Iridium Mobile Pros and Cons: All You Need to Know Before You Sign Up

Whether you are a worldwide traveler, a fan of remote areas, or simply live in a place where cell service is not a guarantee, you might have looked into alternative methods of ensuring you always have a line of contact with the outside world. Iridium mobile plans are an excellent solution to keep you covered out in the wide world. This article will cover Iridium, one of the world’s leading satellite phone providers. Iridium’s been hard at work since the turn of the century, creating a satellite network covering the entire world. No matter where you are, the network can pick up your signal and transmit it where it needs to go. 

Iridium’s satellite network is no replacement for standard cell tower networks. It allows people to stay connected when they are outside the range of their normal service. Iridium’s phones connect to satellites as long as they have a clear view of the sky (cloudy or not). This article will cover Iridium’s pros and cons, and whether or not you need coverage from a satellite provider.  

What is the Iridium Network? 

Iridium phone plans offer satellite coverage. They provide worldwide coverage for people who travel off the beaten path where conventional coverage will not reach. Satellite coverage is great for people who travel a lot, as it works on airplanes, boats, and anywhere you have a view of the horizon. Iridium launched its first satellite in 1997 and has continued operations ever since, never resting on its goal to grow and strengthen the network. 

Satellite Versus Tower Coverage

The great majority of people don’t need to interact with satellite networks because, especially in the United States, tower networks provide supreme coverage. 

Tower networks depend on cell towers that dot the landscape to provide cell service to the surrounding area. All over the country, cell towers receive and transmit signals using radio waves. Cell towers send data very quickly, especially on the highest-speed networks. Users are able to stream high-definition video, connect to others on cell phone calls, video calls, and playing video games, and much more with very little latency. Cell towers are built to handle many instances of data coming and going, but they have their limits. Try to buffer a HD video in a full stadium or during rush hour in the heart of a city and you’ll find your cell service congested. As a network strains, the data speeds of each individual user are reduced. 

Satellite networks work similarly, but they transmit signals via satellites orbiting the Earth. These signals must travel further and are significantly slower than cell tower networks. In the past, satellite phones were only able to connect with other satellite phones, but now sat phones can connect with cell phones and landlines as well. 

The major benefit of satellite phone coverage is its ubiquity. Move off the beaten path enough and your cell phone will lose signal. Satellite coverage works just about anywhere. Let’s jump into Iridium and investigate this powerful satellite provider’s strengths and weaknesses. 

Iridium Mobile Pros and Cons

Iridium Mobile is an excellent cell phone carrier if you need comprehensive coverage off the beaten path. Iridium is competing with Inmarsat and Globalstar to provide satellite coverage. Let’s take a look at Iridium Mobile pros and cons. 

Pros

• Global Coverage. Iridium operates the only truly global satellite network, providing coverage everywhere on Earth, including remote areas, oceans, and polar regions. This makes it ideal for adventurers, maritime professionals, and emergency responders.
• Reliable Connectivity. With 66 low-earth orbit satellites, Iridium offers consistent connectivity with minimal latency. Its network is known for reliability even in extreme weather conditions.
• Durable Equipment. Iridium's satellite phones, like the 9555 and Iridium Extreme, are built to withstand harsh environments. They are water-resistant, shockproof, and designed for rugged use, making them suitable for extreme outdoor activities.
• Flexible Plans. Iridium offers both postpaid and prepaid plans, catering to long-term users and those with short-term needs. The variety of plans ensures users can find one that fits their specific requirements.
• Iridium GO! Device. The Iridium GO! expands connectivity by allowing up to five devices to connect to the satellite network for voice, text, and light data usage. 
• Emergency Readiness. Iridium phones are often equipped with SOS and emergency features, making them a vital tool for safety in remote areas. 
• Minute Rollover. Unused minutes on postpaid plans roll over until the end of the contract term, adding value for users who don’t consume their full allocation every month.

Cons

• Cost. Iridium phones and plans are expensive compared to traditional cellular services. Phones like the Iridium 9555 and Extreme cost upwards of $1,000, and monthly plans start at $60 for minimal usage.
• Limited Data Capabilities. While Iridium supports voice, SMS, and data, the data speeds are slow. This limits its usability for anything beyond basic tasks like email and messaging.
• Complex Pricing. The variety of plans, activation fees, and early termination fees can make it challenging to understand the total cost of ownership. Prepaid plans are often more expensive per minute than postpaid options.
• 12-Month Contracts. Most postpaid plans require a 12-month commitment, which may not suit users with short-term needs. Early termination fees of $250 lock users in to their longer plans.
• Device-Specific Ecosystem. Iridium’s services are tied to its own devices, so users must purchase Iridium phones or the Iridium GO! to access the network. 
• Regional Prepaid Plans. While regional prepaid plans offer cost savings, they are limited to specific zones. Users traveling beyond these zones must opt for more expensive global plans.
• Battery Life. It is important to keep a close eye on your device's battery life, especially in places where charging your phone is a big event. 

Iridium is a top choice for users who need global connectivity and reliable communication in remote areas. Its high costs and limited data capabilities mean it’s best suited for those needing satellite service.

