Inmarsat Network and Coverage Maps

Whether you’re seeking service for your hand-held satellite phone, remote site fixed installation, or mobile terminal, the Inmarsat Network has you covered with a variety of performance options. Considered the pioneer in mobile satellite communications, they have been in the business of connecting the world for over 40 years. Through the decades, Inmarsat’s innovative growth in satellite connectivity has helped communities thrive, businesses grow, and governments conduct international affairs by offering the coverage they require.

Why choose Inmarsat Satellite Network?

Inmarsat continues to bridge communications through the most remote of locations, knowing that the ever-growing digital society boundaries are made to be broken. Whether you require basic office communications, web surfing, remote asset management, or seamless streaming for video conferencing, Inmarsat has the network to make it happen.

So, what can you expect when you choose a device that operates on the Inmarsat network?

Various satellite device options to fit your needs functioning on a reliable, global network
Offering voice and high-speed data via land, sea, or air (see our coverage map below for extent of service around the globe)
An award-winning BGAN network offering global coverage and unrivalled satellite and ground network availability of almost 100% utilizing small-profile portable terminals like the Explorer 510.
Solves the connectivity challenges faced by a wide realm of individuals, groups and corporations when operating off the grid
With locations in every continent, Inmarsat provides world-class customer service – ensuring users have seamless worldwide connectivity 24/7.
A company that not only cares about its customers, but is also doing its part to connect underserved communities who are without regular internet access
Continuous development of solutions means they’re doing everything they can to keep up with the ever-changing needs of users traveling to the farthest corners of the earth

There is no stopping this leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, and with a solid reputation, you know this is a provider you can trust.

Inmarsat Coverage and Coverage Maps

Inmarsat owns and operates 13 geostationary satellites. They continuously orbit over 22,000 miles above Earth staying in line with the equator. Each satellite fleet utilizes a mix of wide beams and narrow spot beams to ensure overlapping coverage around the globe. At this time (and you can see this on the coverage map visual), the polar regions cannot be reached by way of the current satellite setup. But Inmarsat’s fully funded technology roadmap includes reaching the polar regions within the next few years.

You can read here for an in-depth overview of Inmarsat’s entire network of satellites and how they operate to offer coverage.

What You Can Expect on the Inmarsat Network

Inmarsat has been providing the world global satellite solutions on the ground for decades, but not everything these days operates on land. Maritime and aircraft connectivity present their own challenges that Inmarsat has taken head on. Additionally, they understand the role of machine-to-machine communication plays in tracking assets, so users can count on a reliable connection to keep their businesses running smoothly with real-time data.

Maritime

Broadband

M2M

Voice

VSAT

Global Xpress

Maritime

Vessels of every size are taken care of with the unparalleled reliability of Inmarsat global communication services. With the ability to meet the needs within a wide range of budgets, Inmarsat is improving the safety of the countless passengers and crew who depend on its service every single day. Inmarsat recognizes the challenging needs of the maritime industry; but efficiency, power, and strong performance are always guaranteed. Ever evolving, Inmarsat has transformed the way ships communicate and run their businesses.

Coastal – Operational communications, crew welfare, and safety communications continue even as land-based connectivity is just beyond reach.
Global – Vessels of any size or purpose can now access satellite services while sailing the world’s oceans. Boasting 99.9% of network availability, Fleet Broadband makes worldwide mobility a reality.

Featured Product: Sailor Fleet One by Cobham

ensures fast connections on either Inmarsat’s coastal or global service with data speeds of up to 100 kbps
small and lightweight
easy to install
combined with a single voice line, users can access satellite communications where typical cellular coverage is no longer accessible

ends of the world won’t leave you disconnected ever again with Inmarsat’s variety of broadband services. Basic office communications such as email or web surfing are accessed with ease; even high bandwidth applications such as video conferencing or live broadcasting are delivered seamlessly.

Featured Products:

Land – Explorer 710

unique in its capability to bond the signals from multiple 710 terminals via ethernet, allowing it to get extremely close to the standard definition of broadcast quality
ultra-portable satellite streaming terminal
quick set-up for wireless access within minutes

Vehicular – Explorer 727

perfect solution for on-the-go customers
antenna can be mounted to the roof of your vehicle
transceiver and IP voice handset work in conjunction to create a mobile communications hub
fast speed connectivity with fast speeds on the road: a win-win!

