How To

How to Rent or Buy a Satellite Phone

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(4 Ratings)

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

Step 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).
Step 2

Choose a provider. Satellite telecommunications companies such as Globalstar USA and Iridium Satellite offer competitive plans and varied coverage zones.
Step 3

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

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Comments

richiesmith said

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on 2/26/2009 The last time I rented a Satellite phone, I used Mobal: http://www.mobal.com I found them to be the cheapest and fairest.

BlueCosmo said

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on 4/9/2008 You also want to look at where you will be traveling as well. Different Satellite providers have coverage maps that focus on certain areas. Here is a quick list of the majors providers:

Providers:

Iridium - True Global Coverage

Globalstar - North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Northern Africa

Thuraya - Middle East, Europe, Africa (Except S. Africa and Australia

Imarsat - Marine

-BlueCosmo Communications