Handheld Satellite Phones

GMPCS Personal Communications offers a full range of handheld satellite phones, providing you with the best solution at the best price depending on your location and communication needs.

The Iridium 9505A is the most popular handheld satellite phone.  Although slightly more expensive than competing handhelds, the main selling point of the Iridium pphone is that it provides truly global coverage along with a very high standard of reliability.  In addition to voice service, the Iridium handheld provides basic data service that allows the mobile user to access and send e-mails from any location in the world.  The terminal can also send and receive SMS messages. GMPCS has Iridium phones in stock for same day shipping and has a full line of accessories including rugged Pelican Cases with custom foam inserts, solar panels, data kits, and extra batteries.

Thuraya offers smaller and less expensive handheld phones with a full range of features.  The drawback of the Thuraya phone is that it does not have global service (see the Thuraya Service Map). The Thuraya 2520 offers good quality voice service as well as basic data service. The handset provides integrated technologies (satellite, GSM Tri-band and GPS) offering users an unparalleled combination of quality and performance.

The smallest handheld satellite phone is the Thuraya 2510 which weighs only 4.6 oz and is about the size of a pack of cigarettes. The standard 2510 kit includes the phone, battery, AC charger with international plug kit, earbud, and a USB data cable.

Inmarsat now plans to launch their third I-4 satellite in August of 2008.  This will result in Inmarsat being able to offer global coverage under their I-4 satellites in early 2009.  By the Summer of 2009, Inmarsat will enter the global handheld market with the introduction of their second generation handheld phone. Keep a close eye on the “Latest News” section of the GMPCS Web Site for the latest information regarding Inmarsat’s satellite launch, the deployment of global service, and the introduction of the new PSPS handheld phone.

Globalstar continues to offer limited voice and data services to users of their handheld phones while they continue plans to launch their second generation of satellites.  GMPCS does maintain an inventory of Globalstar Phones, but do not feature this item on our web site due to the service constraints. If you are interested in obtaining a Globalstar handheld terminal do not hesitate to contact a GMPCS sales representative.