A Guide Designed to Help you Select the Proper Satellite Phone Based on Your Needs
Today, there are a wide variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to satellite phones. However, if this will be your first time using one, exactly how are you supposed to know which one will best suit your needs and budget? Below, you will find a guide that you can rely on which will point you in the right direction when it comes to picking out a satellite phone.
GlobalCom’s Iridium
If you are looking for a satellite phone that you can use anywhere on the planet, then GlobalCom’s Iridium is the way to go. It uses 66 well positioned satellites, and has a connectivity rate of 98%. In addition, this is the only satellite phone that is presently available that provides worldwide service.
It really does not matter if you are sailing around on the Equator, or sightseeing on the North Pole, with GlobalCom’s Iridium line, you can call your friends and family anytime and from anywhere you wish.
The system uses both global satellite coverage and regional ground based systems, in order to provide the most efficient and effective service that is presently available. The service charge is a flat rate per minute fee for outbound calls, and their rates run anywhere from .99 cents to $1.29 US per minute. It is also possible to subscribe to yearly and monthly plans.
You can signup up for this package without incurring any monthly service fees, you do not have to sign a contract, and you will not need to have a credit check completed. One added bonus that you might want to take into consideration is that it is now possible to connect to the internet using this system.
If you are interested in learning more about GlobalCom’s Iridium, then please use the link provided below.
http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/iridium/info.html
Globalstar
If you need a satellite phone and you are on a budget, then checking out Globalstar is probably a good idea. Their system covers all of the Continental U.S. and Canada, parts of Alaska, and the eastern Caribbean. They also provide coverage in over 120 counties, but not worldwide coverage.
So, before you start looking into their phones, you need to make sure that the one you are interested in will work where you need it to. Their first generation satellite phone called the Globalstar GSP-1600 starts at $299 for a new one, and some refurbished ones can run you as low as $149.
This company has packages that start at just $19.99 a month for unlimited airtime. If you happen to leave their service area, you will incur a roaming charge of $1.39 US per minute, which is quite expensive. So, you really need to know where you will be using the phone the vast majority of the time, before you make your final decision.
We have to warn you though, that because of their popularity, some Globalstar clients are presently reporting periods of no service and dropped calls. It is possible to obtain an optional data kit, which will allow you to access the internet with this package.
If you would like more information about Globalstar and their satellite phones, please use the link provided below.
http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/unlimited_plan.html
Thuraya
Thuraya satellite phones are economical and can be used in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Their best selling model is called the Thuraya SO-2510 and it is priced at $865. It comes with quite a few handy features, including the following; fax and data at 9.6K, SMS services, GmPRS, and GPS location tracking.
Their rates start at $1.49 US per minute, and they offer a month’s worth of airtime at $47.50. If you would like to find out more about Thuraya, please use the link below.
http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/thuraya/
Inmarsat BGAN
Having Inmarsat BGAN on your side; is like bringing your home office on the road with you when you visit the most desolate locations in the world. As long as you are in their coverage area, you will have both voice and broadband connections.
Their system is relatively easy to pickup and start using. All you do is point it at the satellite and after a couple of clicks, you can start sending and receiving emails, or surfing the internet if you wish. Another added bonus is that you do not use airtime when you are not transferring data, only when you are sending or receiving emails, or changing to a new website.
If you would like to find out more about Inmarsat BGAN, please use the link below.
http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/bgan_service.html
Inmarsat IsatPhone
You can use Inmarsat IsatPhone in North America, Europe, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. They offer a light weight pocket sized satellite phone that starts at $555. The phone provides both voice and data communications. Their service is considered excellent, and it starts at only 95 US cents per minute.
There you have it, quite a few exceptional alternatives that should be able to suit most users needs and budgets. Before you purchase a satellite phone or signup up for a service package, please make sure that you research all of your requirements very carefully, and select the one that best suits all of your needs.