Satellite Phones for hire and sale

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.