Best sailing satellite phone
To avoid being unreachable when you sail into the remotest parts of the ocean, you must equip yourself with a satellite phone. But the thing is: with the multitude of existing models on the market, choosing the best satellite phone can give you a headache, especially if you ignore the main parameters to consider when buying.
In addition, it`s a market that is experiencing a lot of developments, both in terms of innovations built into phones and prepaid or postpaid plans developed by operators. Facing the purchase of a satellite phone can be intimidating for those who are not experts in the area. Fortunately, you can count on this buying guide to help you in the world of satellite phones, but also to help you choose the model that best suits your needs and your budget.
What are the advantages and limitations of satellite phones?
The main advantage of having a satellite phone is the ability to communicate from anywhere on the globe. The satellite network also tends to be more reliable than most existing telephone networks. Regardless of the disruption typically experienced by conventional GSM phones, you can continue to receive and make calls. In addition, the use of this device is more convenient for faster access to emergency services in areas where there is little or no coverage by a GSM network.
Disadvantages
While it has many undeniable advantages, the satellite phone also has limitations. The main difficulty in using this satellite technology is the inability to communicate inside a built-in space. You must absolutely have a sky view to receive satellite signals. In addition, if the satellite telephone operates on the basis of a geostationary satellite, it is necessary to regularly orient the antenna before any use, to avoid any communication interruptions or disturbances during the connection with the satellite.
What is the difference with the conventional GSM phone?
The handling of the conventional telephone is naturally easier than that of the satellite telephone. While major mobile phone brands work a lot on the exterior design and aesthetics of conventional and other phones, this is not the case for the satellite phone, which is generally designed with a grotesque form and has an antenna.
Regarding the use itself, the main difference lies in the resistance. Regardless of brands, the finding is that the satellite phone is much stronger than the conventional phone. This is also understandable when you know that this type of mobile is intended to follow in extreme adventures, the design to be strong, shockproof, splashproof and water resistant.
The Best Satellite Phones
After having analyzed the offer of the main operators present in the satellite telephony market, we have selected for you the 5 best satellite telephones. Here are the main conclusions:
BLACKVIEW BV9000 PRO
Our top 5 opens with this mobile which is actually not a satellite phone, but has some features that make it a good alternative. Designed with a fighter design, the Blackview BV9000 Pro is armed to follow you in your adventures in places where extreme conditions prevail. Robust, this IP68-certified waterproof smartphone combines with its dual SIM functionality with 4G compatibility, GPS and GLONASS geolocation systems, which allows you to sail without worries into your adventures.
Technical characteristics
Coverage: worldwide
Subscription included: no
Email and Internet browsing: yes
Screen: 5.7 inches
Pros:
Waterproof, anti-shock and anti-dust design for all-terrain adventures
All the features of a smart phone
Supports two SIMs at a time
Cons:
Depends on the network coverage of the operator (s) whose SIM card you are using
INMARSAT ISATPHONE 2
Here we are dealing with a satellite phone and it comes from one of the world leaders in this sector. Launched in the first quarter of 2018, Inmarsat Isatphone 2 is available with or without a subscription. As its name suggests, the Inmarsat Isatphone 2 satellite phone (without airtime included) comes with a SIM card, but without a subscription.
It will be up to you to choose the option adapted to your needs, among the many flexible plans proposed by the operator. Moreover, this mobile is designed to adapt to the harshest operating conditions, provides reliable global coverage, except in the polar regions. It entitles you to free SMS and incoming calls, but when they are outgoing, charges are applied.
Technical characteristics
Coverage: worldwide
Subscription included: no
Screen: 2 inches
Pros:
Optimized construction to withstand the most extreme conditions
Global coverage (except polar regions) thanks to its reliable satellite network
Many functions and practical modes (GPS in particular) to avoid losing yourself
SMS and free incoming calls
Cons:
Delivered without subscription, but you can easily buy the units or packages according to your needs
IRIDIUM 9555
The Iridium 9555 is certainly expensive to buy, but when you consider its performance, the price is amply justified. It offers full global coverage, but above all ensures reliable and uninterrupted communications. Designed to adapt to the harshest conditions of use, it comes in a basic version with SIM Iridium without package, but several subscription options to choose from are available according to different needs.
By subscribing to one of the flexible plans of the operator, you will be able to use the Iridium 9555 to send and receive calls, SMS and emails. In the same way, this phone offers a fast connection to the Iridium voice mailbox and very practical emergency modes.
Technical characteristics
Coverage: worldwide
Subscription included: without package
Email and Internet browsing: yes
Screen: 2 inches
Pros:
High reliability for satellite communication everywhere without exception
Several prepaid and postpaid formulas that adapt to different needs
Cons:
It`s expensive, not counting subscriptions in addition
THURAYA XT-LITE
Our next choice allows you to make calls with the same SIM card, but also to send SMS, as well in GSM or satellite mode. Usable in 160 countries around the world, the Thuraya XT-LITE is the solution of choice to continue to remain reachable even where telephone networks are not available. It can thus follow you for your expeditions in assembly, forest or at sea.
Based on the Thuraya satellite network, this device offers a GSM duo and satellite telephony guarantees smooth communications, but also gives access to many features at competitive rates.
Technical characteristics
Coverage: about 160 countries
Subscription included: no
Email and Internet browsing: no
Screen: Yes
Pros:
Globally fluid communications in the areas covered
Offers a GSM and satellite telephony duo on the same SIM card
Cons:
No global coverage
GARMIN INREACH EXPLORER +
This is probably the most complete solution of our top five favorites. Combining the functionality of an advanced GPS and a satellite communication device, the Garmin inReach Explorer + relies on the expertise of Garmin and Iridium to not only allow you to communicate remotely via satellite, but also not to get lost.
Thanks to preloaded topo maps and others that are downloadable, it allows you to find the right route and to venture in peace, mount, on land or at sea. Connected to the coordination center of search and rescue GEOS to whom it sends SOS in real time, the Garmin inReach Explorer + does not allow you to call, but allows the reception and the sending of SMS, also emails or messages of follow-up even where GSM phones no longer have a network.
Technical characteristics
Coverage: worldwide
Subscription included: no
Email: yes
Screen: 2 inches
Pros:
Combines the functionality of an advanced GPS and a satellite communication device
Can send or receive SMS, but also send SOS, emails or follow-up messages anywhere in the world, via the Inmarsat satellite network
Send an interactive SOS message to GEOS
Cons:
Can not call
SPOT 3 PERSONAL TRACKER
Your budget does not allow you to buy a satellite phone? No problem: the last item on our list is not an actual phone. The Spot 3 Personal Tracker is also an affordable and reliable tool that will allow you to remain reachable wherever you are on the the globe, with a mandatory annual subscription. It relies on the GPS location system to determine your location and uses the Globalstar satellite network to transmit your messages, coordinates or geolocated emergency notifications.
However, it does not allow calling. The Spot 3 Personal Tracker is connected to the GEOS International Emergency Response Center and offers an SOS function.
Technical characteristics :
Coverage: worldwide
Subscription included: no
Email and Internet browsing: no
Screen: no
Pros:
Affordable price to buy
Ease of use
Global coverage
Cons:
With the mandatory subscription, it could come back expensive over the years.
The speed of data transmission can vary greatly from one zone to another, particularly because of the instability sometimes observed on the GlobalStar network.
