GMPCS prides itself on providing a full range of handheld satellite phones.  GMPCS Personal Communications maintains a comprehensive inventory of handheld terminals from Globalstar, Iridium, Thuraya, and later in 2007 from Inmarsat.  In addition to maintaining a full range of handheld satellite phones for sale, GMPCS also has a dedicated satellite phone rental department.

Globalstar – Globalstar offers regional coverage over North and South America, Europe eastward through Russia and Southeast through the Mediterranean and into Iraq. Spot coverage is also available in Southeast Asia and Australia. Globalstar offers very good voice quality and its data service allows end users e-mail and web access by hooking their laptop to the handheld terminal.  Globalstar’s low-earth-orbiting satellite constellation is scheduled for a minor upgrade in early 2007 and replacement in 2010.

GMPCS offers the Globalstar GSP-1600 as well as the new lightweight GSP-1700 handheld terminals.  For emergency operations and other fixed site situations, GMPCS offers the GSP-2900 and the FAU-200 Fixed Site Terminals.  Mariners have access to three versions of the GSP-2900 with remote antenna options.

Iridium – Iridium has the significant advantage of offering true global service through a constellation of polar orbiting low-earth-orbit satellites.  Iridium has the reputation of being the most stable and reliable of the handheld services.  Like Globalstar, the terminal provides voice and data services (including Internet access).

GMPCS offers the Iridium 9505-A handset and a full range of accessories for the 9505-A.  For Mobile, Marine and Aeronautical users, GMPCS offers a large inventory of Iridium products from BEAM Communications and Sky Connect.

Thuraya – Thuraya has been the most popular handheld satellite phone service in the Middle East for the past three years.  Like its competitors, the Thuraya satellite phone provides good quality satellite voice service as well as basic data service (including Internet access).  Unlike Globalstar and Iridium, Thuraya utilizes two geo-stationery satellites positioned which provide coverage from the Far East well into Africa and extending up into Europe.

GMPCS currently offers the Thuraya 2510, which is the smallest and lightest handheld satellite phone. By the summer of 2007, GMPCS will also be offering the Thuraya 2520, which is a slightly larger handset that includes a camera and a GSM cellular option throughout most parts of the coverage area.

Inmarsat – Inmarsat has announced they will be entering the handheld satellite market with regional service in the third quarter of 2007 and full global service in 2008.  Watch the GMPCS Personal Communications Website for the latest news on this exciting new service entry.