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 Globalstar