How to Rent or Buy a Satellite Phone

Purchasing a satellite phone is very much like shopping for the best cell phone plan, just much more expensive--sky high, you might say. First choose a satellite phone, then a provider, then a plan. Or the smarter move may be just to rent one for your off-the-grid odyssey.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Choose between buying a new or used satellite phone or just renting one. For example, a high-end Motorola 9505 handheld unit is about $1,500 new, $1,000 used, and $20 a day to rent. Less fancy units sell for as little as $300 used or $45 a week to rent. If you're heading to an ultraremote location, be sure to bring along a solar-powered battery charger (about $40).

2. Choose a provider. Satellite telecommunications companies such as Globalstar USA and Iridium Satellite offer competitive plans and varied coverage zones.

3. Make sure the provider you choose offers service to wherever you're headed.

4. Choose a plan that best suits your needs. Like cell phone plans, satellite phone companies offer package deals, prepaid calling cards and free e-mail and text messaging.

5. Shop online for the best price. There are dozens of satellite phone retailers offering very competitive package deals.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular phones with satellite phones that offer cellular service. GSM phones don't use a satellite network.

• Most satellite phone companies require a one-week minimum rental period and a large deposit.

• Satellite airtime rates range from about 99 cents to $2 per minute depending on the calling plan.