Comparison Of Different Satellite Phones : Weight,Dimensions,Battery Life,Sms, Email

8. Comparison of different satellite phones

1. Globalstar satellite phones

Globalstar is one of the widely used satellite phones that provides high-quality, low-cost voice and data services to businesses, services and individuals around the world.

Some of the globalstar phones are

• Qualcomm GSP-1600
• Qualcomm GSP-1700
• Telit SAT-550
• Telit SAT-600
• Ericsson R-290

fig:Qualcomm GSP-1600 Satellite phone

Comparison of globalstar satellite phone models

2. Iridium satellite phones

Iridium satellite phones are the only phones with truly global satellite voice and data service coverage - complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions).

Some of the Iridium phones are

• Motorola 9500
• Kyocera SS-66K
• Kyocera SD-66K with KI-G100
• Motorola 9505
• Iridium 9505A
• Iridium 9555

fig:Iridium 9505a Satellite phone

Comparison of iridium satellite phone models

Iridium Call Tariff

The casual plan tariff (airtime charges) is as follows

Iridium to Iridium charges per minute - $1.98

Iridium call to PSTN or Mobile (originating within Australia & terminating outside Australia) - $3.30

Iridium call to another satellite network $22.00

SMS message $0.98

More details : https://www.iridiumphones.com.au/Call Plan Brochure - Post-paid.pdf

3. Thuraya satellite phones

Thuraya handsets are unique in their dual-mode feature and can operate in the thuraya satellite network and GSM 900 terrestrial mobile networks.

Some of the thuraya phones are

• Thuraya SG-2520
• Thuraya SO-2510
• Thuraya Fixed Docking Unit (FDU2500)
• Thuraya XT

Thuraya XT Satellite phone

Comparison of thuraya phone models

Thuraya Call Tariff

Thuraya offers three types of airtime packages given below

1. Thuraya Prepay Voice Plan : enables the customers to credit their existing Thuraya account at any time, using scratch cards purchased from one of their service providers in more than 140 countries.

2. Thuraya Postpay Voice Plan : A Thuraya Postpay account provides monthly bills, meaning that the customer can use Thuraya handset now and pay later. Postpay offers unlimited usage without the need to top up credit.

3. ThurayaECO Voice Plan : ThurayaECO is a prepaid voice plan with very affordable satellite calling rates from 83 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• US$0.50 per minute for calls to Thuraya

• US$0.75 per minute for calls to most mobile and landline destinations across the globe

• Affordable SIM pack price containing US$5 in credit

• 1 year SIM card validity with an option to extend

More details : https://www.thuraya.com/products/airtime-packages/prepaid

9. Satellite phone accessories:

• Docking station: Docking station allows a sat phone to access satellite communications via standard analog phones or your company's PBX. When you need to leave the office, just undock your handset and take it with you. Never be out of touch again!

• Solar Charger: A solar charger enables one to charge satellite phone without depending on electricity. It is possible to use the phone while it is being charged.

• Wall Charger/Car Charger: Similar to those that are available with cellular phones. They are used to charge the sat phone battery using electricity.

• Fixed Mount Antenna: This is used to create an indoor installation. Mount the antenna on your roof, run a cable and plug into sat phone. Note that a sat phone requires open area for communication with the satellite. Hence, for indoor use, one needs to mount the antenna outdoors.

• Transportable Kit: This allows a satphone to be mounted within in transportable kit. For using the kit indoors, you may need to buy extendable outdoor antenna from the manufacturer.