Although referring to it as a “sat phone” may add to the secret agent vibe, these phones are more widely available than you might think, and there are several options to choose from. Keep in mind that a subscription is required to access a satellite network, and prices vary depending on the network used, the type of service needed, and the length of the subscription. Additionally, note that prices are much higher than those for cellular networks and can reach exorbitant levels Also: The 7 best phones of 2023 ZOLEO Satellite Communicator is a great alternative satellite phone to consider because it allows two-way global messaging with a compact design. Now we move from a phone to a mobile satellite router. Just fire it up, it connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium GO! hotspot. Also: The 5 best hotspots This is not a cheap kit, and it’s designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium GO! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter but also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. The Iridium GO! offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. It boasts various features that make it ideal for those looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 x 82 x 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around. This router offers satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing users to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage. With a battery life of up to 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 15.5 hours of standby time, users can stay connected for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. Also: Iridium GO! Turn any smartphone into a satellite phone The Iridium GO! operates within a temperature range of 10 to 50 ℃ and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it has an ingress protection rating of IP65, making it dust-tight and able to withstand water jets from any direction. This mobile satellite router can connect up to five devices to its hotspot, providing enough data bandwidth to perform tasks such as checking emails, using Twitter, pulling up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. Another company that offers satellite trackers and messengers is SPOT. There’s the SPOT X, which is a two-way device that looks a lot like an old Blackberry, the SPOT Gen3 Messenger, which allows the user to send check-in and SOS messages, and the SPOT Tracker, which allows tracking of things like cars and suitcases. SPOT X features a physical keyboard that is easy to use, making it a popular choice for those who prefer tactile buttons over touchscreens. The device is durable, too, meeting MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance and boasting an ingress protection rating of IP67. The SPOT X has dimensions of 166 × 38 × 24 mm and weighs 198g, and it has a battery life of up to 240 hours. The device can operate within a temperature range of -20 °C to 60 °C, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments. But one of the most impressive features of the SPOT X is its SOS button, which can be used to signal for help in an emergency situation. This is a particularly useful feature for those who engage in outdoor activities and may find themselves in areas without cellular coverage. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight handheld GPS receiver with a built-in satellite communicator that enables two-way messaging, interactive SOS, and TracBack routing globally (active satellite subscription required). It has Bluetooth connectivity and is water-resistant. Users can share their location with loved ones back home and get accurate heading information using the digital compass. The device can sync with the Garmin Explore app and website for trip planning and topographical mapping. It can also pair with Garmin devices to send and receive messages and trigger an SOS. Garmin actually makes many satellite-enabled devices, from the simple Garmin inReach Mini 2 to the Garmin inReach Explorer+. Read the review: Garmin inReach Mini 2 review The Mini 2 has a battery life of up to 14 days in 10-minute tracking mode, a monochrome display that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions, and is waterproof with an IPX7 rating. It features a USB-C interface for easy charging and connectivity with other devices. While the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a versatile and feature-packed device, it does have a few potential downsides to consider. Firstly, it requires an active satellite subscription, which can add to the overall cost of the device. And the device’s messaging capabilities are limited to text-based communication. Is it a satellite phone? Is it a regular GSM phone? The Thuraya XT-LITE is both, all using a single SIM card. And better still, it automatically switches from satellite to GSM without any hassles… so no forgotten calls because you’re out of coverage. The Thuraya XT-LITE has a battery life of up to six hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby time. The phone comes with a travel charger and USB cable. It is easy to use and can be programmed in various languages. Overall, it is a decent, rugged, no-frills sat phone. Also: The 5 best rugged phones Note that the Thuraya satellite network does not offer coverage in the US, so this is a sat phone for when you’re in other territories. Now we move on to something that looks and acts like a phone. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 is a fully-featured satellite phone with near-global coverage and good battery life. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 offers the ability to make and receive voice calls, SMS, track your position with GPS from anywhere on the globe. (Well, mostly, satellite coverage at the north and south poles is poor. Outside of those areas, people will get excellent coverage.) Also: Forget the smartphone and get yourself a satellite phone It has an IK04 shock resistance rating, can withstand dirt, dust, and water, and provides enhanced daytime visibility. The built-in lithium-ion battery offers 8 hours of talk time and 160 hours standby, and the entire package is IP65 rated for dust- and waterproofing. The price starts at $569 for the phone, charger, and SIM with no airtime.
Note: Prices and availability may vary.As you can see, each satellite phone has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best satellite phone for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. When making a decision, consider factors such as price, satellite network, global coverage, features, durability, and battery life.
Price: Cost is always a factor, especially for those who are going to use their satellite phone only occasionally.Availability: No point listing something that’s not in stock!Coverage: Not all satellite networks offer global coverage, so knowing this in advance is important.Use case: Are you looking for a traditional satellite phone, or do you want something more specialized like a satellite hotspot or emergency beacon?
Apple has added a feature called Emergency SOS via Satellite which allows owners to contact emergency services when in an area without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Review: The iPhone 14 is exactly as good as it needed to be Emergency SOS via satellite is free for the next two years. After that Apple plans to start charging for the service, although right now we don’t have a price. This service is currently available in the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe. If you’re an avid hiker or camper, you know how remote areas don’t have the best cellular service. This is where satellite phones come in handy: they give you access to communication in areas cellular companies don’t. And it’s advisable to check this at the time of purchase because coverage can (and does) change regularly. Doing this ensures you have the right phone and network for where you’re requiring it. Garmin Montana 700i is an alternative satellite phone to consider because it combines GPS and GALILEO satellite networks with inReach technology, providing a reliable and versatile communication and navigation tool. COM IC-SAT100 is a rugged satellite phone alternative that utilizes the Iridium satellite network, making it an excellent choice for those who need reliable communication in harsh environments.
