Inmarsat Satellite Phones

The Inmarsat Satellite constellation consists of a fleet of 15 satellites all 'parked' in specific positions in a Geosynchronous (GEO) orbit approximately 36,000km above the Earth's equator.

Inmarsat is currently on their sixth generation of Satellites. The Satellites are positioned to transmit radio beams in a number of different Global configurations covering the oceans, air and major land masses.

Inmarsat the UK satellite telecommunications company provides Inmarsat Satellite Phones, originally supplied big fixed installations for ships, founded in 1979 it’s the oldest satellite communication operator, a pioneer in space communications and the industry leader with the planned launch of Global Xpress worldwide in 2015, this is the world’s first global Ka-band mobile satellite system for Inmarsat Satellite Phones, providing high-speed broadband to compact user terminals at up to 50Mbps with investments totalling £1bn ($1.5bn), its the single biggest commercial space project in Britain right now and the development of their unique S-band aviation network across Europe. 

IsatPhone Pro-case kit

Inmarsat originated from the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), at the request of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nation's maritime body.

It was to enable merchant ships to stay in touch or call for help in an emergency.

Inmarsat Global Xpress satellite I-5 in flight

Recently entered the market for hand-held SatPhones.  The fourth and latest entrant into the satellite phone arena the IsatPhone-Pro satellite mobile phone handset was the first of Inmarsat Satellite Phones.

Introduced in 2010 that talks via their eleven satellite global constellation that covers the planet except for the North and South Polar Regions.

IsatPhone-Pro (GEO SatPhone)

IsatPhone-2 (GEO SatPhone)

In terms of cost The IsatPhone-Pro could probably be the least expensive satellite phone in the market while providing near-global coverage.

?rel=0"

The oldest satellite communication operator, the Inmarsat sat network is well developed and has been operational for about thirty five years. Made up of a constellation of 11 geostationary orbiting satellites, with a distance of 23,000 miles from the earths surface circling the Equator.  Suffice to say that with Inmarsat Satellite Phones, once a connection is made, it is stable.

Explorations into remote areas-IsatPhone Pro

The two satellite constellation orbits, notice how LEO (iridium) is so close to the earth and see how GEO is more than 36 times more further out in space this makes a huge difference on how they work

They are simple to use, with good connection stability and audio quality, this attribute is Inmarsat's most important criteria, as once the IsatPhone-Pro connects into the Inmarsat network, it rarely disconnects during a call, even lasting more than an hour.  Same cannot be said for others.

IsatPhone Pro Sample colour screen  displays

Their design is simplistic minimalist yet classy conservative finish that’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye, sophisticated and unique in the design, the IsatPhone-2 take all these superlatives to the next level, the way inmarsat ergonomically designed the antenna to flow with the whole design of the phone is innovative and unique unlike other SatPhones with antennas that stick out like a sore thump.

Prepaid or post-paid basis airtime rates are available, and are quite reasonable too. units can go up to 5000 units.