In the article, I will consider the Best Satellite Phone Australia. These devices are really important for those who live or work in far places far away from normal mobile network coverage.
I will discuss some of the best models, such as the Iridium 9575 Extreme, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2, and Thuraya XT-LITE, and their characteristics, merits, and demerits, among others.
Equally, this section will provide insight into their coverage areas, how long the battery lasts after recharging, how strong these devices are against bumps and falls, and what they can generally do to help you select the right one to meet your needs while adventuring out to Australian bushes or other areas that not many people visit often.
What is a satellite phone?
Satellite phones are what they are, using satellites for calls and messaging. Satellite phones are popular among adventurers in areas with no mobile phone network, called mobile black spots – you can be reached by others (like emergency services) anywhere because of their excellent reception.
Key Point & List
Device | Key Point |
---|---|
Iridium 9555 | Reliable global coverage with voice, SMS, and limited data services. |
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 | Affordable with good voice quality but limited coverage compared to other providers. |
Globalstar GSP-1700 | Two-way satellite messaging and SOS capabilities with global coverage integrated with Garmin’s ecosystem. |
Garmin inReach Messenger | Advanced features include GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation systems, with extensive coverage in Thuraya’s network area. |
Thuraya XT-LITE | Cost-effective option with reliable coverage across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. |
Thuraya XT PRO | Advanced features including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation systems, with extensive coverage in Thuraya’s network area. |
Iridium Extreme 9575N | Rugged design with enhanced GPS tracking, SOS button, and global coverage. |
ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT Satellite | Push-to-talk functionality with real-time, one-to-many communication and Iridium’s global coverage. |
ASE Fixed Station Terminal | Provides satellite phone connectivity indoors or in vehicles with external antenna support, primarily using Iridium or Inmarsat networks. |
Thuraya SatSleeve+ | Transforms a smartphone into a satellite phone with Thuraya’s network coverage, enabling calls, messages, and data. |
10 Best Satellite Phones in Australia Explained
1. Iridium 9555
Iridium 9555 is one of the best satellite phones in Australia. It has widespread coverage worldwide, including remote areas and oceans.
It is tough to resist this phone’s rugged design, which can withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for use in different parts of Australia with diverse and rough landscapes.
Reliable voice, SMS, and limited data services are available on Iridium 9555 to ensure users can stay connected even when they travel to the most isolated regions.
Its compact size, combined with its strong build and long-lasting battery life, makes it a good choice for adventurers, emergency responders, and professionals working in remote areas of Australia.
2. Inmarsat IsatPhone 2
Among the best satellite phones used in Australia today is Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 because of its excellent voice quality and its global coverage, except in polar regions.
This phone is built to survive any weather condition and hence fits well into Australian climate patterns.
For example, the iPhone 2 features include a long battery life so people can call from inland deserts or coastal areas, GPS tracking abilities, and an SOS button for effective communication.
Its rugged construction, coupled with an easy-to-use interface, makes it one of the top choices for a reliable satellite phone service provider in Australia.
3. Globalstar GSP-1700
It is one of the leading satellite phone brands mainly due to its affordability and clear audio reception, distinguishing Globalstar GSP-1700 from other models.
While its scope of coverage may not be as broad as some others, this service provides high-quality connection across many locations within the mainland part (including both east coast regions) along significant highways inland through country towns like Dubbo or Orange).
GSP-1700 is light and can be carried around, making it a great option for travellers and adventurers. Additionally, the device is cost-effective to buy and use; hence, many clients prefer it over other, more expensive satellite phones.
4. Garmin inReach Messenger
The Garmin inReach Messenger stands out as one of the best two-way satellite messaging devices with S.O.S capabilities. It provides vital communication lifelines in remote and rugged terrains.
It covers the globe and interacts effortlessly with Garmin’s ecosystem, making it suitable for outdoor professionals, hikers, and adventurers.
This equipment is lightweight yet durable enough to operate continuously on long trips. Its battery capacity is large enough to carry energy over an extended period without recharge.
The Garmin InReach Messenger can also be linked to smartphones, resulting in additional features such as GPS tracking and weather updates that come in handy when trying to stay connected while enjoying Mother Nature at her wildest.
5. Thuraya XT-LITE
Thuraya XT-LITE is one of Australia’s finest low-priced satellite phones because of its extensive coverage across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
It is particularly suitable for travellers within the Thuraya network area since they can conveniently access voice call services through this device.
XT-LITE is characterized by simplicity. Its long battery life allows users to communicate extensively, enabling them to keep talking or texting even after a long journey away from recharging points.
Its construction makes it ideal for outdoor use and remote locations where it can withstand extreme conditions.
Therefore, it provides value-for-money solutions to budget-conscious travellers, including business people who may require access to reliable communication channels when operating in diverse environments across Australia.
6. Thuraya XT PRO
The Thuraya XT PRO is considered one of the best satellite phones in Australia due to its advanced features and ability to cover Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
It is equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation systems that are crucial for adventurers and professionals working in remote areas.
