Buy Best Satellite Phones and Communicators of 2023

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Iridium Communications is the only satellite phone provider to offer truly global coverage from pole-to-pole. The new Iridium NEXT constellation is made up of 66 satellites in active service with perfect coverage of the entire planet.

As low as $785
Works Anywhere
FREE Incoming Texts
FREE Voicemail
Telephone and Data Units Available
Satellite Push-To-Talk (PTT) Service View more

Inmarsat is the world leader in satellite broadband data communications. It provides high speed data connections for government, commercial & humanitarian organizations with mission critical data transmission requirements on land, at sea & in the air.

IsatPhone2 Handset (starts at $785)
Global Inmarsat Coverage (except in extreme polar regions)
Free Incoming Texts
FREE Voicemail
Land & Marine Data Units
Streaming Services Available View more

Globalstar is the cost friendly satellite phone provider with coverage throughout the United States. If you need an affordable solution for your remote communications requirements, and you are traveling within the USA, take a look at the great options from Globalstar.

FREE PHONE (on select service plans)
Great for USA & Southern Canada
FREE Incoming Texts
FREE Voicemail
Small & Lightweight
Excellent Voice Quality View more

Thuraya is the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE-based Al Yah Satellite Communications Company. Thuraya offers innovative communications solutions to various sectors including energy, government, broadcast media, maritime, military, aerospace, and humanitarian NGOs.

Calls and Text Messages in Satellite Mode
Email On-the-Go
Enhanced Safety Features
Stand
Built-in compression
Easy-to-Use View more

FAQs

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Can I use my cell phone to connect via satellite?

Your cell phone can’t connect directly with a satellite network because it simply isn’t designed to do that. Optionally, you can use a device like the Iridium GO! to connect your smart phone or tablet to the Iridium Satellite Network. Your phone basically acts as your keyboard and screen, while the GO! connects you to the satellites.

Why is using a satellite phone so expensive?

Satellite Phone usage is more expensive than cell phones or landlines because of supply and demand and the billions of dollars required to develop, build, launch, and maintain these intricate satellite networks for the major providers: Iridium, Inmarsat & Globalstar.

Are satellite phones illegal?

Can I buy a satellite phone?

Yes you can. We have all the best sat phone options available for you, regardless of your destination. Make sure to take a look at our selection. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Can satellites phones be traced?

It is possible. The government has every right to contact the satellite network to reveal the user identity. However, because you would purchase the phone through Satmodo Satellite Phones, the satellite network would simply tell the authorities that it was a Satmodo phone.

What are good satellite phones for international travelers?

The Iridium 9555, Iridium 9575 Extreme, Iridium PTT and Iridium GO! all operate and connect on Iridium’s global network which will keep you connected anywhere on the planet. These units are available for Rental or Purchase.

Can satellite phone conversations be tapped?

It is possible. It would take very specific information about the phone’s SIM card to work, but it is definitely possible.

Can a satellite phone use WhatsApp?

The standard satellite phones like the Iridium 9555, Iridium 9575 Extreme, Iridium PTT, Iridium GO!, Inmarsat Isatphone2 and Globalstar GSP-1700 are great for making & receiving calls, or sending & receiving text messages, and some can even send SOS signals and GPS coordinates. That being said... nope. They don’t work with WhatsApp.

How does a satellite phone work?

The right satellite phone can work anywhere on earth because the primary infrastructure is orbiting the planet and does not use any cell towers or repeaters to make the connection possible. Your connection is directly to the satellite in the sky.

What are the uses of satellite phones?

Satellite phones can be used almost anywhere for any reason. Many people use satellite phones in remote areas while traveling for hunting, hiking, fishing, off-road racing, and cruises.
Satellite phones are critical for relief work in the event of a natural disaster, like a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or tsunami. Traditional communications, like landlines and cell phones, are often negatively impacted in these events, so a sat phone becomes the only reliable form of communication for the rescue workers and first responders rushing into these risky scenarios.

Satmodo LLC is offering this information to be helpful and informative. This is not being offered as legal advice in any way. We highly encourage you to do your own research and contact the embassy or consulate for the country that you will be traveling too.