Satellite Phones: Comprehensive Global FAQ
Iridium operates 66 LEO satellites at 780 km, offering true global coverage and 0.1–0.2 second latency; its Extreme 9575 handset costs about $1,400. Inmarsat uses 3–4 GEO satellites for near-global service, with IsatPhone 2 priced around $1,000. Thuraya covers 160 countries with two GEO satellites; XT-LITE costs $650. Several countries, including China and India, ban or restrict satphones.