Top satellite phone service providers for 2023

Mobile Satellite Service Providers Comparison Chart

	Iridium	Inmarsat	GlobalStar	Thuraya
	100% Worldwide Coverage66 LEO Satellite	90% Worldwide Coverage13 Geostationary Satellites	90% Worldwide Coverage13 Geostationary Satellites	HotSpot -Connect personal devices -Monthly Plans from $39.99 per month
Land	Certus - Land -fixed, land vehicle, and land portable -704 kbps down, 352 kbps up	BGAN -lightweight portable terminal -492 kbps up and down	HotSpot -Connect personal devices -Monthly Plans from $39.99 per month	N/A
Marine	Certus - Marine -dependable and fast -Monthly plans starting at $133.99	Fleet Broadband -high-performing solution-Monthly plans starting at $359/monthFleet Xpress -Plans from $2,555 for 36 months FleetOne -Monthly plans from $169.9	N/A	N/A
M2M	Shortburst -track, monitor and exchange data -Monthly plans starting at $22.99	BGAN M2M -two-way IP data service designed for long-term M2M asset management -Monthly plans	N/A	N/A

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Satellite phones provide voice and data services via orbiting satellites. They allow you to communicate even when your cell phone will no longer work. There are many pockets of the world where cellular networks don’t reach, and a satellite phone is a solution.

Additionally, having a satellite phone allows you to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster when phone calling, texting, and connecting via the internet would otherwise be impossible.

If you need worldwide service and a phone you can depend on no matter where you go (land, sea or air), Iridium is the service you need. In fact, it’s the only service provider that offers truly global communications. By utilizing a constellation of 66 interconnected low earth orbit satellites surrounding the earth, as long as there is a line of site to the sky, there’s nowhere these phones won’t work.

A few of the top phones include:

Iridium service plans.

Thuraya is a unique satellite provider that creates a bridge between satellite connectivity and communicating within cellular networks. It operates on a geostationary platform allowing for congestion-free satellite communications across two-thirds of the world.

This is an excellent dual-communications choice for anyone who frequently travel in and out of cellular range.

From innovative satellite design to the reliability of each Thuraya device and accessory, we provide a truly superior satellite communication solution beyond the boundaries of terrestrial systems and cellular networks.

Thuraya service plans.

Inmarsat is a leading provider in satellite communication service. It owns and operates 13 geostationary satellites and uses the most advanced satellite communications’ network to ensure clear voice quality and minimal all drop out.

Inmarsat offers the IsatPhone 2 to take care of your satellite phone calling and messaging needs whether that be for business or pleasure. This is a tough phone ready to cope with extreme conditions and boasts an unrivaled battery life.

Inmarsat phone service plans

Globalstar satellite technology makes it easy to find a clear and secure connection outside of areas where traditional network communication isn’t possible. This low earth orbit satellite solution keeps you connected throughout the majority of the world.

Globalstar is an affordable option, especially for anyone requiring unlimited minutes.

The light and easy to carry GSP-1700 is perfect for anyone who needs to make sure they stay in contact in remote locations.

Globalstar phone service plans

For an in-depth look at the best satellite phones and a comparison of each of the providers, please take a look at our 2022 Satellite Phone Buyer’s Guide. Service plan options for each phone service provider can be found here.

Land Data Service Providers And Plans

We know that in 2022, communication extends far beyond making phone calls and sending text messages. Both individuals and companies need the ability to connect to the internet to keep life and operations running smoothly. Satellite internet is for anyone who travels beyond areas with typical internet capabilities.

With this broadband network, the connectivity you’re able to get worldwide will closely match what you are used to back home. For an in-depth look at your land data choices, read Best Mobile Best Mobile Satellite Internet for 2023

Inmarsat BGAN Service

Inmarsat offers a handful of easily portable BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) options to keep you connected anywhere you go. These terminals are small enough to fit in a laptop case and have hotspot functionality that allows you to turn all of your devices into satellite terminals. Once connected, you’ll be able to use high-speed internet, phone, fax, text messaging, email and streaming services.

Options include the super light Explorer 510, upgraded Explorer 710 and the Explorer 727 for high-speed communication on the move.

Inmarsat BGAN Data plans.

Iridium Certus – Land

Iridium Certus reigns supreme in the world of mobile satellite internet. This high-powered platform allows users to travel to any corner of the earth and still have the internet connectivity they require. One communication hub allows you to do it all…and fast. This flexible platform offers the all-in-one solution for high-speed l-band connectivity, data streaming, premium quality voice service, data broadcast, and unparalleled safety services.