XT PRO boasts rigid construction and extended battery life, making it ideal for harsh environmental conditions and long usage. Its voice quality is high, and data services are excellent.
At the same time, the readable display screen, even on a bright sunny day, makes it an outstanding choice for staying connected in Australia’s diverse and challenging landscapes.
7. Iridium Extreme 9575N
In general, Iridium Extreme 9575N is the best satellite phone available in Australia because its worldwide coverage encompasses most outlying regions. It is challenging to military standards and is appropriate for operations within Australian rugged territories.
These include enhanced GPS tracking, an SOS button for emergency purposes, and secure communications that are vital tools for adventurers, emergency responders, professionals, etcetera.
The Iridium Extreme 9575N can provide reliable voice and data connections across all parts of Australia, ranking it among the top options that demand satellite communication at its best.
8. ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT Satellite
For real-time, many-to-many communications needed by teams during emergencies or remote scenarios, the ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT Satellite phone has been highly recommended within the borders of Australia.
It allows users to stay connected even at some of the most isolated places throughout the country through the availability of a global network using the Iridium network as a provider.
A push-to-talk functionality provides instantaneous conversations, making it indispensable for the mining sector, marine industry, or emergency response, where speed is valued above everything else.
Ruggedness and simplicity make this device efficient enough to sustain communication amidst several challenging situations in the diverse Australian environment.
9. ASE Fixed Station Terminal
ASE Fixed Station Terminal is considered one of Australia’s best satellite communications solutions, especially for stationary or vehicular use.
It enables phone access indoors and inside a vehicle using an external antenna, making it perfect for remote base camps, emergency operations centres, and mobile units.
It can be used with Iridium or Inmarsat networks—helpful connections are available even in the remotest parts of Australia, where communication is problematic.
The ASE Fixed Station Terminal’s construction is robust enough to remain effective under fixed installations and is mobile across extensive Australian terrain.
10. Thuraya SatSleeve+
Thuraya SatSleeve+ has gained popularity due to its ability to convert smartphones into satellite phones, allowing users to access Thuraya’s network coverage area.
Such people may not have to acquire a standalone satellite phone but need occasional connectivity through satellites.
It provides the capability for voice calls, SMS, and using customers’ sand, ensuring use less and ensures between regular networks.
For instance, for individuals travelling, going on expeditions, or working in less populated areas of Australia looking for reliable communication, this phone presents an affordable and easy way to remain connected.
How do satellite phones work?
Dialling a number on your satellite phone sends a signal to any of the numerous small satellites orbiting the Earth.
The person you are sending this message to will receive it through this satellite and reply to you. In Australia and globally, many companies offer satellite phone services; these networks have several satellites that cover large areas.
That is not like the fixed phone in your home, whose wires connect it to a network, or the mobile phone, which uses wireless signals from a tower to receive and transmit information, which makes all the difference.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Satellite Phone
Although the satellite phone market is dominated by only three providers, deciding which one to go with is not easy. Iridium, Globalstar and Inmarsat are all manufacturers of great products that use billion-dollar satellite networks. Therefore, the most favourable option for you depends on where you intend to use it.
Comparing coverage maps is the first step in selecting a provider. Iridium’s 66 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites cover every inch of land on Earth. Over time, we have learnt that this network has been one of the best satellite voice systems because it has improved.
Inmarsat’s 15 satellites are in geostationary orbit over the equator at a height of 22,236 miles. Their position means they can provide coverage for 90% of Earth and miss just the poles. Three more new-generation Inmarsat I-8 satellites will be launched by 2026 to expand global coverage and ensure service into the 2040s.
Globalstar’s constellation now numbers 48 LEO satellites; long criticized for deficient service, their quality continues to improve steadily year after year. But huge regions worldwide remain beyond Globalstar’s global footprint, rendering it useless to some people. Nonetheless, if your travels mainly lie within these areas covered by them, then subscription plans can be affordable.
Conclusion
In brief, there are multiple satellite phones in Australia that can meet the needs of various people depending on their requirements and different usage patterns. Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme 9575N are among the best choices for anyone needing worldwide coverage and ruggedization. This makes them suitable for places far from civilization.
For various climatic conditions in Australia, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 provides strong voice quality and a reliable footprint. Thuraya XT PRO and XT-LITE target customers who require wide reach with advanced functionalities; hence, these products suit high-end use due to their range of features.
On this note, the ICOM IC-SAT100 PTT is another device with a good real-time communication system, which makes Teams highly competent. Meanwhile, the ASE Fixed Station Terminal delivers stable connections, which allow it to be used either within a single location or during movement whenever needed.
Lastly, Thuraya SatSleeve+ is a flexible and cost-effective way of converting smartphones into satellite phones. It is preferred in its specific field so that seamless communication is maintained across large regions with varying terrains in Australia.