How Much Does a Satellite Phone Cost?

Last Updated on January 8, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Satellite phones provide essential communication capabilities in remote regions where cellular networks can’t reach. But with complex pricing plans and models, a common question arises – how much does purchasing and operating a satellite phone really cost?

This guide examines the expenses involved, from purchase prices and calling rates to data plans and accessories. Read on for a full breakdown of satellite phone costs to determine if these specialized devices fit your connectivity needs and budget.

How Much Does a Satellite Phone Cost?

Satellite phone costs can range from a minimum of around $350 for a basic device and prepaid plan up to $5,000 or more annually for premium maritime hardware with extensive talk time allocations and global roaming capabilities. Expect to budget at least $500 to $1,000 for a quality satellite phone and service for most personal and professional applications.

Satellite phone prices span a wide range depending on the network technology, features, and use case:

• Handsets – $300 to $1,500+
• Network Plans – $50 to $150 per month
• Calling Rates – $0.50 to $2.00+ per minute
• Data Rates – $2 to $15 per megabyte (MB)
• Rentals – $25 to $50 per day

Expect to budget at minimum $300 to $600 for an entry-level device, with maritime and specialty models running $1,500+. Occasional users may find renting more cost-effective short term.

According to Europa Satellite, prices for popular models include the Iridium 9555 at approximately $1,150.00, the Iridium Extreme 9575 at around $1,395.00, and the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 priced at about $899.95. These prices reflect the high-quality features and global coverage that these devices offer.

Another source, Satellite Phone Store, lists the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 on sale for $699.00, indicating that prices can vary based on promotions and specific models. They also note that service plans can start at around $40 per month, which includes a minimal talk time allowance.

A report from GearJunkie mentions that satellite phones typically cost upward of $1,000, with models like the Iridium GO! priced at approximately $855 and the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 around $899. This pricing reflects the advanced capabilities and reliability of these devices for off-grid communication.

According to information from Pulsar Beyond, the Iridium 9555 is currently available for about $1,150.00. The site emphasizes that while initial costs can be high, satellite phones provide essential communication capabilities in remote areas where traditional cell service is unavailable.

Lastly, an article from MySatPhone lists various Iridium models with prices starting from around $1,594.00 for the Iridium Extreme 9575. This highlights how premium features and global coverage can significantly affect pricing.

Real-World Phone Cost Scenarios

To make pricing concrete, here are two example satellite phone cost estimates:

Personal Setup for International Hiker

• Iridium 9555 handset: $500
• 75 minute/month prepaid plan: $60/month
• Backup battery: $60
• Signal booster antenna: $150
• Estimated overage charges: $30
• Total Year 1 Cost: $1,290

Keeping talk time limited and avoiding satellites helps contain costs.

Commercial Maritime Package

• Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 maritime handset: $950
• 400 minute/month postpaid plan: $150/month
• Docking station: $300
• Solar charger case: $80
• Emergency SOS beacon: $250
• Total Year 1 Cost: $3,320

Robust connectivity demands premium investments, but delivers enhanced safety and utility.

Satellite Phone Cost Breakdown

What factors make up total satellite phone pricing?

1. Initial Device Purchase

Prices range widely for handsets based on:

• Brand (Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, Globalstar)
• Model tier (basic, intermediate, premium)
• Durability rating (consumer, rugged, maritime)
• Features (network compatibility, battery life, apps)

Expect to pay $500 to $1,500+ for most quality phones.

2. Network Subscription Plans

Monthly or prepaid plans for talk time and data incur ongoing fees:

• Prepaid options from $50 to $150 per month
• Postpaid plans span $60 to $250+ depending on usage
• Overage charges apply if allotments exceeded

Choosing plans to match needs prevents costly overages.

3. Per Minute Rates and Data Charges

You might also like our articles on the cost of a satellite, Starlink, or Cisco phone system.

Usage beyond plan amounts incurs pay-per-use fees:

• Calling rates from $0.50 to $2.00+ per minute
• Data usage from $2 to $15 per megabyte (MB)
• Roaming and international calls cost more

Monitoring usage helps minimize costly overage charges.

4. Accessories and Add-Ons

Enhancing performance and usability requires additional gear:

• Signal booster antennas ($150 to $300)
• Solar chargers ($80 to $250)
• Docking stations ($150 to $350)
• Extra batteries ($30 to $90 per battery)

Quality accessories improve the experience but add expenses.

Factors Influencing Satellite Phone Pricing

Many important considerations impact the costs of satellite phones:

1. Network Technology and Coverage – Newer networks like Iridium NEXT provide better coverage and reliability at a premium. Older networks are less expensive but have more gaps.
2. Brand and Model Selection – Advanced flagship phone models cost more than basic devices. But they offer improved durability, battery life, apps, and features.
3. Contract Length and Commitment – Prepaid plans cost more but allow flexibility to change plans or cancel anytime. Annual contracts offer lower rates but require one- or two-year commitments.
4. Usage Volume – Plans with unlimited talk time and generous data avoid overages but have higher monthly fees. Pay-per-use pricing penalizes heavy usage.
5. Roaming and International Calling – Calls outside your home region incur costly roaming fees. International calls have elevated per minute charges.
6. Accessories and Add-Ons – Essential accessories like signal boosters and backup batteries improve the experience yet increase startup costs.
7. Rental versus Purchase – Short-term rentals cost more daily but avoid large upfront purchases. Long-term use favors buying.

