Articles about satellite phones, equipment and satellite communications.
Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar
Satellite Communication Rates — Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, Globalstar
Currently, there are 4 main satellite operators in the world — Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya and Globalstar. Each operator produces equipment for its own system. All operators except Thuraya are global. Thuraya does not cover the oceans and North/South America.
When choosing a satellite phone, the first thing to pay attention to is the required coverage area and suitable tariffs.
All operators offer two connection options: prepaid (vouchers) and postpaid (contract service). Contract service is approximately the same for all: about $50 activation fee + monthly fee of the same amount. Prepaid voucher system consists of vouchers with a certain number of minutes/units and validity period.
The most expensive, but also the most reliable, is Iridium satellite communication — it is chosen for professional activities and where maximum reliability is required. The main competitor of Iridium is Inmarsat, which has firmly captured the maritime satellite communication and satellite internet segment.
Thuraya and Globalstar are in demand for private needs (business, travel, backup communication, etc.). Their tariffs are significantly more wallet-friendly than those of Iridium and Inmarsat.
Satellite Communication Tariffs Comparison
| Iridium | Inmarsat | Thuraya | Globalstar | |
| Satellite System | Global coverage. 66 low-orbit satellites. 100% Earth coverage. |
Global coverage. 4 geostationary satellites. Poles not covered. |
Regional coverage. 3 geostationary satellites. Oceans and Americas not covered. |
Regional coverage. 48 low-orbit satellites. Roaming in different zones. |
| Best suited for | Military & government sector, Secure communication, Mountainous terrain. |
Maritime sector, Open field or desert, Full internet access. |
Travel, Backup communication. |
Stationary use in vehicles, homes, aircraft and vessels. |
| Call cost | from 1.7$ / min | from 1.2$ / min | from 1.3$ / min | from 0.9$ / min |
| Minimum voucher | 75 min — 200$ — 30 days | 50 min — 65$ — 90 days | 50 units (~33 min) — 65$ — 1 year | 50 min — 50$ — 60 days |
| Incoming calls | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Contract service available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Short recommendations which system to choose:
- Iridium — corporate communication, professional use, military, mountains — wherever 100% reliability is needed.
- Inmarsat — use at sea, in open field or desert, satellite internet on vessels.
- Thuraya — private use, backup communication, travel.
- Globalstar — stationary use in cars, homes, aircraft and vessels.