weather updates, GPS tracking, photo sharing, posting on social media, emergency alerts, and more through third-party apps.
This phone is liked by those who don’t want to spend a lot of money but want the security of staying connected with good voice clarity and text messaging. The XT-LITE is small and light, but curbs the data capabilities offered on the XT-PRO. It can connect on over half the globe and offers a solid battery life.
This phone gets respectable coverage, but it is the smallest phone on the market, with good battery life and voice clarity. It’s also a tough phone rated as jet-water resistant, dust-resistant, and shock-proof. The PRO offers email and web browsing through its Geo Mobile Packet Radio Service (GmPRS), offering data speeds up to 60Kbps. The flexibility and mobility of this phone is enjoyed by corporate users and adventurers.
This phone lacks some coverage, but offers the best data speeds and voice clarity on the market. With the push of a few buttons, you can also receive your longitude and latitude coordinates. Where applicable, a local phone number can be acquired to make calling more affordable for other nearby party members. If your remote conversations demand crystal-clear voice quality for an affordable price, this phone will suit your needs.
Data Needs
When you’re trying to get some real work done, whether that means sending a spreadsheet or receiving a text, you’ll want to see the data—and that requires connectivity. These Wi-Fi hotspots are indispensable and can be used with your existing smartphones, tablets, and laptops, albeit some require special software that will compress the data for efficiency. With one of these devices, you can stay in communication without a dedicated satellite phone. Better yet, you can text, call, and—depending on the device—use all your favorite smartphone apps.
Let us help you pick the right hotspot for your needs. We want to make sure you get the data you require and don’t spend more than you need. Finally, you can play Angry Birds in the middle of nowhere!
Satellite Hotspots - Choosing the right devices
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| Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Inmarsat IsatHub Terminal (AddValue iSavi) | Globalstar SAT-FI kit with Magnetic Patch Antenna | |
| Satellite Coverage | Global | Worldwide (no poles) | Regional |
| Data Speeds | Low | High | Mid |
| Software Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Users | 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Durability | Toughest | Toughest | Tough |
| Battery | Best | Good | N/A |
| Who’s it for? | Emergency use, low data needs, coverage everywhere. | Easy setup, easy to use, high messaging needs, clear voice calls. | Stationary location use for groups, group communication, email, messaging, voice calls. |
Technical Specs
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| Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Inmarsat IsatHub Terminal (AddValue iSavi) | Globalstar SAT-FI kit with Magnetic Patch Antenna | |
| Price | $795.00 | $1,450.00 | $989.00 |
| Coverage | 100% | Regional | Regional |
| Weight | 295g/10.14oz/0.65lbs | 850g/29.98oz/1.87lbs | N/A |
| Dimentions | 4.5 x 3.25 x 1.25in | 7.05 x 6.69 x 1.18in | 6.3 x 6.3 x 2.4in |
| Battery Life | 7 hours talk; 16 hours standby |
2.5 hours operating | N/A |
| Wi-Fi Range | 30 meters/100 feet | 30 meters/100 feet | 30 meters/100 feet |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 | |
| Data Speed | 2.4Kbps | 384Kbps | 9.6Kbps |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | |||
| GPS | |||
| Mobile Apps | iOS/Android | iOS/Android | iOS/Android |
| Low Earth Satellites (LEO) | |||
| Geostationary Satellites (GEO) |
Who Are These Hotspots For?
A Quick Breakdown
This amazing hotspot device provides a satellite connection to your existing Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, tablet, or computer within an approximate 100-foot radius. Up to five devices can be connected simultaneously, allowing you to use your existing devices for voice calls, text messages, emails, weather updates, GPS tracking, photo sharing, posting on social media, emergency alerts, and more through third-party apps.
The Inmarsat IsatHub offers the best speeds of the bunch. You won’t have to work hard getting that speed either because a signal-strength indicator light will help you locate the best antenna angle for easy setup. Using the IsatHub, you can make high-quality voice calls, and through the iSavi interface, you can browse the web, get weather reports, shoot emails, and more. You can even use your existing text messaging service, such as Apple’s iMessage.
The Sat-Fi is best for groups of up to eight people who want a mounted hotspot—put it in your work truck and go. The geostationary satellites that deliver the signal also deliver great voice quality. You can even transfer incoming calls and send text messages between connected users. With the Sat-Fi, you can also send emails and post to social media. If you get into a bind, it has SOS-alert capability that will send GPS location data to emergency responders.
Maritime & Land Mobile Data
When selecting a device and service for maritime or mobile land data needs, the choices can be overwhelming. We’ve put together several charts to help highlight the main differences between the data plans and devices so you don’t waste your time browsing DirectTV satellite options for a cruise ship when all you’re looking for is data support for email and weather when fishing a few hundred miles offshore.
When you dig into your research you’ll notice most of the devices include numerical monikers in them, such as 250 or 500. These names essentially represent the capable data speeds and often highlight the main difference between two similar products from the same manufacturer. For quick guidance, there are three main considerations (outside of coverage area) when narrowing your choices: the amount of data you need, the speed of your data needs, and the corresponding device to facilitate your use.
