Satellite phone service differs from each different service provider. It can range from $39.99 a month up to $629.99 a month for postpaid options. Pretty much all service providers offer you an option of monthly service and pre-paid options as well. Satellite phone cost varies from brand to brand.

The Iridium satellite service provider offers the only global coverage. Other satellite phone service providers offer wide coverage but they are not global.

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.

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.

Satellite Phones are not illegal in most of the world. Some countries do ban them for political reasons, but this is the exception, not the rule.

Countries that have satellite phone restrictions

India
The only satellite phone and network that India allows is Inmarsat and you must obtain permission before your trip. If you do not have a permit and you bring one you may be imprisoned and you will lose the satellite phone.

Sri Lanka
If you do not have a permit and you bring a satellite phone to Sri Lanka you may be arrested and it will cost you thousands and a confiscated phone.

Cuba
Satellite phones or GPS communications system are forbidden in Cuba unless you have taken all the steps necessary to obtain a permit from the Cuban Ministry of Informatics and Communications.

Sudan
Sudan bans most electronic devices. We highly suggest looking into this matter when you are applying for your Visa or other travel paper work.

North Korea
North Korea does not allow you to bring satellite phones with you.

Nigeria
Nigeria has banned satellite phones in certain areas due to terrorist groups. It’s unclear what the law is there about satellite phones but looking into the matter is highly encouraged.

Myanmar
There has been much unrest and infighting in Myanmar/Burma. In the past most communications was disabled and outside communications was not allowed. This is a country where you have to do your own checking before renting or buying a sat phone.

Chad
Chad restricts the use of a satellite phone or possessing one.

Russia
Requires registration prior to bringing the satellite phone in. Satmodo will help you with this step.

Iran
Iran has restrictions on many electronic devices, like satellite phones and drones. If you are planning to travel to Iran, it is recommended that you first contact the Iranian embassy or consulate to familiarize yourself with the regulations.

Libya
Certain satellite phone networks were banned in the past and current laws are unclear. Please look into this before committing to a sat 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The best satellite phone you can buy is:

1. Iridium Extreme
2. Iridium 9555
3. Iridium GO!
4. IsatPhone 2
5. Isatphone Pro
6. Globalstar GSP-1700

Reliable: Even if the mobile phone fails, satellite phones continue to work and are not affected by the failure. Most satellite phones also have amazing battery packs that don’t drain quickly, so it really is a reliable communication tool. Easy to Use: Satellite phones are not as complicated as regular phones

Most satellite phones can be tracked by their own GPS systems. Although it is possible to track a satellite phone by its radio emissions, it would require a trained technician and special equipment. Many satellite phones also share location automatically.

For a Globalstar phone, you can simply dial 911. From an Iridium satellite phone, dial 112. This number will direct your call to the emergency number for the country you are in.

Iridium Communications satellite phones use frequencies between 1616 and 1626.5 MHz to communicate with satellites. Inmarsat terminals use frequencies between 1525 and 1646.5 MHz, Thuraya satellite phones use frequencies between 1525 and 1661 MHz.

The Iridium 9575 Extreme is widely regarded as the best overall satellite phone on the market. With its exceptional performance and robust features, it consistently earns high praise from users and experts alike. This satellite phone offers reliable global coverage, making it an ideal choice for those who need dependable communication in remote or challenging environments. Its rugged design, advanced functionalities, and extensive battery life make it a top choice for adventurers, emergency responders, and professionals in various industries.

Satellite phones are indeed invaluable in emergency situations as they provide communication capabilities even in areas where land-based towers and networks are unavailable. They rely on satellite connections to establish communication, making them highly reliable in remote or disaster-stricken areas.

Yes, satellite phones are legal in most countries, although some, like India, North Korea, and Myanmar, impose restrictions or require specific permits. Typically, countries with limited infrastructure support their use, especially in emergencies. It’s best to check local regulations before use, especially if traveling internationally, to avoid legal complications

Satellite phones offer communication in areas without cellular coverage, making them essential in remote locations or during emergencies when other networks may fail. They connect directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, providing global coverage that’s reliable for critical communication, particularly in remote outdoor activities, maritime use, or disaster relief.

While satellite phones provide invaluable connectivity, they come with downsides. Service can be impacted by severe weather or obstructed views to the sky, limiting usability in dense forests or deep valleys. They’re typically more expensive than cell phones, and data services are often slower. Additionally, they tend to be bulkier and heavier than standard smartphones.

Standard cell phones cannot directly connect to satellites; however, devices like satellite hotspots or adaptors allow regular phones to access satellite networks. These external devices often connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, enabling satellite-based communication on a standard smartphone with the help of dedicated apps.

Yes, satellite phones are often used by police, military, and emergency responders, particularly in regions without reliable cellular infrastructure. They are vital tools during natural disasters or in remote operations, enabling consistent communication when other networks are compromised or unavailable.

Most traditional satellite phones lack cameras, focusing instead on durability and battery life for remote use. However, some newer models and satellite-enabled smartphones have integrated cameras, offering functionality similar to regular smartphones.

Yes, regular cell phones can call satellite phones, though additional charges may apply. The cost is usually higher than standard calls, and the caller must know the satellite phone’s unique number, often in a specific country code range assigned to satellite networks.

Standard iPhones cannot access satellite networks directly. However, Apple introduced limited satellite SOS features in some recent models, like the iPhone 14, allowing emergency messaging in satellite-supported areas. For full satellite connectivity, third-party satellite hotspots or adaptors are still necessary.

Yes, satellite phones work globally, provided they have an unobstructed view of the sky to communicate with satellites. However, usage may be restricted in certain countries due to regulatory limits. Obstacles like buildings or dense forests can sometimes impact signal quality.