Satellite Phones & Hotspot Renters Guide
The truth is that not all things are equal. I know that sounds harsh and you might feel I'm being unfair but in reality there are just three quality Satellite hardware and airtime suppliers we recommend.
We are blessed and proud to have served YOU, Australian business and customers for over 17 years and as Australia's NO 1 and largest Satellite Phone Rental or Hire Company we got here by simply listening to you and concentrating on giving you the best and safest experience possible.
We would firstly like to say a BIG Thank You to you for being a customer because "We always understand you have a choice."
Over the past several years, satellite phones have quietly made giant leaps in talk quality, airtime call costs and availability. For example, did you know some satellite phones now have push-to-talk capabilities, or if you only need a satellite phone for a few days or weeks, you can!
As the only Authorised Satellite Phone & Data rental company approved by all the satellite networks we are also able to bring you local dialling. This is a huge advantage to YOU our clients. Simply put it now means that no matter what service or handset you get form us, you are able to receive calls or texts from your work or love ones and they will only pay their relevant mobile plan costs rather than an international call charge. This is no small thing!!
We pride ourselves on offering a full-service solution. We understand this technology can be intimidating for first-timers and those who haven’t rented or hired a new satellite phone in years. We welcome the opportunity to explain the difference between GEO and LEO satellite technologies, and which will offer better coverage, voice quality, and data speed to suit your needs. As industry experts, we know which companies are planning to shoot more satellites into space and which are building more ground stations. We hope the information below helps narrow your decision and invite you to stop by one of our stores so we can answer any questions you have in person. After all, nobody understands the importance of good communication when you feel lost in the middle of nowhere better than us.
Satellite Phone - Choosing the right phone
Technical Specs
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| Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Kit | Iridium 9575 Push-To-Talk (PTT) Satellite Phone | Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | |
| Satellite Coverage | Global * | Global | Global | Global | Global |
| Data Speeds | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Voice Quality | Better | Better | Better | Better | Good |
| Push-to-Talk | |||||
| Text Messaging | |||||
| Size | Small | Small | Small | Small | Small |
| Durability | Toughest | Toughest | Durable | Durable | Toughest |
| Battery | Best | Good | Good | Good | Best |
| GPS | |||||
| Emergency SOS | |||||
| Send/Receive Email | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory |
| Router Compatibility | |||||
| Who’s it for? | A favourite for maritime users because of its long battery and water resistance. Emergency responders, renowned journalists, military and government agencies have relied on Inmarsat for decades, making IsatPhone the number 1 choice. | All-around phone. Reliable, durable, great for emergency needs and remote use. | Great for direct talk in remote locations; e.g., emergency responders, oil and gas, race teams, search and rescue, SAS | A slim and compact global satellite phone that fits the majority of customers' simple voice and sms needs. | Connect your smartphone or tablet within an approx. 30 Metre radius. Great for anyone who wants to use their current device anywhere. |
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| Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium Extreme 9575 Satellite Phone Kit | Iridium 9575 Push-To-Talk (PTT) Satellite Phone | Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Standard Package | Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | |
| Price | From $10 A Day* | From $13 A Day* | From $15 A Day* | From $13 A Day* | From $15 A Day* |
| Coverage | Globalpoles 90% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Weight | 279g/9.84oz/0.62lbs | 247g/8.71oz/0.54lbs | 247g/8.71oz/0.54lbs | 266g/9.38oz/0.59lbs | 295g/10.14oz/0.65lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 2.13 x 1.54in | 5.51 x 2.36 x 1.06in | 5.51 x 2.36 x 1.06in | 5.63 x 2.17 x 1.18in | 4.5 x 3.25 x 1.25in |
| Battery Life | 8 hours talk; 100 hours standby |
4 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
3.5 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
3.1 hours talk; 30 hours standby |
7 hours talk; 16 hours standby |
| Display | Color | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Durability | - Humidity tolenrance up to 95% - Dust-splash - Shock-resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant |
- Dustproof - Shock-resistant - Jet-water resistant | |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | N/A | IP65 |
| Web Browsing | |||||
| Data Speed | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps | 2.4Kbps |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | |||||
| GPS | |||||
| Emergency (SOS) | |||||
| Low-Earth Satellites (LEO) | |||||
| Geostationary Satellites (GEO) | |||||
| HIRE | HIRE | HIRE | HIRE | HIRE |
Who Are These Phones For?
A Quick Breakdown
This phone offers incredible voice clarity and has the longest-lasting battery of any Inmarsat Satellite Phone. The IsatPhone 2 is as durable as they come, holding up in 95% humidity environments as well as splash-resistant. Although, this phone isn't 100% waterproof, yet it is the preferred choice with land pre-paid customers as well as safety agencies-- or any individual who appreciates reliable coverage, along with inexpensive satellite airtime, high level of equipment and also low monthly fees.
The iridium 9575 sat phone is an all-round dependable satellite phone, offering 100% global coverage. The phone could have improved voice quality, but it already includes the highest grade of sturdiness and also can be counted on when required; specifically in high-stress situations where GPS monitoring is important and an emergency SOS button could be necessary.