Monthly and Annual Service Plan Costs

Most providers offer prepaid and contract plan options with varying costs:

Prepaid Monthly Plans

• Price: $50 to $150 per month
• Minutes: 75 to 400 minutes included
• Data: 100 MB to 1 GB included
• Pros: No long-term contract, change plans anytime
• Cons: More expensive, unused minutes don’t roll over

Annual Contract Plans

• Price: $500 to $1,800 per year
• Minutes: 400 to 3,000+ minutes included
• Data: 500 MB to 4 GB included
• Pros: Lower rates, unused minutes/data rollover
• Cons: 12- or 24-month commitment required

With prepaid, you pay more for flexibility. Contracts provide better rates but require commitments. Choose the best option for your needs.

Renting vs Buying a Satellite Phone

Renting provides short-term access for occasional use:

Rental Costs

• Daily Rate: $25 to $50 per day typically
• Weekly Rate: $100 to $200 per week
• Monthly Rate: $250 to $500 per month

Rental Considerations

• Convenient for short-term trips under 2 weeks
• Limited selection of phone models
• Extra fees for calls, texts, data overages
• Loss or damage waiver protections available

Buying Outright

• Price: $300 to $1,500
• Pros: Own the device, cost-effective long-term
• Cons: Large upfront expenditure

When planning temporary excursions in remote regions, renting a sat phone for the duration can provide essential connectivity without requiring a long-term contract or purchase. Yet frequent users will save significantly by purchasing.

Satellite Phones vs. Satellite Messengers

Satellite messengers like inReach and SPOT devices provide more limited capabilities but at lower costs:

Satellite Phones

• Hardware Cost: $300 to $1,500
• Monthly Fee: $50 to $150
• Capabilities: Voice calls, texting, SOS alert

Satellite Messengers

• Hardware Cost: $100 to $350
• Monthly Fee: $10 to $50
• Capabilities: Text messaging, SOS alert signal

Messengers suffice for basic check-ins and emergencies. But for voice communication and improved redundancy, satellite phones justify the higher costs for many users.

Save Money on Satellite Phones

Here are 7 proven ways to get satellite phone access at the lowest cost:

• Choose prepaid plans with minutes matching your exact needs
• Use data sparingly or rely on WIFI when available
• Purchase factory reconditioned or pre-owned phones
• Opt for a locked IMEI number to prevent unauthorized roaming fees
• Bundle a phone with an annual plan for package discounts
• Share devices between multiple people to split costs
• Take advantage of seasonal sales promotions

Following this practical advice could potentially save hundreds per year in satellite communication costs.

Trends and Projections

Looking ahead, here are two potential scenarios that could impact costs:

• New LEO Networks – SpaceX’s Starlink network expands affordable coverage
• Hybrid Phones – Combination satellite and cellular devices become mainstream

The most likely outlook is downward pressure on pricing through technological improvements and competition. But network capacity limitations may prevent dramatic near-term disruption.

Expert Insights

“When planning extended trips in remote regions, don’t underestimate the value of robust satellite connectivity. Paying a premium for the latest network technology, durable hardware, and sufficient usage allowances provides confidence and peace of mind well worth the investment.”

Final Words

While satellite phones entail considerable upfront and ongoing costs, for certain applications they provide capabilities beyond value. When traveling or working in extremely remote regions, sat phones can literally be a lifeline.

With prudent selection of hardware, network, and contract, satellite phones deliver indispensable connectivity at reasonable total ownership costs.

Answers to Common Questions

Do you need to charge a satellite phone?

Yes, satellite phones need to be charged regularly to maintain operation, similar to a mobile cell phone. Here are some key charging considerations:

• Battery life is typically 8 to 16 hours of talk time when fully charged
• Charging requires either A/C power or special vehicle chargers
• Spare batteries are essential for extended use away from power sources
• Some models have solar panel charging cases to prolong battery life
• Proper power management is important to avoid draining the battery

So satellite phones can’t operate without regular charging. Having portable power banks and extra batteries is critical for remote use. Proper charging habits maximize uptime.

How much does it cost to use a satellite phone?

The cost to use a satellite phone varies based on several factors:

• Calling rates are typically $0.50 to $2.00+ per minute
• Monthly network plans range from $50 for basic to $150 for unlimited minutes
• Data costs around $2 to $15 per megabyte (MB) downloaded
• Overage fees if monthly limits exceeded

For most users, network subscription plans starting at $50 per month plus metered calling and data provide the most cost-effective option balancing affordability and flexibility. Those making frequent calls should budget for higher monthly fees to avoid overages.

Does a satellite phone work everywhere?

No, satellite phones don’t provide true worldwide coverage everywhere. There are some limitations:

• Phones must have line-of-sight to communicate with satellites in orbit.
• Coverage may drop in very dense forests, deep valleys or canyons, buildings, or vehicles.
• Satellite orbits don’t cover the polar latitudes found in the Arctic and Antarctic.
• Some maritime areas lack coverage due to gaps between satellite footprints.
• Government restrictions prohibit use in certain countries like North Korea.

So while satellite technology offers extensive global reach, some remote regions still have connectivity limitations. External antennas can improve coverage. But environmental and regulatory barriers remain.