Best Satellite Phones

The main function of a satellite phone is to provide the user with communication even in the most remote and wild corners of the planet. After establishing a communication channel between the mobile device and the satellite, the latter receives and sends a signal. The best satellite phones are shockproof, moisture-proof, and long-lasting.

Which satellite phone is better to choose

The production and development of such devices is primarily carried out by Korean, Chinese and Japanese companies:

• Thuraya - one of the key companies in the development and provision of satellite cellular communications. It was registered in the UAE and operates throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. The company owns three satellites that are located in geostationary orbit.
• Iridium - the main operator of modern satellite communications, owns more than 15 satellites, which are at various levels. The company is also developing artificial intelligence systems that power smart technology.
• Qualcomm - a company developing the latest technologies in the field of cellular communications. Geographically, the main office is located in the United States, but has many offices around the world. The company continues to successfully test its new telecommunication devices in challenging environments.
• Inmarsat- one of the very first companies that took up the development of satellite communications back in 1969. The company's cellular network is very dense and covers the whole world. It is provided by only 4 geostationary satellites.

Satellite phones rating

The satellites that provide cellular phones with communication are at different levels, which leads to different coverage areas. There are two types of them: low-orbit and geostationary. The former are located approximately 1.5 km above the earth's surface, the latter are much further away. There are satellite phones that only support one kind or both. The coverage area of ​​the device depends on this - its most important characteristic. Other parameters include:

• Impact resistance;
• Moisture protection;
• Battery volume;
• Number of SIM cards;
• Range of received frequencies.

Since the main function of the best satellite phone is to provide connectivity, other options are often lacking. First of all, this was done to save battery power in emergency situations.

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Best Satellite Phones

The number of devices for communication via satellite in the electronics market is limited due to the fact that there is one requirement for public mobile devices - to provide high-quality communication. The range is expanding due to the appearance of improved phones. The best devices rankings are based on user reviews and tests.

Thuraya XT-Pro Dual

One of the first phones that began to maintain communication in two modes at once due to the use of two SIM cards (regular and satellite) at once. The manufacturer claims that the device is more durable, its body is protected from water and dirt. XT-Pro Dual supports GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS and Galileo channels, which allows a person to maintain a stable connection with the outside world. A separate SOS button makes emergency calls available even when there is no stable connection to the operator. The device transmits a distress signal and coordinates via satellite to a ground station.

Advantages

• Supports 2 SIM cards;
• Has several navigation systems;
• Dust and moisture protection;
• The presence of a separate button for calling rescuers;
• Shockproof.

disadvantages

• Does not withstand temperatures less than - 10 degrees;
• The rescuers call button is in an uncomfortable position, it can be pressed accidentally;
• Very high price (about 80 thousand rubles).

When the battery is low, Thuraya XT-Pro Dual starts to pick up poorly and may send erroneous coordinates to the satellite.

On recharging during power outages, the contacts of the charger socket burn out for some users.

Iridium 9555

The standard small satellite phone has an external antenna. Compared to other devices, it is less powerful, has a low battery capacity, and cannot withstand excessive moisture in the case. Iridium 9555 connects only to nearby satellites, which somewhat limits its area of ​​action. Experts recommend taking this model with you when hiking short distances in standard weather conditions. All the shortcomings of this model are compensated by its low cost - only about 30 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;
• There is a counter for communication costs;
• Several adapters included;
• There is a function for sending emails.

disadvantages

• Does not withstand very high temperatures and humidity;
• Bulky foldable antenna.

Over time, the battery begins to weaken, it lasts a little more than a day. The enclosed case is listed as waterproof but permeable to moisture.

Qualcomm GSP 1700

The smallest satellite phone on offer, available in three colors: yellow, red and orange. This is one of the first models to be equipped with a color screen. Qualcomm GSP 1700 works only in Russia, which limits its function and is a significant drawback. Users note the convenience of the keyboard and screen backlighting. Despite its small size and weight, the device is equipped with a bulky antenna, which makes it inconvenient to use.

Advantages

• The keyboard has an encoding function;
• Can receive calls with folded antenna;
• An incoming call can be answered with any button (the function is configurable);
• It is possible to hide some phone numbers in the address book;
• Good speaker audibility.

disadvantages

• There is no function of sending electronic messages;
• Low battery capacity.

When using the device in low temperature ranges, the response to pressing the buttons can be very delayed, and sometimes the gadget simply turns off. It is not advisable to recharge the Qualcomm GSP 1700 under extreme conditions.

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Inmarsat iSatPhone 2

A model that is distinguished by the ability to work with almost all satellite frequencies. Inmarsat iSatPhone is equipped with the best protection against dust and moisture. The device is capable of working even under extreme conditions. The phone battery is powerful and provides up to 160 hours of battery life. The phone comes with several adapters for various networks, an additional protective case. The device has an indicator of call duration and battery level.

Advantages

• Can be used as a modem;
• There is a function for sending emails;
• Includes several adapters, waterproof case;
• Supports up to 5 communication channels.

disadvantages

• A little "phonit" the speaker;
• Cannot withstand very cold temperatures.

Thuraya XT-LITE

A simplified version of the Thuraya XT-Pro Dual. The phone has the same functionality for providing and maintaining communication, but lacks shock resistance, the second SIM card. The cover in the kit provides some waterproof function to the device, but you should not expose it to immersion under water or pouring rain. Thuraya XT-LITE is suitable for short travel, hunting and fishing.

Advantages

• There is a function of sending and receiving electronic messages;
• Good speakers and microphone, you can hear both callers well;
• Can be used as a modem;
• Low cost.

disadvantages

• There is no separate button for calling rescuers;
• Cannot withstand extreme temperatures.

The device can give out the coordinates of the subscriber with an error of 1-2 km if it is in extremely unfavorable climatic conditions.

Thuraya XT-LITE comes with a durable waterproof case.

Which satellite phone is better to buy

How much a satellite phone will cost depends on the number of communication channels, the range of received frequencies and the availability of additional functions. The price of such devices and their maintenance is much higher. For example, the popular tariffs for a satellite phone from MTS suggest a payment of 300-400 rubles per minute.

Remember that Qualcomm, according to user reviews, is the most unreliable, since its satellites cross the Brazilian anomaly zone, which greatly reduces the number of received signals. The Iridium operator has a large number of satellites, so it is more likely that one of them will receive the signal.

Experts recommend paying attention to the following models:

• If you need a universal phone that supports all types of communication - Thuraya XT-Pro Dual;
• If you need a shockproof and waterproof gadget - Inmarsat iSatPhone 2;
• If you need a powerful battery in your device - Thuraya XT-Lite.

You need to purchase a device for satellite communication based on its characteristics and your needs. Despite the limited functions, each phone has a separate GPS module that transmits the coordinates of the location of the object.