Inmarsat Satellite Phones

Inmarsat

The leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, Inmarsat owns and operates 14 geosynchronous satellites, which provide coverage for several networks. They also plan to launch six more satellites by 2024. Since 1979, Inmarsat has provided reliable voice and high speed data communications to governments, enterprise and other organizations. Inmarsat maintains a significant presence on every continent employing ~1500 people in more than 40 locations around the globe.

Inmarsat's Satellite Phone Network

The Inmarsat I-4 satellite network is composed of four geostationary satellites in orbit above the equator. This network covers the whole world, except for remote northern or southern latitudes. With the lowest rate of dropped calls among the three largest satellite network providers (Inmarsat, Iridium, and Thuraya), service on the Inmarsat I-4 network is extremely reliable. If you're traveling to Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, or northernmost Canada, then Iridium is the best satellite phone option, but if you're traveling anywhere else, Inmarsat offers exceptional service.

STAYING CONNECTED WITH THE ISATPHONE 2

Inmarsat's flagship handset, the IsatPhone 2 is regarded by many as one of the best satellite phones available today. This device makes calling, texting, sending SOS, and even sending email from almost anywhere in the world possible for contractors, adventurers, and scientists alike.

Location services, which include tracking and an assistance button, help people stay up to date with your GPS co-ordinates when it matters most. Receive notification of incoming calls and messages, even when the antenna is stowed. It's built tough and easy to use. The IsatPhone 2 has set a new level for handheld satellite communications.

Whatever the conditions – from blistering heat to freezing cold, desert sandstorms, or pounding rains – Inmarsat’s reliable handsets have you covered. With its reliable satellite communications network, the IsatPhone 2 provides unrivaled battery life and email, SMS, and global positioning system (GPS) capabilities to ensure that you stay connected.

Benefits and Features

Dependable connectivity:  Up to 99.9% uptime, the IsatPhone 2 provides access to reliable call stability and steady roaming worldwide.

Built to withstand the harshest conditions, the IsatPhone 2 works from temperatures ranging from -20°C to 55°C, has a humidity tolerance up to 95%, and is dust, splash, and shock resistant (IP 65, IK 04).

Global Assistance: IsatPhone 2 users on monthly plans benefit from a free-of-charge world­wide emergency assistance service from GEOS. Once programmed, simply pushing the assistance button will send a message to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response center, which will contact the most appropriate emergency service provider. Delivering the help you need.

Easy-to-read and easy-to-use interface. Large, high-visibility transflective display that’s readable even in bright sunlight

Secure and Safe

IsatPhone 2 is a completely encrypted handset making it safe and secure for private use. Government agencies and private industries also rely on this privacy. You should always carry a satellite phone when leaving cell phone coverage.

The IsatPhone 2 is an absolute favorite for maritime users with its long battery and water resistance.

With a 99%+ network availability, the ISATPhone 2 connects you to Inmarsat’s global satellite network within seconds. Using the IsatPhone 2 to call any landline or mobile phone doesn't require any training. Dialing is easy, set up is fast, and your connections are consistent. With the IsatPhone 2, you get a standard suite call functions, including call log, caller ID, call hold and call waiting. You can also use the speed dial feature.

One of the key upgrades for the new ISATPhone 2 satellite phone is the Emergency Assis­tance Button. It's quick and easy use in an emergency, when pressed it will make a call to a pre-programmed number of your choice. You can also configure this feature to send an alert text/email to one or multiple recipients. This way everyone on your team can get notified at once. It's clearly marked on the phone itself and easy to use.

Languages Supported: English French Japanese Arabic Chinese Portuguese Russian Spanish

Technical Specs

Length : 171mm (6.7")

Width : 55mm (2.1")

Depth : 40mm (1.5")

Weight : 249g (9.8oz) - including battery

Operating range : -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)

Storage range : -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F)(with battery)

Charging range : 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)

Humidity tolerance : 0% to 95%

Battery Type : Lithium-ion, 3.7 volts

Talk time : Up to 8 hours

Standby time : Up to 100 hours

Charging time : 3.5 hours

The Isatphone 2 making a difference

Agriculture, Aid providers, Support Teams and NGOs working in remote areas where connection is the first concern. 

First responders where reliable communications dictate how quickly they can get to those who need help.

Explorers needing to communicate with base camp or loved ones.

Those who are venturing into remote areas without reliable terrestrial connectivity

Heavy Industry where connecting remote workers with control centers will improve efficiency and safety.

Utility maintenance crews who frequently work in remote locations.

Inmarsat World Wide Coverage Map

Inmarsat satellite phones operate over the Inmarsat global I-4 satellite network, providing reliable call quality and uninterrupted worldwide coverage. Four geostationary satellites cover most of Earth's surface to provide connectivity in any weather condition.

Inmarsat satellite phones use the same satellite network technology as the Inmarsat BGAN and Fleetbroadband products. The Isatphone Satellite Coverage Map shows the I-4 satellite network used by all three products.

