When shopping for a satellite phone, it is important to compare different phones to ensure you are investing in the best satellite phone for your specific communication needs as a pilot. To help you make the best informed choice, FLYING analyzed some of the top satellite phones on the market.
What Is a Satellite Phone?
Satellite phones can be used to download accurate weather data, complete calls worldwide, and send and receive emails from anywhere in the world. Satellite phones were designed to open communication channels for remote work areas such as in the middle of the ocean using GPS (global positioning system) technology.
Connecting people to voice, messaging and internet data services anywhere they want to go.
Do I Need a Satellite Phone?
You may need to invest in a satellite phone if you will be flying in remote areas and are looking to have a fail-safe communication device in case of emergencies. Satellite phones are useful in emergency situations because they do not rely on land-based towers and networks to operate.
The most common users of satellite phones are:
- Pilots, both flying recreationally and professionally
- Business people
- Journalists
- Scientists
- Survivalists
Tips for Buying a Sat Phone
There are important questions to consider before beginning your research:
- What do you need to be able to do with your satellite phone or device?
- What features do you need your satellite phone to be capable of?
- What is the phone’s compatibility with your aircraft or operational needs?
- How portable does the phone need to be?
- Should you rent or buy your satellite phone?
Primary Use
First, determine the primary use of your satellite phone. Will you be using the phone primarily when you’re flying for verbal communication, written communication, emergencies, or weather readouts? Once you determine the primary use, you can compare all the available models that fit your needs.
Features
If you are using a satellite phone for verbal communication only, the most basic satellite phones should fit your needs. The more complex models are capable of much more. For example, users looking to use their satellite phone for weather forecasting will need a more technologically advanced sat phone.
Many satellite phones have additional features such as:
- GSM compatibility, which enables the phone to be used as a cellular phone
- GPS displays that show longitude and latitude
- Solar panels for remote recharging of the battery
- Paging, data transmission, and faxing capabilities
- A design compatible with rugged environments with water, shock, and dust resistance
Portability
The sizes and portability of satellite phones vary depending on the features it hosts. Most portable satellite phones weigh less than a pound and measure roughly 5 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch. At this size, stashing your satellite phone in your pocket, backpack, or flight bag is easy. The larger the phone gets and the more features it has creates portability issues.
Some high-tech satellite phones can have large antennas, solar energy capabilities, and the ability to be installed directly into a boat or airplane instrument system. These types of satellite phones may not be ideal for users on the move.
Rent or Buy
Because the prices of satellite phones vary greatly, some higher tech versions can be rented. However, for someone who wants to have access to the phone on a regular basis, install it into their airplane or boat—or has the money to invest in a satellite phone that fits their specific needs—buying may be the right choice.
For users in situations where a satellite phone may be needed only a few times a year—or a one-time use such as an international or long-distance ferry flight—or who would like to test different models before purchasing their own, renting a satellite phone can be a great option. There are many places to rent a satellite phone.
What To Look for When Buying a Satellite Phone
If you’ve chosen to purchase a satellite phone and have determined your specific needs, now is the time to compare specific phones that fit your needs. Some things to keep in mind before buying are: cost, network coverage, and plan options.
Value
Your budget for a satellite phone will need to be adjusted based on your personal priorities. Most satellite phones range in price from $400-$1,500, depending on the features of the phone. The more technologically advanced the phone is, the more expensive it will be.
Network Coverage
The network on a satellite phone is a little different than that of a traditional cell phone. Satellite phones, as you may have guessed from the name, use orbiting satellites to relay communication and data.
Satellite phone systems can be classified into two types: systems that use satellites in a high geostationary orbit, 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above the Earth’s surface, and systems that use satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), 640 to 1,120 km (400 to 700 miles) above the Earth.
The network coverage will vary depending on the satellite phone you choose. The most common network compositions are:
- 40 orbiting satellites
- 66 low orbiting satellites
- 3 geostationary satellites
Plan Options
Similar to traditional cell phones, satellite phones must be on a phone plan to be used. Satellite phone plans are normally by the minute and can get expensive if used regularly.
Examples of satellite phone plans:
- $60/month for 20 minutes ($1.60 each additional minute)
- $140/month for 100 minutes ($1.19 each additional minute)
Durability
Satellite phones are designed to withstand harsh conditions. They are more durable, shock-resistant, water-resistant, easy to carry, lightweight, and reliable than regular cell phones. This makes them reliable in emergency situations.
Special Features
Many satellite phones have additional features such as:
- GSM compatibility enables the phone to be used as a cellular phone
- GPS display showing longitude and latitude.
- Solar panels for remote recharging of the battery.
- Paging, data transmission, and faxing capabilities.
- Made for rugged environments with water, shock, and dust resistance.
Flight Bag Essential
Satellite phones are an excellent tool to keep on hand, especially for pilots flying alone. Keeping a satellite phone on hand can offer a sense of security. For more information regarding satellite phones or to stay informed on more flight bag essentials, subscribe to FLYING magazine.
FAQ
Most satellite phones range in price from $400-$1,500, depending on the features of the phone. The more technologically advanced the phone is, the more expensive it will be.
Satellite phones use orbiting satellites to open communication channels from remote areas, unlike cellular phones that use installed cell phone towers on the ground.
Satellite phones can be purchased online directly from manufacturers, through remote outfitters, and even through Amazon.
