Satellite Phones for hire and sale

Satellites phones that are sold or hired have an Australian mobile phone number and are connected to the Australian telephone exchange. The call rates are very reasonable and can be dialed as you would dial any other mobile phone. Please click on the highlighted model to bring up more information.

The satellite phones we now hire are either Iridium satellite phones or the Inmarsat-IsatPhone 2. The call rates are a very reasonable at $1.20 per minute for Iridium and $1.50 per minute with Inmarsat. 

Which satellite phone network suits you?

The two satellite phone networks that are used in Australia are Iridium and Inmarsat. Below is an overview of both networks.

The Iridium network is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, LEO satellite networks are made up of a constellation of small satellites that orbit the Earth in a series of planes. In each plane a number of satellites follow each other as they orbit the Earth, and the planes run parallel to each other to provide the radio coverage that is used for the services.

The orbiting pattern of LEO satellite networks means that the individual satellites in the constellation are constantly moving relative to the Earth’s surface. From most locations it is possible to see one or more LEO satellites at any one time. So if one satellite is blocked by a tree or building it will transfer the call to another satellite. 

The Iridium network provides truly global coverage and as a result of this Iridium satellite phone plans are slightly more expensive than Inmarsat’s call plan.

Inmarsat operates a Geostationary (GEO) satellite network which utilises a smaller number of satellites, and each satellite provides satellite coverage to a fixed area of the Earth. GEO satellites are generally located above the equator and follow the Earth’s orbit which means each GEO satellite stays in the same place relative to the Earth’s surface.

Geostationary satellites are in high orbit (36,000km) above Earth and their signal covers a large area of the Earth’s surface. When using the Inmarsat phone the antenna needs to have a clear view to the satellite. 

Iridium Satellite Phone Network – Iridium call plans
Inmarsat Satellite Phone Network – Inmarsat call rates

Iridium 9555 Full Kit comes with a leather cover, an AC charger, a vehicle Cig power charger, Vehicle antenna with magnetic mount and a Quick start guide. Call rate is $1.20 per minute on the $75 plan with $5 of free calls included with every week of hire.

Price per to hire per week is $120 exGST.

Price to purchase is $1,900 exGST / $2,090 incl of GST.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

Iridium 9575 (Extreme) Full Kit has an SOS button for emergencies. Comes with a leather cover, an AC charger, vehicle cig. power charger, Vehicle antenna with magnetic mount, Hands-free Headset, and a Quick start guide.

Call rate is $1.20 per minute on the $75 plan with $5 of free calls included with every week of hire.

Price to hire per week is $130 exGST.

Price to purchase is $2,150 exGST / $2,365 incl of GST.

Iridium Go  allows smartphone connection to enable voice, SMS and voicemail services on the Iridium satellite network. Has satellite tracking and SOS capabilities. Includes  an AC charger, vehicle cig. power charger, protective cover  and a quick start guide.

Call rate is $1.20 per minute on the $75 plan with $5 of free calls included with every week of hire.

Price to hire per week is $120 exGST.

Price to purchase is $1,520 exGST / $1,672 incl of GST.

Iridium vehicle antenna with magnetic mount

Iridium Accessories

Vehicle antenna with magnetic mount as shown in the picture. suits both the 9555 and 9575. is $150 exGST /$165 incl. GST

Antenna adaptor for the 9555 is $100 exGST / $110 incl. GST

Antenna adapter with power and USB connector for the 9575 Extreme is $160 exGST / $176 incl. GST

Hands free ear piece with mic. is $30 exGST / $33 incl. GST

Leather case for the 9575 is $50 exGST / $55 incl. GST

Inmarsat-IsatPhone 2 comes inside a hard shell case with its holster and wrist strap, AC charger, vehicle charger, USB cable, Headset and Manual. 

Price to hire per week is $120 exGST.

Price to purchase is $1,380 ex GST / $1,518 incl. GST.

Iridium Satellite Phone for hire

Hire kit typical setup shows a satellite phone with an AC wall charger, vehicle charger, an external vehicle antenna inside a hard shell pelican case.

Price to hire is typically $100 to $130 exGST per week depending on the phone and length of time.