Pricing and Costs of Satellite Phone Service Providers

Satellite phone providers offer cost-effective business communication solutions in isolated and inaccessible areas

Satellite telephone service is a dependable solution for businesses that rely on global communication in remote areas. Unlike traditional mobile phone providers that utilize cell towers for signal strength, satellite phone providers connect to low earth orbiting satellites. These orbiting satellites enable satellite phone service to connect in seconds with a clear signal.

If business travel takes you to areas outside of cellular coverage or in areas with deficient landline service, you would benefit from satellite phone service. Before selecting a satellite phone service provider, evaluate your communication needs and consider the pricing and costs of satellite phone service providers, including:

1. Is it more cost effective for your business to purchase or rent equipment from satellite phone companies?

2. Which satellite telephone service providers offer the most competitive satellite phone plans?

3. Would prepaid plans or cards be an economical satellite telephone service option for your business communication purposes?

 

Compare costs of renting vs. buying phones from satellite phone providers

Evaluate rental and purchase pricing and costs of satellite phone service providers before signing a contract with satellite phone carriers. While a rental phone costs less money upfront, it usually has more expensive costs per minute. Phone purchases from satellite telephone providers are costly, but typically two rentals cover the cost of a phone purchase, so evaluate how often you are likely to use your satellite phone for business communication.
Try: Mackay Communications provides handheld satellite phones available for purchase at prices from around $600 to more than $1,000. Satellite Phones Direct offers rental options starting at less than $10 a day. Mobal features a Mobal Iridium satellite phone rental for around $10 a day with free incoming calls and outgoing calls around $2 per minute.

Select satellite phone carriers that offer competitive satellite phone plans

Satellite telephones, systems and rate plans are less expensive than several years ago, but are still a costly communication option. As technology improves and satellites become widely used, prices will drop. But until then, be a smart shopper and compare satellite phone plans and prices to find one that best meets your business communication needs.
Try: Satellite Phone Source offers monthly satellite phone plans from around $50 per month to more than $500 per month, and annual satellite phone plans from around $600 per year to more than $6,000 per year. World Communication Center features several competitive Iridium service plans, starting at around $30 for a corporate plan.

Consider prepaid cards for budget friendly satellite phone services

Prepaid cards are a smart solution for short-term business projects that take you to remote global locations. Prepaid cards offered through a satellite phone company offer the benefits of no contracts, no monthly bills and the ability for users to track their call time minutes.
Try: Cellular Abroad offers prepaid satellite phone rentals for around $100 for a week of service, plus an additional 20 minutes of call time for around $40. UStronics features prepaid Iridium global satellite phone rates ranging in price from around $150 for one month of service and 75 minutes to more than $4,000 for two years of service and 5000 minutes.

 

• Many companies purchase phones from satellite phone providers for communication in the event of an emergency when landline and cellular systems are disrupted. Because of their reliability, a satellite phone service provides a smart emergency communication solution for businesses of all sizes.

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