A Little Help With Finding The Right Satellite Phone

In well populated and developed areas of the world cell phones are considered just part of the mainstream; most people wouldn't give much thought to them because they are so common. However there are places and people who really need cell phones but until recently, that was just not an option. Now there are many new phones being available as well as plans to get just the right one that is custom fitted for your personal needs, but do your comparison shopping first before you decide.

When you begin the process of being part of the cell phone generation, there are some ground facts that you should be aware of. First, there is the initial cost of the phone. Then, in the beginning you will usually have to pay the activation fee if your plan requires it, in addition to all this you will have to purchase your first month of minutes up front for the phone. These purchasing facts can add up quickly.

When you compare satellite phones to cell phones and all that is involved, you will find some key differences. Satellite phones by their very nature will cost more. It is no uncommon to be expected to pay anywhere from $700 to $1300 for these phones. The lighter financial burden is associated with the subscription and activation fees which generally run around $50. In addition to the sticker shock of the satellite phones, is the common cost of the minutes used with these phones. They can start out as low as a dollar a minute and spiral up to ten dollars a minute. This might really cause concern for today's cell phone users that would find this robbery by all definitions.

You will find a few brands that supply most satellite phone users. On the low end is the Inmarsat Isatphone that will run you around $700. This would be for a handset phone. The Iridium handset phone is usually around $1500. Thuraya phones are in between and range anywhere from a grand all the way up to $1300. Considering that is such a far range of prices it makes sense to check them out to be sure that you are getting one that will work in your area as well as work for what you need it to.

Always remember that satellite phones work their very best outdoors. The best signals are those that are unobstructed, with a direct sight line from the phone to the satellite and back again. It is wise the determine the cost differences of the phone usage as well as what phones you will be calling. Take the Inmarsat Isatphone for example, if you call a cell phone, you minutes start at $1 and continue until you hang up. If you are calling someone with the same type of phone as you, the minutes start at $2 and continue until you hang up. However, if your calls are to the Iridium or Thuraya phones, these rates will start at $3 a minute, so be sure to really think over what your phone should be.