Satellite Phones For Travelers

Satellite Phones for Traveling Safety

The number one reason that someone would want to take a satellite phone along with them while traveling is for safety. Depending on where your travels take you, you may end up in an area without cell phone service, or in another country where your cell phone will not work. When this is the case, having a satellite phone with guaranteed communication abilities can bring you peace of mind. Satellite phones will provide you with the ability to connect with family, friends, or emergency services no matter where your travels take you. You can even set some of them up to send a breadcrumb trail of your gps location to a specified person as you travel to ensure that someone always knows where you are. Satellite phones provide a level of safety for travelers that just can’t be found any other way. 

Global Communication Abilities

No matter where you are in the world, a satellite phone can provide you with global communication abilities. Whether you find yourself in the backcountry, Canada, or the UK, you’ll have access to a device that will enable you to communicate with others. This is especially important if you are traveling alone. 

However, beware that some countries have outlawed satellite phones, so you’ll want to do your research before bringing a satellite phone into another country. Some countries that have made satellite phones illegal include North Korea, the Republic of Chad, China, Bangladesh, and Cuba. There are also other countries that have laws pertaining to satellite phone usage that you’ll want to be aware of before beginning your travels. When traveling to another country, it’s always good practice to do some research about the nation and its laws whether you plan to bring a satellite phone or not. 

Use It to Check In With Family

Satellite phones give you the ability to check in with family and friends while you are traveling. Whether this includes a quick text to let them know that you’re okay at the end of the day or a half hour conversation with your kids before bedtime is totally up to you. The important thing here is that you have a way to communicate with the people who mean the most to you and that they can have peace of mind knowing that you’re safe.

Use it to Connect With Emergency Services

Nobody necessarily enjoys thinking about worst case scenarios, but if you’re traveling, especially by yourself, preparing for an emergency situation is essential. With a satellite phone, you don’t need to be within cell range to make a call, so no matter where you go, you’ll have access to a reliable communication device. In addition, if a natural disaster strikes in the area where you happen to be traveling, cell phone towers can become overwhelmed or cease to work for other reasons. A satellite phone will be one of the only avenues available to get a hold or emergency personnel. 

Preprogrammed Emergency Features

Some satellite phones, like the Iridium Extreme, have a built-in S.O.S. button. You can pre-program this safety feature with a phone number. In the case that an emergency does occur, you simply press the S.O.S. button, and your gps location will be automatically sent to the predetermined number. This is especially helpful if you plan on going into the wilderness at any time during your travels. 


Don’t Get Caught Without Access to Reliable Communication

The Benefits of Traveling With a Satellite Phone

Now that we’ve discussed how a satellite phone can provide you with peace of mind and safety during your travels, it’s time to talk about the other benefits of traveling with a satellite phone. From the ability to use a satellite phone from anywhere on the planet to their easy-to-use interfaces, investing in a satellite phone is always a smart decision for the avid traveler.

Satellite Phones Work Over National Lines

As we stated in the last section, satellite phones will work no matter where you are in the world. That means you won’t have to purchase an international cell phone to use while you are in another country, or if you are traveling between several countries. While some countries do have laws dictating satellite phone usage, for most travelers, those probably aren’t the countries that you are choosing to travel to. And, if one of those countries is on your list, do some research because some of those countries do allow certain satellite phones under specific conditions. 

Easy to Use

Another benefit of traveling with a satellite phone is how easy they are to use. Most come with fairly intuitive interfaces, or you could choose to use the Thuraya SatSleeve+, which allows you to connect your own smartphone to the Thuraya satellite phone network. Generally speaking though, most people will not have an issue learning their way around the majority of satellite phones. 

Option to Rent or Buy

One of the reasons that a person who is traveling may hesitate in investing in a satellite phone is because they are more expensive than most smartphones, and the plans cost a bit more as well. However, if you’ve never used a satellite phone before or are traveling for the first time and don’t want to invest in something you aren’t sure if you’ll use again, you do have the option to rent a satellite phone. At Outfitter Satellite, we offer both options. In the long run, if you travel often, enjoy hiking in the backcountry, or want to prepare in case of an emergency, purchasing a satellite phone is the way to go. However, renting may be a great way for you to try out a couple of different models before choosing the one you would like to own. 

Talk, Text, and Data Capabilities 

Satellite phones are unlikely to provide you with the same speed that you are used to when it comes to accessing the internet on your smartphone, but many do have data capabilities and allow for both talk and text. This allows for versatility of use. Whether you just want to send a quick text to check in with a friend or family member, you would like to check your work email, or you’d like to hear a loved one’s voice, many satellite phones will allow for any of those options.

 

Interested in Renting a Satellite Phone?

Which Satellite Phones Are Best for Travelers?

If you are considering purchasing or renting a satellite phone for your next trip, you have probably found an overwhelming amount of satellite phones available during your search. So, how do you know which is best for you? Which will provide you with the global connectivity that you desire? Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best satellite phones and satcom equipment for travelers. 

Satellite Phone

Iridium Extreme®

The Iridium Extreme is a powerful safety tool. It’s weather-resistant and has an Ingress Rating of IP65 against water and dust intrusion, so you can take it with you almost anywhere. It works on the Iridium satellite network, which is the most preferred network due to it offering true global coverage. You can make calls, send text messages, and set it up to automatically send your gps location to a predetermined number throughout the day. The Iridium Extreme® from Outfitter Satellite even includes a padded soft case, making it ideal for traveling.

Thuraya SatSleeve+

Thuraya SatSleeve+

The Thuraya SatSleeve+ isn’t quite a satellite phone. Instead, it turns your smartphone into a satellite phone. While there isn’t much of a learning curve to use most satellite phones, the fact that this works through an Android or Apple app, means there is little to none. It also comes with a universal adapter, so it fits many different smartphone models. 

Purchase the Thuraya SatSleeve+

Iridium GO!

Iridium GO!® 

The Iridium GO!® is another piece of equipment, that while not exactly a satellite phone, is ideal for providing a traveler with access to the global Iridium satellite network. This WiFi hotspot works with a smartphone or tablet. You can use it to make phone calls and send text messages. You can even connect up to five smartphones simultaneously, so if you’re traveling with a group, this may be ideal.

Purchase the Iridium GO!


Outfitter Satellite – Your Source for Satellite PhonesOutfitter Satellite – Your Source for Satellite Phones

Are you getting ready for a big trip? It’s time to consider a satellite phone. travelers of all kinds can benefit from bringing a global communication device with them on the road, air, or sea. Whether you plan on visiting areas where the cell service may be spotty, traversing across counties, or are planning for really any type of traveling, a satellite phone can ensure that you always have access to reliable communication. 

At Outfitter Satellite, we carry the best in satellite phones and satcom equipment, and we offer an unparalleled experience when it comes to customer service. With our 24/7 technical support, you’ll never be on your own. We sell and rent satellite phones, so whether you are an avid traveler or just making your first trip and would like to experience the benefits of a satellite phone for the first time, we have you covered. Shop our selection of satellite phones today.