Sat Phones - What you need to know before choosing a provider.
Do you remember your first cellular phone? You had to choose from different providers, products, services and airtime. Renting a satellite phone for the first time is straightforward if you keep a few simple points in mind:
- Ensure your satellite phone will work
when you need it !
Not all satellite phone networks in Australia or Globally are created equal. Some are known to have mediocre call quality, higher incidence of dropped calls, or less coverage. Check that the sat phone service you are considering has coverage in your planned destination.
- Are the rental terms flexible? Do they reflect your
travel schedule?
Whether travelling for ten days or three weeks, you should choose a sat phone plan that will provide you with the most value and greatest flexibility. Many rental companies charge in full weekly or monthly increments, even if your trip is only a few days. Don't pay for days you don't need. Select a sat phone plan in Australia that fits your itinerary today at Rent A Satphone
- Confirm you'll receive the latest model at no
additional cost.
Think about overall portability, quality, and any additional accessories required for your trip. Some providers will charge you more if you want the most up-to-date model of satellite phones or accessories.
- Make certain customer and technical assistance are
available ar all times.
Your life may depend on it.. Although dialing a satellite phone is similar to dialing a mobile phone, there are some important differences. For example, satellite phones cannot be used indoors, or in other locations where there is not a clear line of sight with the satellite. Your sat phone service provider should offer you a good instruction guide and 24-hour access to a help desk that can offer support. Some service providers will charge you for your call to the help desk, in other cases these calls are free calls.
- Compare Sat Phone airtime rates
Does the provider offer airtime discounts? Airtime bundles are a great way to lower your per-minute satellite phone costs but look for ones that work for you.
- Two-stage dialing can reduce costs for callers to your Iridium sat phone
A direct incoming call to you is free; however, callers can be charged as much as $20.00 per minute by their local provider to call an Iridium satellite phone. Two-stage dialing lowers the cost of calling your Iridium phone to the equivalent of a call to America. Make sure your provider supports two-stage dialing and offers instructions on how to use it. Click here to learn more about using two-stage dialing.
- Determine how you will be billed
Look for a satellite phone provider in Australia that offers itemized invoices that detail your usage.
- Is it easy to return the satphone?
Not all providers provide a complete return shipping package. Detailed instructions, pre-populated consignment notes, and free return shipping* make it easier when you get back. -