Isatphone Look-Angle Map

The Look Angle map shows the angles from the ground to the I-4 satellites used for communication. The further away the user is from the equator, the lower the look angle. Lower look angles will have more trouble with satellite communication, due to the longer distance from the satellite and therefore the greater likelihood of obstructions blocking line of site.

Spot Beam Coverage Map

Advanced spot-beam satellite phone technology allows Inmarsat satellite phones to maintain a communication foot print spanning most of the planet. The built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Isatphone PRO is used in part to transmit location information to the satellite, which then assigns the proper spot beam to the Isatphone PRO user.

The spot beams overlap, providing near uniform coverage.

Global beam coverage

Each satellite has a single global beam that provides coverage for up to one-third the Earth's surface, except for the poles. Global beam coverage extends from latitudinal values of −82 to + 82 degrees regardless of longitudinal values.

Regional spot beam coverage

Each regional beam covers an area smaller than that covered by a global beam. However, collectively all of the regional beams offer virtually the same coverage of the area covered by the global beams. Using regional beams allows user terminals to operate with significantly smaller antennae. Regional beams were introduced for the I-3 satellites, which launched in 2000. Each I-3 satellite provides four to six spot beams; each I-4 satellite provides 19 regional beams.

Narrow spot beam coverage

Narrow beams are available on the three Inmarsat-4 satellites. Narrow beams vary in size, but tend to be hundreds of kms across. There are many more narrow beams so though much smaller than the global beams, they offer the same global coverage as global beams. Narrow spot beams allow higher data rates and smaller antennas. They form the cornerstone of Inmarsat's handset and broadband services ( BGAN ). This coverage was first introduced with the I-4 satellites. Every one of the I-4 satellite provides around 200 narrow spot beams.

Inmarsat Service plans for voice and data

Need a pre-paid or a monthly subscription plan? Looking for a single SIM plan or a shared corporate allowance plan? Europa Satellite can help. Whether you need a minimum commitment of one month or as much as a year, we have the perfect plan to meet your needs and budget.

Included with your monthly plan is GEOS worldwide emergency assistance, who will then alert the most appropriate emergency service to get you the help you need all at the push of a button, 24/7.

Inmarsat was the first mobile satellite provider in licensed to offer prepaid voice services in North America. Prepaid services are very popular with people working on short term or seasonal projects and would rather not commit to a lengthy contract.

“Many customers use satellite services across multiple markets and have been frustrated by being unable to use pre-paid services while in the US and its territorial waters. We are proud to be the first company to deliver a global service. This announcement exemplifies our commitment to meeting our customers' needs,” -Jim Parm, Former President of Inmarsat Solutions

Shop Prepaid and post paid Airtime SIM cards and plans for Inmarsat Voice and Data Service

Questions

Why do people need satellite phones?

Unlike cell phones that depend on cell towers, satellite phone systems work anywhere on Earth. Once you leave metropolitan areas, satellite service is the only option for reliable communication. Europa Satellite has satellite phones that work throughout the continent, even in the most remote areas of the world. Offering reliable Voice, Text, GPS, and SOS to keep you connected at sea, on expeditions, long hikes, remote job sites, mountains, deserts and even during natural disasters.

Do I rent or buy a satellite phone?

If you are using a satellite phone for more than a month a year or multiple times a year it is advisable to buy a satellite phone. If you only need a satellite phone for one or two weeks at a time, renting one is often a better option.

How fast can I get a satellite phone?

Delivering a satellite phone can be as quickly as the next day, if major shipping companies offer that service to your area. In many critical and emergency situations we can often deliver a device to you the same day via courier.

What is coverage like in the south pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Somoa, Tonga, South America, Galapagous Islands. etc.)?

Satellite phones offer reliable coverage in all of these areas and you will experience uninterrupted service.

Can you call 911 from a satellite phone?

Yes, calling 911 from a satellite phone will connect you to local emergency services.

Why are satellite phones so expensive?

Satellite networks have large operating costs. The logistics and technology required to keep satellites functioning properly and accurately are expensive. Satellite communication technology is still more money than a regular cell phone.

What are the uses of satellite phones?

Satellite phones have many applications. Satellite phones are used in almost industry because they are the only reliable form of communication when outside of cellular or VHF range.

Will I get charged for incoming calls and text?

No, incoming calls and text are always FREE on a good service plan.

Can my satellite phone be traced and spied on?

It's very hard to spy on a satellite phone. Eavesdropping on a satellite phone is almost impossible because the signal travels up to the sky - compared to cellphones where signals travel horizontally towards the cellphone towers where it can be intercepted and then decrypted.

Can we talk from a satellite phone to an ordinary phone?

Yes, a satellite phone can call and connect to both landline or cell phones.

Which is better: VoIP or satellite phone?

It will depend on what you want to use it for and if you'll have reliable internet access when you need to make a call. If you do, VoIP is a more affordable option. If you don't have internet access and reliability is critical, a satellite phone is a better pick.

Can satellite phones be used indoors?

Satellite phones must have a clear line to the sky to work effectively. There are satellite phone accessories such as antennas and docking stations that allow a satellite phone to work indoors.