What is the best satellite phone service provider for the United States?
Oct 19th 2018
When it comes to buying satellite equipment, there are several factors that need to be considered. Having these decisions made before shopping can help eliminate time & extra costs. Some of these questions are: What exactly am I expecting from my satellite equipment? Where will I be needing satellite phone coverage? How much is my budget for airtime and hardware?
Currently, there are three major service providers for satellite voice and data services covering North America. They are Iridium, Globalstar and Inmarsat. All have their own unique network advantages so let’s discuss them.
Iridium: LEO constellation (being rebuilt now as we speak 40 new satellites with 66 total), international numbers, one gateway (single point of failure), true worldwide coverage, pricey airtime plans, very slow data, bulky rugged phones.
Inmarsat/BGAN: GEO constellation (three satellites above equator), international numbers, one gateway (Switzerland), almost worldwide coverage (further away from equator, tighter line of sight), cheap airtime plans but expensive data, one handset only and several rugged data terminals (requires stability with antenna pointing towards equator).
Globalstar: New LEO constellation (24 satellites), several gateways (coverage circles these gateways with 32 worldwide), two handset models and one GEN II hotspot (available today), clearest voice quality, cheap airtime & data plans. US-based customer service open 24/7.
For US-based Emergency Managers, government agencies, healthcare facilities and North American travelers we recommend Globalstar for satellite voice products. With Globalstar’s new constellation & ground stations finally revamped, new products were released including the Sat-Fi2 Hotspot & Spot X GPS two way messenger.
Sat-Fi2 provides satellite voice & data when connected via Wi-Fi to your existing smartphone or tablet. You have the same voice quality as the handsets but now with data speeds up to 72kbps! The Sat-F2 is FREE with any Iridium or Inmarsat trade in or $500 retail. Price plans start at only $39.99/ month or $480/ year! The Sat-Fi2 Emergency Package includes a spare ‘slave’ Android handset, chargers & 10,000mAh battery charger all enclosed in a watertight plastic hard case for only $749.
Their CDMA based GSP-1700 handset is small and very easy to use. Our GSP-1700 deluxe package includes AC & DC chargers, rugged case with belt clip and all enclosed in a soft shell carry case. Currently, this phone retails for $499 or activate on the $99/ month unlimited plan and get the phone for FREE! Many other Globalstar GSP-1700 accessories are available that provide in-vehicle use, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and handsfree dialing.
We also recommend the original GSP-1600 (refurbished) deluxe package as an alternative solution that includes AC & DC chargers, leather case, and data cable. Activate on a $65/ month or higher and the phone is FREE! This proven reliable handset has been in use since 2000 with many customers STILL USING their phone to this date! All of the Globalstar GSP-1600 accessories.
For permanent mount applications, we offer a GSP-2900 fixed indoor unit that supports up to five analog handsets (up to 800’ remote 2-wire location) with a small omnidirectional roof mounted antenna. 30’,40’ & 55’ cable lengths are available at no extra charge. GSP-2900 is now free on an unlimited $199.99/ month airtime plan. Data at 9600 kbps is no extra charge.
Globalstar offers the most competitive hardware and airtime pricing plans, meets FEMA guidelines (due to their interoperability & no single point of failure), best voice quality, standard US-based telephone numbers and is our choice for Best Satellite Phone Provider in the United States