This holiday season, do you need a phone that will function where your smartphone won’t? You require a satellite phone! A few choices are also available. Here are the top global satellite phones currently available.
Are you someone who likes to go on adventures but still wants to stay in touch, especially around the holidays? Do you travel frequently and find yourself frequently “off the grid”? Set aside smartphones.
A satellite phone is necessary.
Okay, so it may seem a little James Bond—calling it a “sat phone” adds to the secret agent vibe—but they are more common and accessible than you may imagine, and there are a number of options available.
It should be noted that a subscription is necessary to access a satellite network, and costs vary based on the network you use, the type of service you require, and the length of your subscription. Also keep in mind that costs can be exorbitant, far higher than those for cellular networks. Check out our page on the greatest phone if you’d prefer a more conventional configuration.
XT-LITE Thuraya
Satellite and GSM’s convenience
Pros and Disadvantages
Pros
- GSM and satellite
- Rugged
Disadvantages
- It does not provide global coverage (neither North nor South America is included).
- Not very good battery life.
Technical data
128 mm by 53 mm by 27 mm
Size: 186g
Satellite SMS and calls are available as services.
L-Band network frequency
Omnidirectional satellite antenna (walk-and-talk functionality)
Up to 6 hours of conversation time on a single charge
Up to 80 hours of standby time for the battery
Call blocking, call forwarding, conference calls, call waiting, and closed user groups are among the network features. Voicemail\sOrganizer: calendar, calculator, stopwatch, alarms, and world time
External interface: 2.5 mm earphone jack, USB data cable, and DC power
It’s a satellite phone, right? It’s a typical GSM phone, right? Using a single SIM card, the Thuraya XT-LITE is both. Even better, it seamlessly changes from satellite to GSM so that no calls are missed because you are out of range.
A nice, rugged, basic satellite phone.
Note: The Thuraya satellite network does not provide coverage in the US, so this is a satellite phone for use when traveling to other countries.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
SMS sending and receiving via built-in satellite receiver
Pros and Disadvantages
Pros:
- cheaper than a specialized satellite phone
- Additional attributes
Disadvantages:
- Not a true satellite phone
Tech specifications:
Size: 2.04 by 3.9 by 1.03 inches
Display: monochrome, 176 by 176-pixel screen that can be viewed in direct sunlight.
Size: 3.50 ounces
In tracking mode for 10 minutes, the battery life is up to 14 days.
Waterproof: IPX7
Adapter: USB-C
a portable GPS device with a built-in satellite receiver that enables Iridium network SMS sending and receiving.
The modest Garmin inReach Mini 2 to the sophisticated Garmin inReach Explorer+ are all satellite-enabled gadgets made by Garmin. These integrate the strength of the Iridium satellite network with a portable GPS receiver.
Iridium GO!
Transportable satellite router
Pros and Disadvantages
Pros:
- acts as a satellite hotspot to allow numerous devices to connect to it
- excellent battery life
- good range of accessories
Disadvantages:
- Costly
Technical specifications:
Size: 114 by 82 by 32 millimeters
Size: 305g
Satellite calls and SMS are provided as services.
Battery life — talk time: 5.5 hours
Battery life: 15.5 hours on standby
Operating range: 10 to 50 °C
MIL-STD 810F for sturdiness
IP65 for intrusion defence
We now switch from a phone to a portable satellite router.
You can check your emails, use Twitter, access weather forecasts, and do some light web browsing as soon as you turn it on and connect to the Iridium satellite constellation. The Iridium GO! Hotspot may simultaneously handle up to five devices.
This is a pricey kit that is intended for people who are serious about living off the grid. Along with the Iridium GO! base station and an international AC travel charger, it also contains a solar charger and a desktop charger.
Up to 5.5 hours of talk time and up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life are provided by the Iridium GO!
How did I decide on these global satellite phones?
I gave the following things some thought when selecting the finest satellite phone:
- Cost: Cost is always a consideration, particularly for individuals who will only seldom use their satellite phone.
- Availability: Listing anything that isn’t in stock is pointless!
- Coverage: It is crucial to be aware that not all satellite networks provide worldwide coverage.
- Use case: Do you want a standard satellite phone or something more specialized, such as a satellite hotspot or an emergency beacon?
Can a satellite phone take the place of a smartphone?
Actually, no. In comparison to even 3G, they are large, pricey, cumbersome, and have terrible data rates. They are used mainly in emergencies and other circumstances where a regular phone is inoperable.
What is the finest satellite network?
It’s more important to consider what areas of the earth you want coverage for than which option is best. Each network provides coverage maps and details, and it is advisable to review these at the time of purchase because coverage can (and frequently does) change.
Can a satellite phone also function as a regular phone?
Yes, for instance, the Thuraya XT-LITE (bare in mind this handset does not offer global coverage, and both north and south America are not covered).
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