Satellite Phones Overview

Satellite phones are types of mobile and fixed phones that connect to orbiting satellites rather than more common cellular towers or landlines. Satellite phones are very popular among recreational users (e.g., when hiking or camping), governmment and military users, and business travelers in remote areas not typically covered by cellular wireless servicce. With a satellite phone and service, you can stay in touch from pretty much any corner of the planet, making voice calls as well as using mobile data (expect speeds akin to dial-up, though).

Satellite phones can be fixed units, such as those on ships, or mobile "terminals", which today are about the same size as typical smartphones but a bit bulkier (early satphones were very large and bulky, much like old school cell phones). Many satellite phones are ruggedly built, designed for industrial and outdoor conditions, and feature positionable or removable antennas for improving reception. They typically don't work well indoors or if there's not a clear path to the sky.

There are a few major brands of satellite phones: Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar. These companies offer several models of satellite phones as well as satellite phone service in specific countries. Some also offer truly global coverage for anywhere, anytime communications. Here's an overview of these services:

• Iridium: offers "the only true global communications network, with coverage of the entire Earth" via the world's largest commercial satellite constellation. They offer both voice services and short burst data (SBD) transceivers for data (e.g., email, GPS, weather report) transmissions. The Iridium 9555 satellite phone has industrial-grade ruggedness and features a speakerphone, SMS and email messaging capabilities, and mini-USB data port.


• Thuraya: also offers voice and data mobile satellite solutions. Their service covers over 140 countries around the world, encompassing Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Thuraya XT is marketed as "the world's toughest satellite phone", designed to withstand the harshest and most extreme conditions, while the Thuraya IP is an ultra lightweight and compact satellite modem (the world's smallest terminal) that offers speeds up to 444 kbps.


• Globalstar: provides affordable voice and data services via satellite communications across North America and in over 120 countries. Globalstar offers handheld phones, fixed phones, and also accessories like a car kit and specialized data modems.

Satellite Phone Costs and Service

While satellite phones have become much more affordable to buy or to rent, they're still signficant expenses ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to over $1,000. If you only need to use a satellite phone for one trip, it may make sense to rent one (prices vary, depending on your location and service, but usually range from $40-70 a week and up, plus fees for text messaging and sometimes outbound calling). For emergency reasons or for use over several trips, buying a satellite phone would be the better option. Service fees generally cost at least $20 a month plus airtime (per minute charges).

Also known as: satellite telephone, satphone