Satellite phones and satellite trackers have transformed long-distance sailing, with the ability to download accurate weather forecasts, call anyone in the world and track positions across an ocean hour by hour. We guide you to find the best satellite phone or tracker for communication at sea. The best satellite phone for you is the one that does the job you need it to do. If you are looking to make calls, send and receive texts, drop bread crumbs for passage tracking and download a daily weather file, then these satellite phones or satellite tracking devices could be just the ticket. You can keep one of these in your grab bag too, along with an EPIRB for extra security in case of emergency.
\nThe ubiquitous Iridium 9555 can be seen on many boats who need to equip themselves with the bare minimum of satellite communications to meet an offshore event mandatory requirements. They sell well on the second hand market too. I have used one of these phones to call out my own mayday after a dismasting in the Atlantic and its simplicity and portability was a huge win for me. You don\u2019t always need to spend the most to get what you need.
\nBut bear in mind, if you are looking to fire back photos and videos to your Instagram and YouTube channels, then these are not the best satellite phones for you. This is because we have become accustomed to smartphones and endless data. These satellite phones do not have high data handling capacity, no matter how much data you buy, they are still very slow. (Rather like old fashioned house phone dial up internet from the 90\u2019s, waiting 30 minutes for a tiny picture to download)
\nWe have a separate guide to data rich, fast uploading\/downloading satellite phone options.
\nQuestions to ask before buying a satellite phone<\/p>\n
Where will you be using it?
\nWhat will you be using the phone for? (voice, text, weather reports, position tracking, sos etc)
\nDo you need waterproofing?
\nHow important is battery life?
\nDo you need internal GPS?
\nDo you want to send photos and videos to social media or to a personal blog or website?
\nDo you want a portable satellite phone to keep in a grab bag?
\nWill you want to take it with you on to other boats?
\nWhat airtime plan will suit you?<\/p>\n
Satellite phone global coverage
\nGlobal coverage offered by satellite phone providers (maps courtesy of Global Telesat Communications)<\/p>\n
Iridium<\/p>\n
Iridium 9555
\nIridium 9575 Extreme
\nIridium GO
\nGarmin InReach<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Inmarsat<\/p>\n
ISatphone 2<\/p>\n
x<\/p>\n
Thuraya<\/p>\n
Thuraya Satsleeve
\nThuraya XT Pro<\/p>\n
x<\/p>\n
Spot<\/p>\n
Spot Tracker<\/p>\n
Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone & SIM Card With 75 Minutes For 30 Days<\/p>\n
This handset comes with a prepaid SIM card and 75 minutes for 30 days validity (note you must activate the SIM card within 6 months of purchase).
\nIndustrial-grade design for durability. Compact physical footprint means it will slip easily into a grab bag or large jacket pocket.
\nEnhanced SMS and email messaging capability. It comes with a phone cover and a hands free wired headset in the box.
\nPrice \u00a31215 (Price \u00a31016 phone only)
\nBuy Iridium 9555 satellite phone with airtime from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy Iridium 9555 satellite phone only from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk<\/p>\n
Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone with a Prepaid SIM card (No Airtime Included)<\/p>\n
The Iridium 9575 Extreme is SMS and email enabled. SMS and email messaging is limited to 160 characters and delivery\/receipt is dependent on compatibility with local mobile network carriers
\nThe phone has an integrated speakerphone and hands-free capability through a headset included as standard in the box.
\nIt is the only satellite phone currently available with emergency services supported by GEOS International Emergency Response Coordinating Centre and is included at no additional cost.
\nEquipped with Location Based Services (LBS) enabling GPS positioning.\u00a0
\nRuggedised to a IP65 rating, the highest of any satellite phone currently available. It is jet water resistant, shock resistant, dust proof and has a rugged antenna.
\nPrice: \u00a31,230 \/ $1,150
\nBuy Iridium 9575 Extreme from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)<\/p>\n
Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence. Where indicated<\/p>\n
Iridium GO<\/p>\n
The Iridium GO! is a pocket sized device, with an IP rating of IP65, that enables you to use your smartphone or tablet to make voice calls, share photos, access emails, SMS two-way, use GPS tracking and send out SOS alerts.
\nSimply flip up the integrated antenna and the battery-powered unit will connect quickly and automatically to the Iridium LEO satellite constellation. You can then connect and operate up to 5 devices at a time using the Iridium GO! app.
\nYou will need to purchase airtime for a prepaid SIM, or enter into a monthly contract for the post-paid SIM before you can use your device.
