Hi. My name is John Whitley and I’m the founder of www.Rentasatphone.com.au Australia’s number one online rental satellite communications store.
In this post I would like to answer one of the most frequent questions I get coming from anyone looking into satellite cell phones in Australia, “What satellite handsets and networks work in Australia?”?”
There are three satellite networks that operate in Australia. We will cover two of them here. The 3rd is called Inmarsat, which is the network usually used for data transfer such as emails, for browsing the internet or even for photos, pictures as well as videos.
We will stay with the 2 most common networks available for normal satellite telephone communications in Australia.
Firstly there is the Thuraya network. This is an Asian network which usually covers two thirds of the earth, including Australia.
This uses a slightly lower satellite network as compared to Iridium. Although it should work in any location in Australia, our extensive experience has determined several incidents or events which could prevent your Thuraya phone from operating.
There's two Thuraya mobile phone models available in Australia. The first is the SO2510. It is a small, lightweight handset that gives the very best possibility to get satellite communications in the most affordable possible price, commonly around the A$990 mark.
It has lots of added features, including GPS Latitude and Longitude. The SO2510 is a small no fuss unit ideal for emergencies. It will only be purchased through an authorised Optus satellite dealership and comes with an Optus airtime plan.
We award this handset three stars because, for the first time, it has allowed consumers to get into satellite communications at a very low initial price.
The other satellite telephone in the Thuraya range is the SG2520, a more funky handset crammed with the kind of features you’re more accustomed to in your standard cell phone, such as a camera.
Thuraya declare this mobile phone is a dual phone and can work in normal GSM mode if it is available and then switch to satellite mobile phone mode when your standard mobile mobile phone network is no longer available.
It’s a bit more expensive at around the $ A2,000 mark.
The second network and the most well known and used is the Iridium network. This could be the only truly global network. This is the only truly global network.
The Iridium network partnered with Motorola many years ago. They have great brand recognition and a reputation for being the “go to” satellite phone company for the person who wants to be guaranteed they will get through everywhere, every time.
The Iridium network uses a higher satellite orbit so it won't suffer through the non-connections we have experienced with other networks.
With more than 66 satellites currently orbiting the planet earth this ensures you connect to Four satellites before connecting you, giving you more secure and more secure coverage.
Iridium have just introduced their new satellite mobile phone, the Iridium 9555. It replaced the much loved and outstandingly trustworthy Iridium 9505a handset. As you can probably guess, I was a fan.
The Iridium 9555’s main improvements are that it’s 30% smaller than its predecessor. Its aerial is now part of the device itself and works better. Iridium claim it has a 30% boost in signal strength.
It has unlimited SMS character features and comes standard with a mini USB lead to help you download emails to your notebook.
Even though more costly as compared to its predecessor, varying in price from A$2,200 to A$2,400 based on where you buy it, unlike the Thuraya handsets the Iridium comes with an excellent array of standard equipment - car battery charger, mains charger, magnetic roof-mount antenna, travel plugs, leather case, and the mini USB cable for data transfer.
In our opinion this satellite cell phone will continue where the 9505a left off - as the market leader. We believe this deserves the award and give it 5 stars.
We hope you enjoyed this brief look at satellite communications in Australia.
If you’d like to see more articles just like this one, covering the most frequently asked questions about satellite phones and everything associated with them, visit our website.
Visit www.rentasatphone.com.au .
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