Some twenty years ago, when the very first cell phones appeared in everyday life, they caused a minor revolution. It became possible to communicate with the whole world from the comfort of your car, while shopping or on a train journey.
Calling for help after a flat tire on the freeway, or letting someone know you're running late while rushing to an appointment, was no longer a problem. There was just one major limitation to this comfort: dependence on telephone networks that were absent in many parts of the world.
But fortunately, if you're the adventurous type and spend your life in the high mountains, at sea or in the desert, there are satellite phones!
International travelers know the importance of a satellite phone. A rare service, these phones are different from your traditional cell phone, which uses the GSM (Global System Mobile) network - an international standard for everything to do with mobile networks. An operator offering good performance in this area can appeal to those who want better range on land or at sea; like sailors and yachtsmen looking to connect with family members while enjoying their adventures.
A network available in all circumstances
Natural disasters, polar expeditions or offshore sailing - there's no situation where the satellite network isn't available. Whether you want to make a call from the ice floe, download a file in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean or send an SMS from the Himalayas, your satellite phone is ready to go.
What's more, both our Globalstar and Iridium models use low-earth orbit satellites, i.e. satellites in motion, which means you don't have to orient the antenna and pass through a GPS point to pass through your communications, as is the case with phones connected to a geostationary satellite system.
Satellite phone warranties
In addition to flawless geographic coverage, satellite phones offer their users many other guarantees, depending on the model chosen. A Globalstar phone, for example, has a battery life of up to 4 hours talk time and 36 hours standby time. For hikers, for example, whose stops in populated areas with electrical outlets are often episodic, this is an invaluable asset.
What's more, most satellite phones are highly resistant to both shock and weather: for example, theIridium 9575 Extremethe most powerful satellite phone on the market today, has an IP rating of 65, making it totally waterproof.
Which satellite phone to choose?
It all depends on your needs! If your main need is to make or receive telephone calls wherever you are, our lightweight and ergonomic Globalstar GSP 1700 will accompany you to the four corners of the world.
If you'd like to add the convenience of an easy Internet connection, theIridium 9555 lets you send e-mails via partner networks, while Globalstar uses a satellite data modem to provide a direct or indirect connection, depending on availability.
The real plus of the Iridium Extreme 9575? Its GPS, combined with a tracking system and SOS button, give you the highest safety guarantees in the field.
Photo Credit: ©Iridium