Broadband

Machine to machine

M2M

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication capability is a necessity in our modern world. Inmarsat’s service guarantees the operational efficiency required to manage your remote assets. Even with distant, unmanned applications, the reliable 2-way data service allows for reliable communication for monitoring and controlling critical applications in the field.

Featured Product: Explorer 540 by Cobham

only M2M Broadband Global Area Network terminal designed for dual use on both the Inmarsat broadband network and on available cellular networks (2G/3G/LTE)
compact terminal (less than 4 pounds) is ideal for any user
Withstands harsh environments to maintain the visibility and management of M2M assets

Inmarsat’s portable and fixed satellite phone services provide essential voice calls and messaging for any businesses and users operating in remote regions around the world.

A full suite of handheld, mobile and fixed services can be used on land, at sea and in the air and are are available for purchase at Satmodo. They utilize the world’s most advanced satellite communications’ network, offering clear voice quality and minimal call drop out.

Featured Product: ISATphone 2

Tough phone for a tough world
Unrivaled battery life with up to 8 hours of talk time
Extensive safety features

Voice

VSAT

Home and business users alike rely on a VSAT satellite communications system. For those traveling abroad to remote destinations, a global VSAT offering is a requirement. Even travelers and crew sailing the harsh seas can continue the connectivity they desire with a Ka-band satellite terminal.

Featured Product: EXPLORER 5075GX Fly-Away Antenna System

makes online connectivity simple with its lightweight and portable design
user-friendly
specially configured to run on the Inmarsat GX Ka-band network for simple worldwide connection

In 2015, Global Xpress became the first high-speed broadband network from a single operator to give users the ability to connect worldwide, even in remote regions. There are no bounds among land, sea, and air with Global Xpress’ seamless connectivity. In 2019, Global Xpress launched its fifth satellite –extending the GX capacity to the furthest reaching areas of Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Consumers can expect seamless, reliable, and fast communication from this digital services enabler.

Featured Product: Intellian GX60 Maritime Stabilized Terminal

small, maritime stabilized terminal
comes with a fully integrated modem and runs on Inmarsat’s GX broadband service
simple and quick installation with easy to understand user interface allows for high speed access in minutes

Global Xpress

Are there any cons of using the Inmarsat service?

Though Inmarsat is one of the top of line choices in remote and portable satellite communication, it is lacking in one main area.

Unlike its competitor Iridium Satellite Network, Inmarsat’s service is unable to reach the polar regions. This is due to the difference in both the number of satellites in operation as well as how and where they operate. Inmarsat utilizes 13 geostationary satellites 22,236 miles above the ground, whereas Iridium maintains 66 satellites that surround earth at a much lower altitude.

So, why does Inmarsat’s network not cover the polar regions?

Geostationary satellites, which is how Inmarsat’s network functions, always remain at the same spot over the earth – directly in line with the equator. Though this type of operation covers almost the globe by way of 13 operational satellites, the poles, unfortunately, are inaccessible. (Though arctic capability integration is in the works as a future enhancement.)

So, if you require pole-to-pole connectivity no matter what, Iridium is your go to. On the other hand, many users won’t require service in these two points of the world and can turn to Inmarsat for reliable communication everywhere else (and at a lower price point).

Inmarsat Coverage Comparison at a Glance

Use the following chart to find out how Iridium compares to other leading satellite networks available to you.

Network

Inmarsat

Iridium

Globalstar

Thuraya

% of Global Coverage

90%

100%

80%

90% (including roaming)

Polar Coverage

No

Yes

No

Limited

LEO or Geostationary Satellites

Geostationary

Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO

Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO)

Geostationary

Number of Satellites

13 66 (plus 9 spares)

48 (plus 4 spares)

5 Satellite Phone and Devices Coverage Map

Inmarsat Coverage Map

Iridium Coverage Map

Globalstar Coverage Map

Thuraya Coverage Map

Pros

InmarsatGreat value; dropped calls are rare

100% reliable coverage around the globe with stellar reception quality

Premium voice quality; solid signal throughout North America

Global network access from most locations

Cons

No polar connectivity

Higher Cost

Parts of the world remain out of reach

Expect higher charges when roaming on GSM services

Voice Service Plan Cost

Monthly plans starting at $49.99

Monthly plans starting at $59.9

Monthly plans starting at $49.99

Monthly plans starting at $39

Further Coverage Information

Further comparisons can be found on our network coverage page.

For each of the following networks you can find out the extent of coverage, see data and satellite phone coverage maps, and the range of products that operate on each platform by going to each network’s individual page.