The push-to-talk feature makes this satphone a game changer for those in a group in remote locations. The PTT offers all the advantages of the Extreme, with the added advantage of interacting with others straight away and also without using satellite minutes or data. Future firmware releases will allow the phone to get missed telephone calls and also message notifications while in PTT mode, however today it operates in either PTT or Satellite phone mode. For those on race teams, in the oil and gas sector, or involved in search and rescue operations, the Iridium 9575 PTT is unrivalled.
The 9555 satellite Phone from Iridium operates on the very same satellite network as its Iridium siblings and is friendly, no-frills, reliable and trustworthy. This satellite phone comes with 100% worldwide global coverage. If periodic telephone calls and text messages are all you need or maybe you want the convenience of having an emergency line wherever you go, the 9555 is tough enough as well as pocket size to do the job. Simply put, the Iridium 9555 satellite phone is an extremely reliable handset for daily use without some additional exterior attributes encountered in its newer brother, the Iridium 9575 which comes at a higher price.
The Iridium Go is an impressive device providing a satellite connection to your existing Wi-Fi-enabled smart device, tablet, or computer, within an approximate 100-foot radius. Up to 5 different devices can be connected all at once, allowing you to utilize your existing devices for voice phone calls, sms message, emails, weather updates, GPS tracking, uploading on social media sites, emergency situation informs, and also more via third-party apps.
Data Needs
When your objective is to get some real work done, whether that means sending out an excel sheet or obtaining a message, you'll need to access increased data capacity, which needs direct satellite data connection. These Wi-Fi hotspots as they are more commonly known are essential for easy work use in addition to syncing with your existing smartphones, tablet, and also laptop computers, albeit some require unique software application that will compress the information for efficiency. When using a satellite wifi hotspot, you can stay in communication without a devoted satellite phone. Better yet, you can message or call.
Let us assist you in picking the best hotspot for your personal requirements. We intend to make sure you get the right information to meet your individual needs whilst tailoring it to get the most for your budget.
Satellite Hotspots - Choosing the right devices
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| Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Explorer 510 | Hughes 9202 | |
| Satellite Coverage | Global | Global | Global |
| Data Speeds | Low | High | High - Fast |
| Software Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Users | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Durability | Toughest | Toughest | Tough |
| Battery | Best | Good | N/A |
| Who’s it for? | Emergency use, low data needs, coverage everywhere. | Easy setup, easy to use, high messaging needs, clear voice calls. | Stationary location use for groups, group communication, email, messaging, voice calls. |
Technical Specs
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| Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot | Explorer 510 | Hughes 9202 | |
| Rent From * (Based on Min 3 month Hire ) | $13 A/Day | $35 A/ Day | |
| Coverage | 100% | Global | Global |
| Weight | 295g/10.14oz/0.65lbs | 1.4 Kgs | 1.4 Kgs |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.25 x 1.25in | 7.8 x 7.8 x 1.6in | 8.5x 8.5 x 1.61in |
| Battery Life | 7 hours talk; 16 hours standby |
3 hours operating | 3 - 5 Hours |
| Wi-Fi Range | 30 meters/100 feet | N/A | N/A |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 | IP65 | IP55 |
| Data Speed | 2.4Kbps | 128kbps | 128Kbps |
| Text Messaging (SMS) | |||
| GPS | |||
| Mobile Apps | iOS/Android | iOS/Android | iOS/Android |
| Low Earth Satellites (LEO) | |||
| Geostationary Satellites (GEO) |
Who Are These Hotspots For?
A Quick Breakdown
This amazing hotspot gadget supplies a satellite connection to your existing Wi-Fi-enabled smart phone, tablet, or computer within an approximate 30 Metre radius. Approximately 5 gadgets can be connected concurrently, allowing you to use your existing mobile devices for voice calls, sms message, e-mails, weather condition updates, GPS tracking, photo sharing, posting on social media, emergency alerts, and also much more through third-party apps.
The Inmarsat IsatHub supplies the most effective rates of the bunch. You will not have to strive obtaining that rate either since a signal-strength indicator light will assist you locate the very best antenna angle for simple arrangement. Using the IsatHub, you can make top quality voice calls, and with the iSavi interface, you can search the internet, obtain weather reports, shoot e-mails, and also extra. You can also use your existing text messaging service, such as Apple's iMessage.
Maritime & Land Mobile Data
When selecting the correct communication tool and service for maritime or mobile land data needs, the choices can be truly overwhelming. We have actually created some tables to help highlight the primary differences between the data plans as well as tools so you do not waste your time surfing DirectTV satellite alternatives for a cruise ship when all you're trying to find is data support for e-mail as well as weather conditions when fishing a few hundred miles offshore.
