Satellite Phone Price: Plans, Monthly Cost & Fees

A satellite phone has three cost layers: the handset, the monthly airtime plan, and one-time fees such as activation and a SIM card. People often budget only for the handset and are surprised by the rest, so it helps to price all three before you buy.

The figures below come from retailers and service providers. Prices vary by seller and change often, so use them to compare options and then confirm the current number with the seller.

Handset prices run across a wide band, from a basic Thuraya model to the rugged Iridium Extreme. At the low end, the Thuraya XT-Lite is listed by OSAT at $525. The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is listed by OSAT at $748.99.

Iridium handsets cost more. OSAT lists the Iridium 9555 at $1,124, and lists the Iridium Extreme 9575 at $1,344. The 9575 is the ruggedized model with a more durable build, which is part of why it costs more than the 9555.

Retailers do not all charge the same amount for the same handset. The Iridium 9555 shows how much the price can differ: Mackay Communications lists it at $1,295, GlobalCom lists it at $1,199, and OSAT lists it at $1,124.

Some of that gap may come from what is in the box, whether the seller bundles accessories, and whether a service plan is attached to the offer. Compare what each package includes before you pick the lowest number.

A handset does nothing without airtime. Iridium plans listed by GlobalCom for a one-year contract include a set number of minutes each month:

• Basic plan with 15 minutes included: $72.99/mo
• Standard plan with 30 minutes included: $85.99/mo
• Explorer plan with 100 minutes included: $147/mo

OSAT describes Iridium monthly plans as starting at $63/mo, and Inmarsat monthly plans as starting at $66/mo. These are entry-level figures, so the plan you actually need may cost more.

Minutes beyond your plan allowance are usually billed at an overage rate. Ask the provider for that rate in writing, because a few long calls can add a noticeable amount to a monthly bill.

On top of the handset and plan, providers charge to turn the service on. GlobalCom lists a service activation fee of $50 and an Iridium SIM card at $9.99.

Other providers may charge different amounts or bundle these items, so ask for a full list of one-time fees before you pay.

Several choices change what you spend over the first year.

• Network. Iridium and Inmarsat are sold by different providers with different plan structures, and Thuraya serves different regions. Coverage maps matter as much as the price.
• Handset class. A rugged model costs more than a basic one but may hold up better outdoors.
• Contract length. Some plans listed here assume a one-year contract, and early termination may carry a charge.
• Minutes needed. A phone kept for emergencies needs a smaller plan than one used weekly.
• Accessories. External antennas, car kits, and spare batteries are usually sold separately.

If you only need a satellite phone for a single trip, renting may cost less than buying a handset and committing to a contract. Rental companies set their own prices, which are not shown here, so request quotes and compare the full cost of a rental against a purchase for the length of your trip. If you expect to use the phone for several years, buying usually makes more sense.

A short list of questions keeps the quote honest.

• Is the handset new, refurbished, or used, and does it carry a warranty?
• Which fees are one-time, and which repeat monthly?
• Is the plan tied to a contract, and what happens if you cancel early?
• What is the rate for minutes beyond the plan allowance, and for texts or data?
• Does the quote include the SIM card, battery, charger, and any cables?
• Can the provider suspend service during months you do not travel?

Get the answers in writing, then compare the total for the first year across two or three sellers.

Before you buy, confirm that the network covers the places you will travel. Coverage differs by provider and region, and a phone that cannot reach a satellite is not useful. Some countries also restrict importing or using satellite phones, so check the rules for your destination with the relevant government or your provider.

Satellite phones also work best with a clear view of the sky. Buildings, canyons, and dense tree cover can block the signal, which matters when you are choosing a handset for emergencies.