Compare Satellite Networks
Discover how the leading networks compare
Satellite Network Comparison Table
Comparing key features of the respective network that your satellite device will operate on is vital when choosing the right product for your needs. A satellite phone or communications device is only as good as the network behind it. We’ve summarized some of the key strengths and limitations of the leading satellite network providers to help narrow down the options.
| Network comparison | Inmarsat (IsatPhone) | Inmarsat (BGAN) | Iridium | Globalstar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Nearly global (excludes polar regions) | Nearly global (excludes polar regions) | Global (Complete coverage including the polar regions and oceans) | Near global (excludes polar regions and some mid-ocean regions) |
| Number of satellites | 3 | 3 | 66 | 48 |
| Type | GEO | GEO | LEO | LEO |
| Latency | Some latency | Some latency | Lowest latency | Lowest latency |
| Network registration speed (optimal) | About 30 seconds | About 30 seconds | About 5-10 seconds | About 5-10 seconds |
| Weather affected network connection or call quality? | No | No | No | No |
| Truly mobile | No. Stationary use with the antenna pointed toward the equator | No. Stationary use with the antenna pointed toward the equator | Yes, can walk and talk using the phone | Yes, can walk and talk using the phone |
| Type of phone number | International (Optional Dedicated US Phone Number) | International (Optional Dedicated US Phone Number) | International (Optional Dedicated US Phone Number) | North American (A US phone number is included) |
| Services supported | Voice Text Data GPS location SOS alert button & monitoring |
Simultaneous voice, text & broadband data Standard IP Streaming IP GPS location |
Voice Text Data GPS location SOS alert button & monitoring |
Voice Text (incoming only) Data GPS location |
| Data speed (up to) | 9.6 kbps (phone) | 492 kbps (varies by device) | 2.4 kbps | 9.6 kbps (phone) |
| Airtime options | Pay-as-you-go monthly plans Prepaid cards |
Annual plans paid monthly Prepaid cards |
Pay-as-you-go monthly plans Prepaid cards |
Annual plans (invoiced monthly or annually) |
| Learn more | Inmarsat | Inmarsat | Iridium |