Choosing the right devices
Maritime Mobile Data
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| Cobham Sailor Inmarsat Fleet One Terminal with 10m Antenna Cable | Intellian FB250 Inmarsat FleetBroadband Maritime Terminal | Iridium Pilot Maritime Broadband Terminal - 20m | KVH TracPhone V3-IP Maritime VSAT terminal | |
| Satellite Coverage | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) | Global | Worldwide (no poles) |
| Land/Maritime | Maritime | Maritime | Maritime | Maritime |
| Data Speeds | Low | Mid | Low | High |
| Size | Smallest | Smaller | Small | Small |
| Cost | Lowest | Low | Lower | Moderate |
| Who’s it for? | Recreational boater with minimal data needs; wants reliable communication without a lot of hassle or hefty price tag. | Large commercial vessels that need tough equipment, reliable communication, and basic internet functionality. | Communication needed anywhere in the world. Solid data speeds good for email, navigation, and basic reporting. | The most robust device for serious data needs. Great communication and heavy data needs, such as web browsing and file downloads. |
Land Mobile Data
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| Safari Land Vehicular BGAN Terminal | Cobham Explorer 325 GPS Only Terminal | Thrane Explorer 727 Mobile Inmarsat BGAN Terminal (Desert Sand Color ONly) | |
| Satellite Coverage | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) |
| Land/Maritime | Land | Land | Land |
| Data Speeds | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Size | Smaller | Smallest | Small |
| Cost | Low | Lowest | Moderate |
| Who’s it for? | Easy to mount on vehicles; small footprint; fast data speeds; connects with Wi-Fi devices; great for explorers | Easy to mount on vehicles; small footprint; fast data speeds; router functionality. Great for those who want a reliable device for talking. | A robust, roof-mounted antenna for commercial users on the go. Four ethernet ports for broadband, making it a great option for media, civil government and other mobile teams in remote areas. |
Data Service Plans
* All plans allow for additional talk and texting, but varying rates apply. This can get expensive, so please contact us to find out which plan is best for you.
| Inmarsat Fleet One Coastal 5 MB Plan | Inmarsat IsatHub Monthly 300 MB Plan | Iridium 10 Minute Monthly Plan | Inmarsat Fleet Broadband 25 MB Standard Plan | KVH 50MB Metered Plan | |
| Price | $49.99/mo | $979.99/mo | $64.99/mo | $444.00/mo | $59.99/mo |
| Data Speed | 100Kbps | 384Kbps | 128Kbps | 256Kbps | 2Mbps |
| Talk | 5 minutes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Text | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Data Usage | 5 MB | 300 MB | 25 MB | 50 MB |
Who Are These Devices For?
A Quick Breakdown
Ocean
Cobham Sailor Fleet One Terminal For the casual boater who likes to travel uncomfortably far from shore and desires an emergency line, this is the satellite solution for you. Speeds aren’t blazing and data caps aren’t high, but this device is perfect for getting weather reports and sending a few messages to loved ones on shore to let them know you’ve reeled in a nice seafood dinner.
If your “boat” is large enough to stack a few cargo containers, this is the terminal you should be looking at. Designed for commercial vessels, the FB250 can withstand the tough conditions of the open ocean and provide reliable communication and broadband to let the upcoming port know when you’re going to arrive.
Unless you disappear in the Bermuda Triangle, there’s no place on the ocean this terminal can’t transmit a signal. It has the best coverage on the market and should be considered by those who plan distant stretch- es in the open ocean. The Pilot offers enough data speeds to send and receive emails, chart navigation plans, and keep up to date with other basic information
When the free flow of data is important to you, the KVH TracPhone should be on your radar. This terminal offers the best-in-class data speeds and offers terrific coverage. Web browsing, emailing, messag- ing, and transferring files are all tasks that can easily be handled. A user-friendly iPhone app will compress and cache web pages, and remove ads—along with other non-essentials—so you can get the relevant and necessary information without wasting data on that fishing reel advertisement that has been following you around the web since you left shore.
Land
Attach the Addvalue Safari to the top of your vehicle and you’re a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot. This terminal is great for those who want to use their laptops, smartphones, and tablets while away from the cellular grid. The antenna has the highest dynamic performance on the market and provides great coverage and data speeds. It plays well with others, too, through its fleet tracking and geofencing capabilities.
Consider the Explorer 325 if you’re not looking to run a website from your van, but you are looking for quick and reliable communication. The Explorer 325 does not offer Wi-Fi but includes an IP handset for good voice quality. Freely drive across borders because there are no roaming fees either. This terminal is great for humanitarian operations, cargo transportation, broadcasts, or telemedicine.
The Thrane Explorer 727 is the big brother of the 325, which is to say it’s bigger, faster, and for users with more sophisticated conversation needs. The 727 features four ethernet ports, as opposed to two on the 325, and it can reach streaming speeds that are twice as fast (256Kbps). These broadband speeds are a favorite of media companies, and the handset is favored by commercial users who need solid, reliable communication