The MissionLink by Thales terminal operates on this service for the fastest L-band speeds available.

Iridium Certus – Land service plans

Marine Data Service Providers And Plans

Not that long ago, accessing the internet, staying connected to loved ones back home and conducting business while traveling at sea was impossible. But that’s all changed thanks to the satellite service providers who offer specific maritime solutions that allow for a fast and reliable connection even when confronted with waterway challenges.

For an in-depth look at maritime internet solutions read Satellite Internet at Sea: Hardware, Airtime, and Pricing.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband

This option provides almost worldwide coverage, except at the poles. It’s a cost-effective solution that offers voice and data capability through a compact antenna with terminals that continue to operate even in severe weather at sea. Streaming capability, enhanced voice services and SOS emergency calling are a few of the upgraded features you can expect with this service.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband plans

Inmarsat Fleet Xpress

Fleet Xpress provides a platform based on enhanced safety with top operational performance. It’s maritime innovation that you can trust to outfit your sea vessel with continuous satellite connectivity and guaranteed performance all in an easy-to-use VSAT (very small aperture terminal) option such as the SAILOR 60 GX: Ka-band VSAT Global Xpress System.

Inmarsat Fleet Xpress plans

Iridium Certus – Marine

Perhaps the most alluring feature of the maritime solution from Iridium Certus is its ability to work literally anywhere in the world. Beyond that, the reliably designed marine terminals have virtually maintenance-free antennas making it the perfect solution for those who want to just set it and forget it. Top markets for this product include merchant shipping, commercial fishing, and coastal government applications. A variety of maritime terminals are available that function on the Iridium Certus network, with the Thales VesseLink being a top contender for the best at-sea functionality.

Iridium Certus – Marine plans

Inmarsat FleetOne

FleetOne service provides affordable broadband communication designed to meet the lower usage data needs of those who require more occasional or seasonal service. When needed, the products that utilize this service will provide the 24/7 connection that customers are used to experiencing when on land. It also gives vessel operators peace of mind that they’ll have the safety net they need when out at sea.

FleetOne Service plans

For an in-depth look at maritime internet solutions read Satellite Internet at Sea: Hardware, Airtime, and Pricing.

M2M Service Providers And Plans

L-band managed Machine-to-Machine (M2M) services fill the need for managing remote assets & operations, position tracking, and visibility into critical areas of the supply chain. So even when you can’t be there, your fixed and mobile assets will continue to function and provide you with the information you need.

Inmarsat BGAN M2M

This is a reliable, global, two-way IP data service designed for long-term machine-to-machine management of fixed and mobile assets. Whether you require data volume requirements on a small scale or a large amount of gigabytes is what you need, BGAN M2M can offer a range of services such real-time surveillance or high-volume metering and telemetry with its rugged products ready to withstand the harshest environments.

Inmarsat BGAN M2M plans

Iridium Shortburst

Keeping your goods, resources and capital secure is key to your company’s bottom line. With Iridium’s Short Burst Data (SBD), you’ll have the ability to track, monitor, and exchange data in remote locations all over the world so you know what’s going on at remote sites even when you can’t be there. This easy and efficient way to send and receive short data messages between field equipment and a host computing system allows users to monitor their assets around the world and even adds in a layer of keeping your crew safe on the job.

Iridium Shortburst data plans

FAQs

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WILL MY GLOBALSTAR WORK EVERYWHERE ?

Globalstar will work in the U.S. and in southern Canada. Take a look at our Satellite coverage page to find the best satellite service to match your needs.

WILL INMARSAT WORK EVERYWHERE ?

All Inmarsat devices will work anywhere on the globe minus the polar regions. This is the main network used for maritime solutions. Check out other Providers here.

HOW DO I GET DATA ON A BOAT ?

We offer different solutions for maritime data including flexible service options that allow you to customize the areas in the world you would need service in.

WILL MY IRIDIUM WORK EVERYWHERE ?

Iridium currently has 66 orbiting satellites in their constellation and are the only true global network. Take a look at the different service providers we offer here.

WHAT IS M2M ?

Global businesses need access to global data. That’s why, every day, leading companies turn to the world’s only truly global IoT network to maximize efficiencies and competitiveness, and enable data accessibility, anywhere.

CAN YOU USE LAND DATA ON WATER ?

You can not use any land data terminal on the water or on anything that is moving. The device will be unable to connect to the satellite because of movement disturbances.

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.