Satellite Phone Service Providers

How to get the most from your satellite phone service
By Shannon Ambroson, Writer Satellite phones allow you to contact almost anyone in the world, using communication satellites orbiting in space. Whether you travel within the United States or overseas, you will undoubtedly run into areas with nonexistent cellular phone coverage. Satellite phone service providers give you a reliable option when you must communicate with your business, customers or family.
 

Satellite phones are typically larger, heavier and more expensive than normal cell phones. You might have to go outside to get better reception, since they require a clear view of the sky, but they’re the ultimate convenience in emergencies when cell phones overload the service network. Consider satellite telephone service for you or your employees to:

1. Travel to remote areas with an assurance of safety and communication.

2. Maintain communication during emergencies.

3. Conduct business when you live or work in the mountains or valleys outside of regular cell phone coverage.

Buy or rent from sat phone service providers

If you frequently travel overseas, you may already have an international cell phone and find that the coverage is great in some areas and weak in others. Consider satellite phone plans that offer coverage anywhere in a specific country or area, no matter what the elevation and terrain. Rent a phone for the few times you travel or buy one so you'll have guaranteed communication anytime you plan a trip or need extra coverage.
Try: Rent an Iridium travel kit for business trips or to evaluate purchasing the system instead of renting the next time. Satellite phone providers ship the phone to you overnight when you offer a deposit or pre-payment. Compare renting the Iridium kit with buying it to decide the best option for your business or home. Invest in a Thuraya travel kit, including the phone, a charger, a battery and a carrying case; or purchase the phone by itself if you already have accessories.

Research satellite phone providers and coverage

Like cell phones, satellite phones vary in makers, providers and services. Choose the satellite phone company that offers the best service and coverage for the area you travel to most often. When you rent, you can change carriers as many times as you want; but if you buy, make certain you know what you're getting before you spend the money.
Try: Look at the major carriers: Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar and Verizon. Check out the satellite phone rates and service coverage areas to find one that fits your needs.

Choose a provider and compare plans from satellite phone providers

Once you have compared the satellite phone providers with your specific needs and wants, look at the provider's phone plan options. You choose plan details as you would for a normal cell phone; you can use a pre-paid card or sign up for a certain amount of minutes each month.
Try: Search satellite phone plans and order online. Whether you rent or buy a satellite phone, rates are higher than for a cell phone. Start with a pre-paid card of set minutes — the best option for phone rental — or pay by the month, choosing your monthly minutes and features such as voice mail and data transfer.

Search online for deals on satellite phone plans

Often satellite phone service providers offer their best deals online and allow you to browse, shop and pay without leaving your office. Look at plans, compare them side by side and speak to a representative about your specific needs.
Try: Get an instant quote online in minutes from Adam Phones. The satellite telephone service rep will email or call you to answer your questions and help with your order. Download any rental agreement, complete it and fax back to the provider to speed up the ordering process and get your phone faster.

• Ask colleagues or friends which satellite phone carriers they have used and compare their experiences with the company's rates and quality of service.
• Don't confuse a satellite phone with an international cell phone. Ask a company like Verizon, which offers both, to explain the differences in coverage and prices.
• Transfer data and fax from your satellite phone. The transfer will be very slow, but if you're in a remote area and need to fax a document or report, you can definitely do it.