As manufacture of the IsatPhone Pro comes to an end we discuss the future for users of the handsets and alternative sat phones on the market.
In 2010, IsatPhone Pro was launched marking Inmarsat's entry into the global handheld satphone market. Now, after four successful years, Inmarsat is announcing the end of production for IsatPhone Pro.
Although Inmarsat have stopped manufacturing IsatPhone Pro, GTC currently still hold stock of the handset so please contact us if you wish to place an order.
With the end of manufacture of the handset will also come a stop to production of the accessories. We also hold these in stock, please see our range of IsatPhone Pro accessories if you wish to place an order.
Inmarsat will continue to provide customer support and firmware upgrades to correct critical issues that may arise with IsatPhone Pro products in the field until further notice. As a reminder, IsatPhone Pro handsets must be upgraded to firmware v 5.3.0 or higher by 30 November 2014 to ensure continuation of service.
Visit GTC Support for instructions on how to upgrade your IsatPhone Pro.
What are the alternative sat phones on the market?
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Of course the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is a great alternative to the IsatPhone Pro - with all the same voice and SMS features the IsatPhone 2 comes with the added bonus of a built in GPS tracker.
The GPS tracking can be combined with our GTCTrack mapping to enable detailed monitoring of the user.
With global coverage excluding the poles the IsatPhone 2 is a great all in one device for the global traveller.
IsatPhone 2 pricing starts from £520 ex VAT.
Globalstar GSP-1700
One advantage of the IsatPhone handsets is the affordable cost of airtime and handsets. Looking to other satellite networks Globalstar also offers an excellent value for money sat phone, the GSP-1700.
With inclusive plans offering voice and data calls for as little as €0.15 per minute, the lowest handset prices in the market and the only 2nd generation satellite constellation, Globalstar satellite phones are hard to beat.
The Globalstar GSP-1700 is great for customers demanding quick connection times, excellent satellite voice quality and fastest low-band data speeds at an affordable and highly competitive price.
Globalstar satellite phones were the choice of the organisers of the Tour de France 2014 who used the phones during the UK leg to stay connected.
Globalstar sat phone prices start from just £225 ex VAT.
Inmarsat IsatHub
For those looking to the latest gadgets the IsatHub is also a great alternative to a satellite phone. This device is in the Inmarsat family of products. The IsatHub is a revolutionary new device which allows you to connect your normal mobile phone or tablet via WiFi in order to make and receive calls, texts and browse the internet via satellite.
IsatHub has just been launched and we are one of a few retailers to currently hold stock. Contact us to place an order or see our blog The Inmarsat IsatHub Satellite Wi-Fi Hotspot Has Arrived for further information on the device.
As always we would like to answer any questions you may have on the end of life of the IsatPhone or any of the products mentioned above.
