Best Satellite Phones

If there's one thing that pilots inherently know, it's the importance of communication and the value of redundancy. While everyone and their kid seems to have a cell phone in their pockets these days, not every location is near a cell tower. Would you be able to connect in an emergency in the backcountry? Satellite phones and communication devices are a solid add to a pilot's flight bag that ensures communication with the outside world, no matter how remote the location.

Satellite phones are an investment, but one that could help you navigate unforeseen situations when you're traveling in remote areas. Check out these great options.

Best for: Backcountry Connectivity

For travelers who find themselves frequently out of range, the Iridium 9555 is a light, compact, solid option. This phone links to a global satellite network, ensuring calls and texts go through. The convenience, however, doesn't come cheap.

Coverage: Global 

Website: Iridium 9555 information

Size: 5.5 inches by 2.1 inches by 1.2 inches

Battery Life: Up to four hours talk time, 30 hours standby

Resistant to: Weather-resistant keypad

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Best for: Relaying Location 

For travelers who want the peace of mind of staying connected while remote but don't need voice connectivity, the Spot X 2-way Messenger is a solid option. The device's GPS chip allows the user to send preselected messages to let others know their status, as well as send and receive text messages. Spot's mapping interface also allows the user to track progress, send waypoints, or send GPS coordinates to emergency rescue personnel.  

Coverage: Global

Website: Spot

Size: 6.5 inches by 2.9 inches by 0.94 inches

Battery Life: 240 hours (10 days) of battery life in 10 minute tracking mode

Resistant to: Impact, water and dust

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The Garmin inReach Mini gives pilots a satellite backup for sending text messages, as well as sending preset messages back home with a touch of a button. The compact device also provides access to maps and aerial images through the Garmin Earthmate app. You can also summon help with the one-touch SOS button that sends a message to a search and rescue monitoring center.

Coverage: Global

Website: Garmin

Size: 2 inches by 3.9 inches by 1.03 inches

Battery Life: Up to 14 days at 10-minute tracking send interval; up to 1 year when powered off

Resistant to: May be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes

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The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is a great satellite phone choice for those who are rough on their gear. The IsatPhone 2 is ruggedized, and operates in extreme temperatures. The phone also supports Bluetooth—a feature that sets it apart.

Coverage: Global

Website: Inmarsat

Size: 6.7 inches by 2.1 inches by 1.5 inches

Battery Life: Up to eight hours of talk time

Resistant to: Extreme cold and heat, resistant to dust, shock and splash

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Pricing: $845 for device

When your text messages could use a boost from above, the Zoleo Satellite Communicator is the gadget to have on hand. By tapping into the Iridium satellite network, Zoleo transmits two-way messaging via satellite, cellular, or wi-fi. The benefit is the service follows you, in and out of cellular coverage.

Coverage: Global

Website: Zoleo

Size: 3.58 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.06 inches

Battery Life: 200-plus hours

Resistant to: Water, dust, shock

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In areas with limited or no landline or cellular network connectivity, a satellite phone taps into satellites overhead to establish a connection to landlines, mobile phones, or other satellite phones.

While cell phones and satellite phones both offer connectivity on the go, it's going to be the mobile phone in your pocket that turns into a brick when not in range of a cell signal. In remote, austere locations far removed from landlines and cell phone towers, a satellite phone can be a real lifesaver. Here's what you need to know about the difference between the two devices.

When choosing how to stay in touch while remote, satellite connectivity can get expensive, fast. The best way to choose what goes in your flight bag is to weigh your needs for communicating with how much you're willing to spend.

Global satellite coverage is an important feature for pilots and anyone using satellite phones and communicating devices to consider because this detail will determine call clarity and network accessibility.

When considering a satellite communication device for your flight bag, determine how often you expect to use it and how that compares to the battery's expected lifespan between charges. A power backup, such as a spare battery or auxiliary power bank, might be needed.

When choosing your satellite phone or communication device, consider how you intend to keep up with it. The best way to make sure you have it on you when you need it is to carve out a spot for it in your kit bag. 

As much as a satellite phone or communication device helps pilots stay in the loop, FLYING keeps you connected with all the latest news in aviation. Lock down your subscription here.