Satellite Phone Service -
Which One Suits Your Needs?

you need not worry about being able to contact business associates; or, stay in touch with family and friends, if you live, work or travel in remote areas of the world. It's also highly effective in areas where there are no cell phone networks.


The Iridium satellite telephone system gives you the convenience of wireless communication with worldwide coverage and the reassurance of dependable operation even in the most exotic locales.


In fact, it is the only satellite phone service that provides complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar regions). Note the following geographical exceptions - Iridium service is not allowed in Poland, Hungary, Northern Sri Lanka and South Korea.


It is a valuable communications solution because it works practically everywhere. However, you must be outdoors to maintain a communications link with the satellite. The service will not work indoors; not even near a window, unless the phone is connected to an outdoor mast antenna.

The satellite phone is a perfect travel companion for ...

• long or short term overseas assignments where cell phone service is not available

• work on offshore oil platforms

• cruise ship vacations

• mountain climbing trips

• tropical island destinations

• remote safari, hunting, and fishing expeditions

• journeys to the Poles

• archeological digs, mining ventures and research missions





These are just a few of many examples where satellite phone service can keep you in touch with the rest of the world from remote areas. It can save money, too!

Here are a couple of money savings examples ...
Iridium satellite phone service includes free incoming phone calls (Direct Dial), e-mail, and text messaging. It also offers two-stage calling; so, people who need to call an Iridium satellite subscriber can save money by dialing a US toll-free number.


After the initial call to the toll-free number(1st stage), the call is then connected to the satellite phone user (2nd stage) via the Iridium communications center in Arizona. This is a free call for the calling party while the incoming call for the Iridium satellite phone user is $1.69 per minute (2-stage incoming call rate).


Another great way to save money and stay in touch while on a cruise ship vacation is by taking along a satellite phone. Using the phone will eliminate costly ship to shore rates of $12 to $15 or more per minute, as well as, telephone surcharges from distant international locations. Compare the average cost for outgoing satellite phone calls at $1.69 per minute with ship to shore rates, and you can see the savings can be substantial. More about about the Motorola 9505A Handheld Iridium Satellite phone.


If you are looking for additional savings, check out the Motorola 9505A (refurbished) satellite phone. It's the same great phone that has been factory reconditioned and costs $700 less than the brand new model.


Satellite phone service comparison - which one do you need?...
If you need true global coverage, then Iridium satellite phone service is your best choice. It offers good voice quality and data transmission rates. The service features the Motorola 9505a phone. Weighing in at 13 ounces and about the size of a cordless phone, it's smaller, lighter, yet more rugged than previous models while maintaining a sleek professional appearance. More important, it gives you independence and privacy to call most anywhere in the world at your convenience, and save money at the same time.


If you plan to use your satellite phone in the US (Hawaii not included), Canada, or the Caribbean, then you may wish to consider Globalstar. It offers the best US coverage and airtime rates, and it's the only service with standard US dialing. That means low incoming and outgoing call rates for you, and no hefty charges for people who need to call you, just standard US long distance rates.


Call quality is better than Iridium, and the service is designed to switch seamlessly between satellite and cellular networks to provide the best quality yet lowest service cost. Globalstar delivers crystal clear, digital communications via the Qualcomm GSP series satellite phone. At 12 ounces, it is smaller than most cordless phones, but it is big on value providing a full range of telephone, email, text messaging and Internet access.


The Qualcomm phone is also less expensive to buy than the Motorola phone. The only downside to Globalstar satellite phone service is you are charged for both incoming and outgoing calls. Call rates range from .09 to $1.49 per minute. This phone can also work internationally in up to 120 countries (additional roaming charges will apply).


Another popular provider of satellite phone service is Thuraya. Based in Dubai, U.A.E., Thuraya services Europe, the Middle East, Asia Minor and North Africa utilizing the Hughes 7100 series phone. It is actually a satellite phone, SIM-Unlocked GSM cell phone and Global positioning system (GPS) all packed into a lightweight, 8 ounce frame.


The Hughes 7100 Handheld Satellite Phone is designed to operate on local GSM cell phone networks, at a reduced calling rate, and then seamlessly transfer to the Thuraya satellite network when outside of a local wireless service area. This combination ensures that the subscriber will benefit from the low cost of GSM service, and the consistent coverage of satellite service. The upside with this service is its versatility and speed. Voice quality is good; the only downside - the service area is limited.


Should you buy or rent? ...
That really depends on your requirements. For those who only need satellite service for a short period of time, rental offers the best option because it is relatively inexpensive. You can usually rent any of the above mentioned satellite phones for about $7. per day. Typically, the rental includes AC travel and car chargers,as well as leather holster, lithium ion battery, and pelican case for return shipment to the service provider. Most providers require that you return the equipment by overnight delivery service within 2 days of the end of your rental period.


For those who plan to use the equipment frequently or for extended periods and can afford it, it may make more sense to buy your own satellite phone. While they are not as expensive or bulky as when first introduced in 1979, they certainly are not cheap. The above mentioned satellite phones range in price from $600. to $1500. The least expensive is the Globalstar/ Qualcomm, while Iridium / Motorola has the distinction of being highest in price.


Maximize your satellite phone service ...
and learn how you can save money with our satellite phone tips & tricks!

The good news is ...
satellite phone service for top providers, such as, Iridium, Thuraya and Globalstar,as well as, phone sales and rentals are available from Telestial at affordable rates! You can rent a satellite phone by the day, week or month. They offer special discounts for one, two and three month rentals, as well as, student and faculty traveler discounts.


And, best of all ...
No security deposit is required on phone rentals. Satellite phones can be shipped globally via overnight carrier with return service included for rentals. Telestial also offers 24 hour tech support worldwide toll-free. Visit Telestial and check out their Wireless Solutions for Travelers for more detailed information, today!


If you are travelling to a popular destination overseas and need international cell phone service only , GSM or Global Systems for Mobile cellular phone service may be the best choice for you. Read more about GSM service that can connect you with 140 countries on 4 continents around the globe!

Return to SatelliteInsight home page


Return to Page Top