subject: Pointers And Facts Regarding The Right Sat Phone [print this page] In well populated and developed areas of the world cell phones are considered just part of the mainstream; most people wouldn't give much thought to them because they are so common. However there are places and people who really need cell phones but until recently, that was just not an option. Now there are many new phones being available as well as plans to get just the right one that is custom fitted for your personal needs, but do your comparison shopping first before you decide.
There are a few different aspects to paying for your sat phone. There is the cost of the phone of course, you will also immediately pay for the cost of the monthly subscription plan. Generally in the beginning there will be an activation fee that varies from plan to plan as well as purchasing whatever amount of minutes that you want to use on the phone. It can be quite a bit right at first.
When you compare satellite phones to cell phones and all that is involved, you will find some key differences. Satellite phones by their very nature will cost more. It is no uncommon to be expected to pay anywhere from $700 to $1300 for these phones. The lighter financial burden is associated with the subscription and activation fees which generally run around $50. In addition to the sticker shock of the satellite phones, is the common cost of the minutes used with these phones. They can start out as low as a dollar a minute and spiral up to ten dollars a minute. This might really cause concern for today's cell phone users that would find this robbery by all definitions.
Finding the right brand as well as the correct model for your particular needs is why you should check out the satellite phone suppliers. Starting out around $700 is at the low end of the price spectrum is the Inmarsat Isatphone handset phone. On the opposite end of this spectrum is the $1500 Iridium handset phone. If you are looking for a middle of the spectrum, you will be happier with the Thuraya phones. They are moderately priced between a $1000 and $1300. Always consider what your needs are and what area you will need it to preform well in.
One thing that is important to remember is that satellite phones need to be outdoors when used. There has to be a line of sight to the satellite itself back to the phone to be able to get a signal. There are cost differences according to what type phone that you are calling as well that need to be considered when choosing a phone. For instance if you have an Inmarsat Isatphone, you will pay a dollar for each minute that you spend talking to someone with a cell phone. If you need to chat with someone that has the same type of sat phone then it will cost $2 for each minute. For calls to Iridium or Thuraya sat phones, it will cost $3 per minute.
