In Australia, Iridium and Inmarsat are two dominant networks. We have read ‘independent’ reports commissioned by various parties that show the overall advantage being held by one phone / network over the other, however in our view here are some important questions to ask when selecting your phone and network.
1. Do I want to be available to receive calls on the phone most of the time?
2. Do I want to use it in the car or boat?
3. Will I be using the phone in very hilly terrain?
4. Is the phone primarily for emergency / convenience purposes when I am travelling out
of normal mobile range?
5. How often am I likely to be in a circumstance when I may need to use the phone?
The following is provided and intended as an introductory guide only, to assist with satellite phone selection preferences and is not intended as an exact comparison, nor are the comments absolute. We invite you to discuss your particular needs, budget and usage pattern with us.
We can then recommend the best value connection for your requirements and usage pattern.
|
Make /Model/Network
Benefit to you
|
**Iridium
9505A
|
Iridium 9555/9575
|
Inmarsat
IsatPhone Pro
|
|
Price
|
|
|
Lowest handset price (Nov. 2011)
|
|
Pre-paid (Best low use value)
|
Varies***
|
Varies***
|
2 year pre-paid card (many options)
|
|
Ability to receive calls
|
Yes*
|
Yes*
|
*Need to be aligned to satellite*
|
|
Angle to sky dependent
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pre-paid options
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Post-paid plans
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Omni directional
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Best value to make calls to
the phone
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Telstra can charge 3-4 times that of
similar calls to an Iridium phone
|
|
Included external antenna
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
External antenna needs a separate powered car kit
|
|
Free SMS from web
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Orbit
|
LEO*
|
LEO*
|
Geo-synchronous*
|
|
Number of satellites
|
66
|
66
|
3
|
|
Fits existing 9505A H/free kits
|
Yes
|
|
|
*LEO- Low Earth Orbit.
These rotate around the earth so in mountainous terrain you are more likely to receive coverage at some time whereas if you are in a valley with a phone that uses a geo-synchronous satellite and your path to the satellite is blocked by the mountain then you will need away from that obstruction until you have clear line of sight to the satellite. LEO is similar to a giant mobile phone network in the sky but instead of you driving through the network, the network revolves around you (the Earth).
*Geo-synchronous.
These satellites are always in the same position relative to the earth. These may have a lower call dropout rate as in normal use you are not handed from one satellite to another.
See angle look up chart below.
**Iridium 9505A
The Iridium 9505A has been very popular in aircraft with many operators choosing to install hands free kits with external antennas etc. The 9555 and 9575 do not fit into these kits. As at November 2011 these phones are still available to us. Please call to confirm availability.
*** Iridium Pre-paid cards
The validity period or life of the card depends on the amount of pre-paid airtime purchased. Basically the more airtime you purchase the longer you have to use it. Iridium have excellent pre-paid options including where users require access over a short term 1-3 months and moderate to higher usage 1- 2 minutes / day and above. Card validity periods vary from one month to two years with extension periods usually available as long as top ups are purchased and activated prior to relevant card expiry dates. Please contact us for information regarding your requirements.
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