In a few of our more recent posts, we’ve highlighted our commitment to providing the best customer service in the satellite communications industry -- bar-none. We’ve also outlined our broad range of satellite phones for sale, satellite hotspots, BGAN terminals, and other services we offer here at Outfitter Satellite. For a brief overview of what we have to offer world travelers looking for marine satellite internet, satellite phones for hunting, or satcom for another reason, we encourage you to peruse through those posts at your convenience.

But, seeing as you are already here on this post, you might as well stick around to see what we’ve got in store for you today.

As it turns out, today’s post is dedicated to those in our readership who would consider themselves new to the world of satellite phones and satellite communication in general. If you are planning to go on a trip where you will need to be connected to the outside world from a remote location(s), this post is for you. We’ll help you navigate this seemingly confusing landscape so you can be confident about your purchase package.

Really, it’s not so confusing or intimidating once you can answer a few basic questions and learn some essential definitions. Just like anything, it takes just a bit of time for everything to click. With that in mind, keep reading if you are interested in learning some of the basics!

Let’s Start At The Very Beginning

...A very good place to start. Name that movie!? Nobody? Bueller? We digress. Let’s stick to satellite cell phones rentals and such. It’s The Sound of Music, in case you were wondering.

Regardless, satellite phones are a modern yet vital piece of equipment for those who travel to the world’s most remote locations but still must be connected to the outside world. Reasons might include business, pleasure, or necessity. If you are a member of the Von Trapp family, you’d be qualified under the latter category, as having a sat phone ready for use while passing over the Swiss Alps on foot would have come in quite handy as the family fled from Nazi Germany.

We digress. Genuinely.

However, it’s important to note that not all satellite cell phones function the same way. Some function well at certain latitudes and regions, while others perform particularly well in mountainous terrain. Others still can boast global coverage, but tend to be pricier than some potentially viable alternatives.

Do you need a phone for some light email now and then or do you require broadband internet for the purposes of uploading video or the like? You’ll get answers to all of these questions in due time, but for now, let’s start with three cornerstone questions to help you figure out the exact sat phone you need, whether you are looking to rent or purchase.

Should I Buy Or Rent A Satellite Phone?

If you have a single-time need for satellite phone use, or even if you just plan on using it for a few weeks out of the year, renting a satellite mobile phone is probably your best for financial reasons. Here at Outfitter Satellite, we offer both short-term and long-term sat phone rental options. That being said, if you want to avoid the (light) hassle of undergoing the rental process each time you need a rental satellite cell phone, we have satellite phones for sale as well right here at Outfitter Satellite.

Where Will I Use The Sat Phone?

Like we mentioned above, in so many words: not all sat phones are created equally. For example, Iridium provides global coverage and functions without trouble even in mountainous areas. Contrast Iridium sat phones with Inmarsat, which tends to be a more affordable option. Inmarsat coverage is not available in polar regions and Inmarsat connectivity can be an issue if you plan on being in remote, mountainous areas.

A third option we have at Outfitter Satellite is Thuraya satellite phones, which are compact and lightweight. They also offer lower operating costs, but their drawbacks include select regional coverage in regions like Australia, Africa, India, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. If you have more specific questions about coverage and which phone to select, give us a call to supplement your research. We’ll be happy to help where we can!

Do I Need Broadband Internet Access?

Excellent question, if we do say so ourselves. If all you really need is light emailing now and then to make sure you stay in touch, you’ll probably be fine going with the relatively slow 2.4 kbps data speed you can get with Inmarsat or Iridium handheld satellite phones. If you need broadband internet access for web browsing, video uploading, or you just can’t stay away from social media for any length of time whatsoever, we’d recommend getting a portable broadband internet terminal. Inmarsat BGAN or Thuraya IP are great options for this kind of service.

Outfitter Satellite -- Your Satellite Phone Rental Provider Of Choice

Whether you are looking to buy or rent a satellite telephone, Outfitter Satellite is your one-stop-shop for all satcom accessories and necessary equipment. We offer SIM cards, prepaid reloads, and a host of other solutions that are sure to make sure you are fully equipped for whatever your next adventure has in store. Reach out to us today if you have any questions or are in need of some advice when it comes to selecting the solution that meets your needs best.