When you're out traveling, being connected is essential even on the trips you go on to get away from it all. A satellite phone rental gives you an opportunity to go anywhere with the confidence of knowing there is a phone you can use, and spare yourself the embarrassment of begging to use the only phone for miles or trying to find a payphone in some remote location.

A satellite phone is a powerful tool to have in your belt when you're out traveling. These phones are on a satellite network, so the reception is often very high quality. Many satellite phones are equipped with SMS, which enables you to send and receive text messages, and Internet software. These cost more to have than traditional cell phones, so you need to carefully asses whether a satellite phone rental is right for you.

Once you have decided that you will using a Satellite phone rental, you will then need to choose which network is the best one for you to rent a Satellite phone. Are you planning a world cruise so that you need global coverage? Are you going to be using text messaging? Do you need a sat phone that is light and portable?

There are three primary satellite systems that have the most popularity. They are Inmarsat, Iridium and Globalstar. Basically, they are all trying to provide the same service, however, they each have their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Iridium's Satellite Service keeps people connected with a handheld satellite phone so that users can have telephone, SMS, data and Internet service. From the high seas to the North Pole, you can stay in touch with a satellite phone that is on the Iridium network.

Thuraya is a satellite phone and cell phone in one. Voice, SMS, and data service is provided with a handheld phone. This satellite network has coverage in over 120 countries around Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Globalstar is a cost effective choice of satellite phone rental. It uses a cellular phone network whenever possible, and switches to the satellite coverage only once the signal is lost. This is a great feature, however its coverage is somewhat limited compared to other sat phone.

What is the coverage area of a satellite phone?
Globalstar has a HOME area of the US, Canada and nearby Caribbean.  If outside of the Home Coverage Area, long distance and roaming rates occur.
Iridium has a “global” HOME area.  This means there are no roaming or long distance rates for Iridium phone use anywhere in the world.

Are incoming calls really free?
There is really no such thing as “Free incoming calls”.  With Globalstar, any incoming calls count against prepaid bundled minutes or are billed at the normal rate of $1.59/ minute.  With Iridium, a two-stage dialing number is provided so relatives and business associates can contact you for the price of a normal long-distance call.  This counts against bundled minutes or is billed at the normal rate of $1.78/ minute.  However, if an Iridium phone is dialed directly, without the two-stage dialing process, the call is billed to the person dialing, at rates of up to $9/ minute, and the call does not count against bundled minutes, and is not billed to the rental customer. 

Will I have access to the Internet?
With the GSP-1600 and the Iridium 9505A, an optional accessory is the data kit.  With this accessory, you will be able to access the internet for email and other basic purposes.  The speed of connection is only about 9800 baud (slower than dial up).  If you need a high-speed internet connection via satellite, another option would be our Inmarsat terminals.  They are specially designed to create the fastest connection to the internet via satellite.

How do I get reception on a satellite phone?
You must be outside, with a clear view of the sky.  Anything solid will interrupt the signal (i.e. buildings or other obstructions).  Once you turn the phone on, it will start looking for service.  The phone will register once it has connected to the satellite and then the phone is ready to make and receive calls.

How much does the satellite phone weigh?
Globalstar GSP-1600 weighs 370 grams (13.1 oz)
Globalstar Telit 550 weighs 454 grams (1lb)
Iridium 9505A weighs 374 grams  (13.2 oz)
Iridium 9500 weighs 624 grams (1lb, 6 oz)
Iridium Kyocera weighs 425 grams (15 oz)

How do I dial correctly from a satellite phone?
From a Globalstar phone, dial with a (1) in front of the number (i.e. 1-area code-phone number, 1-234-567-8910)
From an Iridium phone, dial:  00 (+) - country code – area code – phone number

How do people call me on a satellite phone?
Dialing a Globalstar number is exactly the same as dialing any other US based number. 
Dialing an Iridium phone number can be done one of two ways:
                Two-Stage Dialing Method:  Dial (480) 768-2500.  You will be prompted to enter the Iridium 16 digit phone number.  Once entered, you will be transferred directly to the satellite phone you are calling.
                Directly to the terminal:  011-8816-XXXX-XXXX

What happens if I go over my prepaid bundled minutes?
We keep every phone active whether or not bundled minutes are purchased.  If you use more minutes than you prepay, you will just be charged the regular rate for the phone you are renting.  The phone never shuts off.

How do you get the phone to me?
Our phones are shipped via UPS with a variety of shipping options to ensure a timely delivery.

How do you track the minutes I use?
Every phone is billed separately on a monthly basis.  Once we receive the monthly bill for your phone, we look at the rental period you had the phone and charge you based on the minutes used within that time period.

Do I need extra batteries?
Our standard rental package includes two batteries and a wall charger.  If you plan on being in remote locations without access to electricity, we recommend the solar charger.

How long does each battery last?
About 3.5 hours of straight talk time, 19 hours of standby, and if the phone is off and just turned on intermittently, the battery can last up to a week.

How do I dial 911 from other countries?
From a Globalstar phone, simply dial:   911.
From an Iridium phone, dial 112. This number will route your call to the emergency number for whatever country you are in.