Iridium satellite phones are made by the Iridium corporation, and can give the claim of being the only satellite phone provider that is truly global in its coverage area. This even includes oceans, airways, and polar regions. These phones are capable of delivering communications to and from the most remote areas in the world where absolutely no other form of communication is available. This has made them the leader in their field, and the top choice for many companies involved in exploratory rolls.
Iridium satellite phones pick up communication through what is called "The Iridium constellation." This is a series of an amazing 66 low orbiting satellites that link, and cross-link, with one another through various orbital designs that guarantee coverage to every part of the Earth no matter what time of day or night. This is the largest non government satellite system in the world, and this makes these satellite phones ideal for various industries such as maritime, aviation, oil exploration, geology surveying, military, emergency, mining, forestry, heavy equipment, transportation, and rescue. This system is so dependable that it is used by the United States Department of Defense. This is because they have proven their reliability in even the worst and most barren of conditions.
Iridium satellite phones allow worldwide voice and data communications using handheld devices. The system is amazing, as someone from the North Pole could call someone lost in the middle of an Australian outback. The coverage literally includes the entire world, though there are some areas where the system is not allowed to be used, usually in nations that the United States has an embargo on (such as North Korea and Sudan). Many of the satellites seen in the night sky that give short bright flashes belong to the Irdidium system.
The first call made on an Iridium satellite phone was made by then Vice President Al Gore. While this system is used by many corporations, the sheer cost of the satellites makes the Department of Defense contract almost mandatory to ensure the continued success of the system. At least this was true, initially. The idea of complete communication has been jumped upon by many companies, and so the number of users has increased dramatically over the past few years, making the company a very profitable and viable enterprise.
Amazing advancements in technology have made possible what even in most of our lifetimes was once thought of as science fiction. Now a company can make a call from any place at any time, with no towers or other systems in sight. This has also made the jobs of individuals who have to work in isolated areas much safer, as emergency calls can be made, as well as updates given to employers by those on the field. Once a science fiction hope, now Iridium satellite phones make communications possible literally anywhere in the world.
A quick Google search on "Iridium 9505A Satellite Phones" will display a wide variety of prices and airtime plans. However, what does it all really mean? Is buying a phone for $1,395 really better than buying one for $1,495? Are you truly saving $100? Perhaps not? It is critically important to understand there are very distinct differences between the equipment, services, and options that Iridium Service Providers offer which significantly impact the retail price of the phone. In general, low price means very few options and services, if any, while higher prices include more accessories and service.
Sure, you bought at a seemingly great price and your phone(s) arrived in the standard Iridium factory packaging. However, did your low-cost vendor perform the following essential tasks for you that will ensure your Iridium satellite phones are fully operational in the time of greatest need: emergency response, business continuity, or communication in remote areas with the intangible reasons being to save lives, time and money?
Task:DescriptionTimeValue Unpack:Open each phone box, remove all components, 10 min, $4.81 Read: Read set-up instructions, 10 min, $4.81 Inventory: Verify you have received all components, 3 min, $1.44 SIM: Insert the SIM card in each phone, 3 min, $1.44 Charge: Unpack charger, insert battery, charge phone, 3 min, $1.44 Label: Print a label and label each phone, 4 min, $1.92 Charge2: Check on charging status, swap phones, 5 min, $2.40 Test: Remove PIN code and make, receive a test call, 20 min, $9.62 Trash: Packaging disposal, 2 min, $0.96 Case: Buy case for kit, 30 min, $14.43 Pack: Pack the kit into the phone case, 5 min, $2.40 Card: Create, print label and laminate a user card, 30 min, $14.43 Errors:20% No offense, but do you do this daily? 25 min, $12.02 TOTAL: The REAL total additional time and cost, 150 min, $72.12 (Value based on $60,000/yr salary)
Additionally, what is the opportunity cost for you and your organization to unpack and properly set up the phone? Setting up your Iridium phone will take you or your Admin person away from other high value projects which can more than double the cost of "doing it yourself". Isn't your time worth more than the value of setting up an Iridium phone? Once you've set up your phone, how will you keep all the accessories together? Will your low cost vendor provide a carrying bag for you? What if you have trouble setting up your phone? Is 24 X 7 support available to you at no cost?
And here's a scary thought: What if you have to set up 50, 60, 80, or 120 phones? Do you have the time? Do you have the staff? Oh, yes, do you have a place designated for setting up and charging a large quantity of Iridium satellite phones?
Summarized below is the total of all the real hidden additional costs of buying Iridium satellite phones from the lowest cost provider:
But you bought the phone at the "lowest price" didn't you? Or, so you thought! The lowest price is simply a number and is usually the lowest overall value. The highest value encompasses far more and saves you more time and money in the end. When you receive the Iridium satellite phone you bought from a customer service oriented provider, all of these tasks are taken care of for you, and done right. Simply turn on the phone and you are ready to go!
Both Riley Hendersen & Lou Altman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Riley Hendersen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Phones, Recreation and Sports and Home Management. For more satellite uses please visit a popular satellite website that provides tips, advice and satellite resources. Try visit. Riley Hendersen's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Lou Altman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Phones, Web Development and A Secured Loan. Lou Altman is the CEO and Founder of GlobaFone, an award winning, leading provider of and global wireless solutions to Government. Lou Altman's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.