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Satellite Phone Equipment

Which Satellite Phone? How to choose the right system?

There are a number of satellite phone systems on the market. The main systems are highlighted below:

Iridum 9555 Portable Satellite Phone

Iridium

  • The Iridium satellites are a network of 66 low earth orbit satellites providing complete global coverage.
  • Portable phones and fixed installed terminals are available
  • Offers low speed data
  • NEW! Iridium 9555 portable satellite phone

Click for more Iridium info >>

Inmarsat (Mini-M / Fleet 33/55/77 / FB250 FB500)

  • Uses 4 fixed orbit satellites (3 on FleetBroadband) to offer near global coverage (except polar regions)
  • Varying sizes of antenna gives options for all but the smallest yachts
  • Data speeds (and availability) dependent on antenna size. Ranges from low speed to ISDN rates.

Click for more Inmarsat info >>

Globalstar

  • Uses a network of 48 low earth orbit satellites
  • Not global coverage, but includes main European and Med land and waters, an almost complete Atlantic crossing and coverage of the Caribbean
  • Mobile phone like quality and slightly faster internet access speeds.
  • Low cost handset ideal for emergency storage, with cheaper airtime rates from around £0.40/min

Click for more Globalstar info >>

Thuraya

  • Not global coverage, but covers main European land and waters and most of Africa
  • Mobile phone like quality and slightly faster internet access speeds.
  • Can use a GSM SIM card to make normal mobile calls when there is coverage
  • Low cost handset ideal for emergency storage, with cheaper airtime rates

Click for more Thuraya info >>

Systems compared

 IridiumInmarsat BGANInmarsat Fleet BroadbandGlobalstarThuraya
Smallest UnitHandheld"Laptop" size25cm domeHandheldHandheld
CoverageGlobal"Global" excpt poles"Global" excpt polesLimited (and land/coastal)Limited (and land/coastal)
Call costsMedium (around $1.50/min)Medium ($1.10 - $1.50/min)Medium ($1.30 - $1.80/min)Low(Variable)
Indicated data speed2.4Kb/s"broadband" 284-496Kbs"broadband" 284-496Kbs9.6Kb/s9.6Kb/s
Approx basic system price (guideline only)£1,000£1,300 upwards£5,500 upwards£400£400

Summary

  • If you are looking for a compact global solution which will work across the Atlantic and beyond, then consider Iridium.
  • For European waters, higher call quality consider Thuraya or Inmarsat BGAN (portable broadband!)
  • For "larger" yachts looking for global coverage and faster and more cost effective internet access consider Inmarsat Fleet Broadband.

Still unsure?

Drop us an email (info@mailasail.com) and tell us a little about your requirements including:

  • Where you expect to sail
  • How important is internet access
  • How long you expect to be travelling

...and we will be happy to give you more specific advice, and a quote for ALL the equipment you will need.

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