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If your trip is under 3 weeks, this can
save you money. Otherwise, just buy it
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Even the most technically challenged user can use a satellite phone - it's dead simple to figure out. Luckily, unlike some competing satellite solutions, you do not need to aim your antenna in a special way or do anything in particular. The phone takes care of connecting itself, just like your cell phone does back at home. The only difference is that you cannot use this satellite phone indoors without a special extra antenna. Since the distance to a satellite up in space is so great, the transmissions from your satellite phone can only make it if you are outdoors. If you need indoor service, several antenna options are available to get around this limitation.
The Iridium satellite network is a constellation of 66 satellites in orbit around Earth. Instead of using cell phone towers, a satellite phone such as the Motorola 9555 automatically connects to this satellite constellation by making a direct radio link directly to the satellites above. This means you can get phone service anywhere on Earth. Once you turn on the Motorola 9555 it basically acts exactly like a normal cell phone. It takes 30 seconds or so to lock into the network, and then the LCD display shows you how many bars of signal strength you have. You can then make and receive calls just like with a normal phone.
Iridium satellite phones are not cheap. However, if you need a satellite phone, there really is no other choice. Satellite phones are not priced to compete with cell phone services. Hence, they are the only game in town and with that comes a higher price on equipment!
basic voice calls, text messaging. Almost unbearable for data service, but it is technically possible at 9.6kbps (that's slower than a fax machine)