When you explore your research on satellite data options you'll observe a lot of the gadgets consist of numerical tags in them, such as 250 or 500. These names essentially stand for the verified capable data rates and often highlight the primary distinction in between two comparable products from the very same maker. For fast assistance, there are 3 primary considerations (beyond coverage location) when narrowing your choices: the amount of data you need, the rate of your information demands, and the corresponding gadget to facilitate your use..
Choosing the right devices
Maritime Mobile Data
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| Cobham Sailor Inmarsat Fleet One Terminal with 10m Antenna Cable | Intellian FB250 Fleet Broadband Maritime Internet Terminal | Iridium Pilot Maritime Broadband Terminal - 20m | KVH TracPhone V3-IP Maritime VSAT terminal | |
| Satellite Coverage | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) | Global | Worldwide (no poles) |
| Land/Maritime | Maritime | Maritime | Maritime | Maritime |
| Data Speeds | Low | Mid | Low | High |
| Size | Smallest | Smaller | Small | Small |
| Cost | Lowest | Low | Lower | Moderate |
| Who’s it for? | Recreational boater with minimal data needs; wants reliable communication without a lot of hassle or hefty price tag. | Large commercial vessels that need tough equipment, reliable communication, and basic internet functionality. | Communication needed anywhere in the world. Solid data speeds good for email, navigation, and basic reporting. | The most robust device for serious data needs. Great communication and heavy data needs, such as web browsing and file downloads. |
Land Mobile Data
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| Safari Land Vehicular BGAN Terminal | Cobham Explorer 325 | Thrane Explorer 727 Mobile Inmarsat BGAN Terminal (Desert Sand Color ONly) | |
| Satellite Coverage | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) | Worldwide (no poles) |
| Land/Maritime | Land | Land | Land |
| Data Speeds | Mid | Mid | Mid |
| Size | Smaller | Smallest | Small |
| Cost | Low | Lowest | Moderate |
| Who’s it for? | Easy to mount on vehicles; small footprint; fast data speeds; connects with Wi-Fi devices; great for explorers | Easy to mount on vehicles; small footprint; fast data speeds; router functionality. Great for those who want a reliable device for talking. | A robust, roof-mounted antenna for commercial users on the go. Four ethernet ports for broadband, making it a great option for media, civil government and other mobile teams in remote areas. |
Data Service Plans
* All plans allow for additional talk and texting, but varying rates apply. This can get expensive, so please contact us to find out which plan is best for you.
| Inmarsat Fleet One Coastal 5 MB Plan | Inmarsat IsatHub Monthly 300 MB Plan | Iridium 10 Minute Monthly Plan | Inmarsat Fleet Broadband 25 MB Standard Plan | KVH 50MB Metered Plan | |
| Price | |||||
| Data Speed | 100Kbps | 384Kbps | 128Kbps | 256Kbps | 2Mbps |
| Talk | 5 minutes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Text | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Data Usage | 5 MB | 300 MB | 25 MB | 50 MB |
Who Are These Devices For?
A Quick Breakdown
Ocean
Cobham Sailor Fleet One Terminal Cobham Sailor Fleet One Terminal For the casual boatie who regularly travel out of sight of shore and also wishes an emergency access line, this is the satellite remedy for you. Speeds aren't lightning as well as data caps aren't high, however this tool is excellent for obtaining weather reports and also sending out a couple of messages to friends, family or business ashore to let them know you're alive, well and getting a great tan..
If your "boat" is big enough to carry a few sea containers, this is the terminal you must be looking at. Made for commercial vessels, the FB250 can stand up to the challenging conditions of the open sea and provide trustworthy communication and broadband to allow the upcoming port know when you're going to arrive.
Okay you'll struggle in a desert otherwise there's no place on the ocean this terminal cannot transmit a signal. It hands down has the very best coverage on the market and also ought to be considered by those who plan a distant stretch in the open sea. The Pilot uses offers plenty of data to send and also receive e-mails, chart navigation plans, and also maintain each day other fundamental life saving and weather information
Land
Affix the Addvalue Safari to the top of your 4 wheel Drive or Ute and you're instantly a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot. This terminal is excellent for those that want to use their laptop computers, smartphones, as well as tablet computers while away from the mobile grid. The antenna has the highest dynamic efficiency and performance on the marketplace and gives fantastic coverage and also the cheapest data rates. It plays well with others, via its fleet tracking as well as geofencing capacities.
Consider the Explorer 325 if you're not seeking to run a website from your vehicle, but you are trying to find quick as well as trusted communication. The Explorer 325 does not supply Wi-Fi but includes an IP mobile handset for high voice quality. Openly drive across borderes since there are no roaming charges either. This terminal is excellent for altruistic operations, freight transportation, broadcasts, or telemedicine.
The Thrane Traveler 727 is the larger brother of the 325, which is to state it's bigger, much faster, and for customers with more advanced speaking and communication demands. The 727 features four ethernet ports, instead of 2 on the 325, and it can get to streaming r-speed that are twice as fast (256Kbps). These broadband speeds are a favourite of media companies, as well as the mobile phone is preferred by business customers that require strong, trustworthy interaction
