We've put together some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help beginners gain an understanding of what satellite phones can do. How does a satellite phone work? Unlike a regular mobile phone which connects to a mobile phone tower to make or receive a call, satellite phones bounce signals from the handset up to the satellite, back down to a groundstation where the call will then enter the traditional telephone network. The fact that they do not rely on mobile phone towers allows a much greater area of coverage - some networks offer completely global coverage. Find out more about how satellite phones work How much does it cost to call from a satellite phone? The cost of calling from a satellite phone will depend on which network and tariff you choose but generally varies between £0.50 to £1.15 per minute when calling standard landlines or mobiles. To...
Most modern day satellite phones offer similar features to mobile phones, in a similar size but with the added advantage of being functional in areas where GSM service is not available. Furthermore, in recent years the cost of both phones and satellite airtime has reduced dramatically making a satellite phone a viable option for those who often venture into areas with no GSM coverage as well as those who wish to keep a satellite phone in case of an emergency situation. A satellite phone may not be a requirement for the everyday mobile phone user but if you work, or play in remote areas and need to be in touch then consider buying from Global Telesat Communications.
The annual Test Your Satellite Phone program was created by Iridium and acts as a support for first responders, emergency workers, government agencies and anyone else who might be in a life-threatening situation. The program has been running for seven years and ensures that satellite phone users are better prepared for any sudden emergencies by confirming that their satellite phones are in full working order. Emergency situations require the ability to communicate and a satellite phone can be a critical lifeline in times of need. Between 6th May and June 1st Iridium offer users of satellite phones the opportunity to make a call to a dedicated test number to test the operational status of their phone and to ensure that their satellite phone is functioning properly. To test your phone simply turn it on and call 1-480-752-5105 (calls from Iridium handsets will not be charged airtime), you will then hear...
Choosing a satellite phone for the first time can be confusing and considering the costs involved you need to make sure you choose the right option for your requirements. The first thing to consider is where you will be using the phone. Iridium is the only satellite phone network to offer global coverage whereas Thuraya and Inmarsat’s SPS (satellite phone service) can offer cheaper equipment and airtime alternatives if you remain in their coverage areas. Visit our sat phone coverage maps page for details on coverage. Once you have decided which network coverage is suitable, you need to decide whether to opt for a monthly contract or choose a pre-paid plan. Although monthly contracts have a 12 month minimum period they can offer cheaper costs per minute if you are predicting frequent usage. Pre-paid plans on the other hand are better for those carrying sat phones for emergency purposes only...
During 23-29 May 2010 Iridium will run its fourth annual “Test Your Satellite Phone” Week. Some satellite phones are used for emergencies only and so are not regularly tested. To avoid problems when you need the phone at that critical moment Iridium advise you to complete a call to their free number (00-1-480-752-5105) from your Iridium sat phone. Callers will hear a recorded voice message confirming they completed the call successfully and offering refresher tips for using the phones. Sat phone users subscribed to networks other than Iridium can also use this procedure but they may be charged for the call. For more information visit www.testyoursatellitephone.com.
Globalstar have introduced a new cash back incentive plan. This new offer means that any customers who purchase a Globalstar GSP-1700 phone between 28/04/14 and 26/09/14 and sign up for a Voice & Data Plan will be eligible for a rebate of up to €500. The Globalstar satellite network has deployed a second-generation constellation of low-earth-orbit satellites and now offers the best satellite voice quality and fastest low-band data speeds at an affordable and highly competitive price, so why not sign up today? You must sign up for a minimum 12 month plan and each different plan has a separate corresponding rebate amount (as shown below). The rebate will be issued in the form of a credit on your account balance. If you are interested in this offer please click here for more information and to download your rebate form.
A satellite phone needs to be relied upon by those traveling in some of the toughest places on earth. Often it will be the only source of communication so it is understandable that 100% reliability is required. In this post we take a look at the durability of the toughest satellite phones. What makes a satellite phone reliable? Call quality, network coverage and availability are all important but another requirement is robust design and build of the satellite phone itself. This robustness is measured by the IP Rating. What is an IP Rating? An IP Rating scores how protected the satellite phone is from dirt and moisture. It is composed of two characters, the first symbolises protection from dust and dirt and the second from water. The higher the numbers, the better the protection. Which are the toughest satellite phones? 4. Thuraya XT IP54 – Protected against dust, protected against...
Thuraya X5 Touch Satellite Phone is the worlds smallest and first touchscreen satellite phone from Thuraya. Thuraya X5 Touch The Thuraya X5 Touch is the newest satellite phone from Thuraya, which promises unparalled flexibility. In addition to being the world's smallest satellite phone, the Thuraya X5 Touch is the first touchscreen satellite phone. It offers many standard satellite phone features but also exceeds existing phones in the market! Purchasing the Thuraya X5 Touch promises connectivity when you go off-the-grid but with the features of a smartphone. Android OS Thuraya has introduced this new Satellite Phone on the Android operating system, to provide a range of preinstalled Google applications and services on your device. This apps include Gmail, Google Maps, Google Chrome, Google Search and the Google Play Store. Therefore with access to a multitude of apps, including some 3rd party apps, this satellite phone rivals many smartphones! Dual SIM Thuraya...
Introduction to Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 satellite phone is one of the most powerful satellite phones currently on the market. It delivers everything you would expect from a satellite phone, even when visiting very remote areas. From near-global coverage thanks to the reach of the Inmarsat satellite network, to its durability and extensive battery life, together with tracking capabilities and high voice call quality, this Inmarsat satellite phone is ultimately designed to work flawlessly in all weather conditions from rain storms, dust storms, searing heat to sub-zero cold, tropical humidity or freezing fog. Key Features and Functionality: The IsatPhone 2 delivers the one-two combo of mobile phone-like voice clarity and has one of, if not, the longest lasting battery on the market. The IsatPhone 2 is also seriously robust, being able to withstand 95% humidity environments, and is also splash-resistant so it is highly sought-after by marine...
Due to popular demand, used Inmarsat and Thuraya satellite phones are now in stock and available for next day delivery . Please visit our used sat phones page for more details.
Although it is possible to make telephone contact through a landline or mobile phone from almost anywhere in the world, there are certain areas where a satellite phone is the only method of communication. Unlike mobile phones which use localised phone masts to connect calls, a call made from a sat phone is sent through a satellite constellation until it reaches the nearest satellite gateway on the ground. It is then routed through traditional voice networks to reach its destination. A call made from one satellite phone to another will be completely routed through satellite constellations to ensure that the call is not affected by any technical difficulties on the ground. This is why satellite phones are essential for communication during disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes where traditional lines of communication can be destroyed. Satellite phones rely on a clear view of the satellite to make a call so...
With the autumn and winter months bringing wind, rain, heightened risk of flash foods or damaged communications infrastructure, now is the ideal time to remind yourself of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Even the simplest things that you might think you know off by heart, like testing an Iridium satellite phone, could make a vital difference if disaster strikes. According to Iridium, roughly 5-10% of their users find themselves in dire situations because they are not following the proper protocol for making a phone call. It is therefore vitally important to follow these basic instructions to call for help in an emergency: Go outside, turn on the phone and extend the antenna toward sky Wait for the green LED network indicator Dial 00 + country code + phone number Press the green button to start the call Testing Your Satellite Phone Test Your Satellite Phone is a free service that anyone can...
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