Get Smart With Satellite Communications: Comparing The Best Models And Plans copy

Shopping for a satellite handset can be a costly affair, especially if more than one is required for your Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Satellite phones can provide instant infrastructure during a disaster and should be part of your BCP during disaster recovery. When terrestrial networks are inoperable because of a disaster, satellite voice calls can be usually completed because they are independent of that same local infrastructure.

Satellite phones should be a mandatory tool in your BCP toolbox, but which phone provides the best value?

There are a lot of factors involved in choosing the right Satellite service for you.

• How often will you need it?
• Where are you going to use it?
• Will you need it for data or just to make calls?
• Which network best suits your need?
• Quality of network considered.

Currently, there are three major network service providers for satellite voice services covering North America. They are Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat. All of these sell satellite handsets for voice.

The following chart describes their network features and facts:

A Business Continuity Manager should be concerned about the satellite visibility & reliability when choosing the right satellite fit. All networks provide reliable and stable communications, but Globalstar is the only provider without a single point of failure (SPOF) since they have multiple gateways. For communications operability, Globalstar’s ten-digit US Based telephone numbers provide simple easy to use dialing.

Another factor to consider is data speed. For example, the Globalstar GSP-1700 data speeds are 4x faster (9600kbps) than Inmarsat Isatphone 2, Iridium 9555 and Iridium 9575, but still excruciatingly slow.

When it comes to handsets, current handset models are limited with a few available for each provider, but all are backward-compatible. What this means is that older handset models will still work on their current networks, so you are not forced to upgrade just because you have older technology! Although newer models have more features, satellite providers won’t prevent you from using the older models on a newer network because they know that their technology isn’t one of daily use.

Looking for a new handset? Current satellite technology leverages Bluetooth, push to talk, water resistance, data connectivity, and GPS! Here’s a comparative chart on current handset models are:

Want to know more about the prices? Here are a couple of current costs associated with owning a new satellite phone:

GSP-1700 is currently free with a one-year service cost of $663-$780. The annual plan provides 1200 minutes in their Home Zone.

Inmarsat ISatphone 2 phone cost is $699 + 12 months at $386.40 so one-year investment cost is $1085.40. Monthly plan includes 10 minutes worldwide.

Iridium 9555 phone cost is $999 + 12 months of service at $693.96 so one-year investment cost is $1692.96.

Iridium 9575 phone cost is $1399 + 12 months of service at $693.96. One-year investment cost is $2092.96. If tracking is needed, the monthly plan increases by $120/ year.

Year two recurring costs shows the Inmarsat monthly plan as the clear winner — if 10 monthly minutes suffice for testing.

Ok so now that you think you have decided on a satellite handset for your BCP toolbox, what about airtime service plans? Yes, these handsets need to be activated so that calls can be made when you need to make calls. It is almost impossible to wait until the roof caves in during an earthquake to activate, test and initiate your continuity plan. The lines of service should always be active and ready to deploy!

Need help deciding or have more questions?

Contact Michael at All Over Communications (949) 757–5800.

Visit us at allovercomm.com