\n\u00a0
\nPrice: \u00a3799 \/ $695
\nBuy Iridum Go from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy Iridium Go with 400 mins and 180 days sim card from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)
\nBuy it now on eBay<\/p>\n
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 with SIM Card and 50 Airtime Units<\/p>\n
Inmarsat is another big name in satellite communications, and their IsatPhone 2 has good reviews. Inmarsat offers near-global coverage, and the phone has around 8 hours\u2019 talk time, an integral GPS sensor, and is IP54 water- and dust-resistant.
\nIt has an SOS button for emergency use. Reviews suggest that it\u2019s a good choice if you\u2019re looking for predominantly voice calls \u2013 for heavy data use, it\u2019s more cost effective to use one of the company\u2019s impressive FleetBroadband units.
\nPrice \u00a3710
\nBuy Inmarsat Isatphone 2 from GTC via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)<\/p>\n
Garmin InReach Mini<\/p>\n
Ok, so Garmin\u2019s InReach Mini may not strictly be a satellite phone, in that you can\u2019t use it to make phone calls, but it\u2019s a low-cost messenger that allows two-way text messaging.
\nYou can also use it to trigger an SOS call to a 24\/7 search and rescue centre, and have a tailored weather forecast delivered for a subscription fee. \u00a0Worth considering as a lower-cost alternative if you don\u2019t need voice or data capability.
\nPrice \u00a3269
\nBuy Garmin InReach Mini from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)
\nBuy it now on eBay<\/p>\n
Spot Tracker<\/p>\n
The SPOT X has a 2.7-inch screen with a backlit display which allows you to view message status and add contacts. Also, the satellite tracker is dust and water protected to IP67 standard.
\nConnect your SPOT X to the SPOT X app via Bluetooth, to access satellite connectivity.
\nUsers can select from 2.5, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking intervals, to let family, friends and other adventurers follow your progress with SPOT\u2019s Google Maps interface. The check-in button is an important feature. It enables users to quickly and easily let everyone know they\u2019re okay.
\nThe SPOT X has a built-in compass and programmable waypoints to help you navigate whilst on your trip. Additionally, there is an SOS button on the device for emergency situations. Send an S.O.S. to the 24\/7 Search & Rescue centre, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way.
\nPrice \u00a3307
\nBuy Spot Tracker from GTC via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy Spot Tracker from Amazon.com<\/p>\n
Thuraya SatSleeve Plus<\/p>\n
The SatSleeve is designed to transform your smartphone (Apple or Android) into a satellite phone by clipping to the phone. You get the apps and interface you are familiar with, access to your emails and usual phone numbers through a free SatSleeve App that lets you interface your phone\u2019s address book.
\nYou can choose various access points to give you the level of compression you need and avoid heavy and expensive data use (heavy compression, low or no compression are the options).
\nPrice \u00a3529
\nBuy Thuraya satsleeve from GTC via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)
\nBuy it now on eBay<\/p>\n
Thuraya XT Pro Satellite Phone<\/p>\n
Thuraya\u2019s XT Pro is a ruggedised handset that boasts a long battery life, built-in GPS and a large display. Thuraya claims up to 2\/3rds global coverage, so it\u2019s important to ensure that your cruising ground or passage area is included \u2013 you can check the coverage map at the top of this article.
\nYou can make calls and send SMS from the handset and use the phone as an internet access point. There\u2019s a dedicated SOS button that sends a pre-programmed alert to a preset number, not the GEOS service as used by some other brands.
\nPrice \u00a31020
\nBuy Thuraya XT Pro from GTC via Amazon.co.uk
\nBuy it now on Amazon (US)
\nBuy it now on eBay<\/p>\n
Buying the best satellite phone is just the start \u2013 you\u2019ll also need a SIM card and data plan. These vary considerably in cost and it\u2019s worth spending some time researching the best options for your type of sailing. MailASail have a useful guide to choosing your usage on their website. Global Telesat Communications also have a comprehensive website with lots of airtime plans available to accompany the satellite equipment you choose to buy.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking to read more about satellite comms and trackers
\nSpot X review at Yachting World
\n12 yacht trackers compared \u2013 Yachting World
\nInternet at sea \u2013 Yachting Monthly<\/p>\n
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\nThe post Best satellite phone: 8 devices for adventurous sailors appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Satellite phones and satellite trackers have transformed long-distance sailing, with the ability to download accurate weather forecasts, call anyone in the world and track positions across an ocean hour by hour. We guide you to find the best satellite phone … <\/p>\n