Choosing the Network on which the Satellite Phone Operates
Firstly, you will need to choose your satellite operator based on your needs. When choosing a satellite phone, there are four major operators: Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Globalstar. One of the most important things to consider is their coverage area, which are as follows:
Inmarsat Coverage
Iridium Coverage
Thuraya Coverage
Globalstar Coverage
With global coverage, even including the poles, Iridium benefits from the most practical solution in this respect, as it allows you to access the network anywhere as long as you have a clear view of the sky.
Choosing the Package for a Satellite Phone
Once your network is chosen, you have the option of taking two types of packages: prepaid or postpaid.
Prepaid: When you choose this type of package, you are usually offered plans with a predefined number of units or minutes valid over a predefined period. For example, you can benefit from 100 minutes valid for 30 days on Iridium. This is practical when your need for a satellite phone is limited in time. Once your package is exhausted, you can recharge your card if you still need your satellite phone.
Postpaid: This is a plan based on a commitment, which often varies between 3 or 12 months. When you take a postpaid plan, it is agreed in the commitment that you benefit from a number of units or minutes included per month in your subscription. Once you have consumed the allocated amount, you can continue to use the service, but it will be billed as out-of-bundle consumption at the cost per minute defined by the operator.
Satellite Phone Features
Satellite phones are terminals designed to be used in remote areas where conditions are often difficult. This is why they are all more or less suited due to their resistance. However, from one terminal to another, the characteristics are not exactly the same. That is why it is best to compare the Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings for water and dust, for example, or the weight and dimension of the phone, as these criteria may vary slightly depending on the terminal and adapt more or less to your needs. Some satellite phones sometimes offer different options, such as geolocation, an SOS button, the ability to send or receive SMS, or a low-speed data connection. It is up to you to see what will best meet your needs.