Iridium Mobile Cell Phone Plans

Iridium has a wide selection of phones, accessories, and phone plans to satisfy all of its customers. Their phones and plans are meant for people who operate outside of the bounds of cell tower networks. They are more expensive and more limited, but available anywhere in the world. Before making any purchase, it is important to figure out the extent of your sat phone’s needs.  

Iridium Phones 

Iridium has a variety of cellular devices and accessories for its phones, but it has three main satellite phones. Iridium has a plethora of connectivity solutions, but satellite phones are the most common for individuals, and they enable voice, messaging, and data to be accessed just about anywhere on Earth. Their durability makes them the perfect companion to travelers, adventurers, and anyone who is venturing out into the wilds. They currently sell three varieties of satellite phones. 

• The Iridium 9575A for the U.S. Government is probably not going to be your first choice! It is unique in its ability to communicate on secure lines through Iridium’s encrypted processes and it is designed specifically for government workers across all branches and levels of service. 
• Their flagship satellite phone is the Iridium 9555. It is compact, light, and very durable. It is built so it can withstand just about any weather and be your anchor to the rest of the world no matter where you go. For those venturing out into the wider world, the 9555 is a great companion for keeping in touch with friends and family as well as contacting emergency services should something go awry. 
• The Iridium Extreme is the phone for those who need the toughest device on the market. This device is built to function when nothing else does. It is weather resistant to the max and has layers upon layers of protection to ensure it's there when you need it. 

These phones come with a substantial price tag. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a model under $1,000. These cell phones are designed for people who are regularly off the grid. It’s a safety line in case of emergency or to keep in touch with your closest friends and family. 

Iridium Phone Plans

There are a lot of Iridium phone plans. The major difference between them is the number of minutes you can talk on your phone each month as well as the cost of adding on extra minutes (by the minute) if you go over your limit. Iridium offers four major types of plans, and these types are: 

• Iridium Monthly Service Plans
• Iridium Annual Service Plans
• Iridium Global Service Plans
• Iridium Regional Prepaid Service Plans

Iridium plan key features: 

• All Iridium postpaid plans come with a 12-month service contract
• Early termination of that contract results in a $250 fee
• There is a $50 activation fee for every line
• Unused minutes rollover until the conclusion of the contract or when downgrading your current plan
• Calls are billed in one-minute increments
• Outgoing SMS are billed at one minute per message, but incoming SMS is free

Iridium Mobile offers a huge array of cell phone plans. When investigating Iridium Mobile cell phone plans, each plan offers a set amount of total or monthly minutes, which are used to send texts and calls. There is no data available through Iridium Mobile cell phone plans. These minutes influence the cost of Iridium plans. Less expensive plans are best for adventurers looking for a steady line to the outside world to keep in touch with loved ones and for emergencies, but larger plans offer far greater flexibility when needed. 

Iridium Mobile Breakdown

Iridium is an excellent carrier providing worldwide satellite coverage. They provide coverage when you need it most. Let’s break down some Iridium Mobile pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right satellite carrier for you. 

What sets Iridium Mobile apart?

Iridium Mobile stands out for its global satellite coverage, making it one of the most reliable options for staying connected in remote areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable. Whether you're navigating the open ocean, trekking through remote mountain ranges, or working in isolated regions, Iridium ensures seamless communication.

What is the price of Iridium Mobile plans?

Iridium plans are more expensive than standard cellular plans due to the technology required for satellite communication. They are not designed to replace your normal cell phone plan. 

• Monthly Plans: Prices range from $65/month for 10 minutes to $500/month for 500 minutes. Additional minutes typically cost $1.10–$1.49, depending on the plan.
• Annual Plans: Prepaid options start at $800/year for 150 minutes and go up to $2,400/year for 2500 minutes.
• Prepaid Plans: Short-term plans range from $159 for 75 minutes (1 month) to $3,899 for 4,000 minutes (24 months).
• Iridium GO! Plans: Pricing starts at $60/month for 40 minutes and goes up to $150/month for unlimited data and 150 minutes.

What kinds of plans does Iridium Mobile offer?

Iridium Mobile offers a variety of plans to meet different usage needs. These include monthly postpaid plans with minute-based tiers ranging from 10 to 1,000 minutes, annual prepaid plans that provide a set number of minutes upfront for the year, and global or regional prepaid plans ideal for short-term use or specific geographic zones. They also offer plans tailored to their Iridium GO! device, including unlimited data options for groups. All postpaid plans require a 12-month contract, while prepaid plans provide flexibility without long-term commitments.

What network does Iridium Mobile use?

Iridium Mobile operates on its own LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite network, which consists of 66 interconnected satellites. This network delivers truly global coverage, including remote areas and polar regions, ensuring connectivity where traditional cellular networks cannot reach.

Can you bring your own phone?

No, Iridium Mobile requires the use of specialized satellite phones designed for their network. Standard smartphones or cellular devices are not compatible. However, the Iridium GO! device allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet to the satellite network for calls, texts, and basic data through optimized apps.

Iridium Mobile vs. Competitors

Iridium vs. Inmarsat

Iridium offers 100% global coverage, including polar regions, thanks to its 66 LEO satellites, making it ideal for adventurers, maritime professionals, and emergency responders. In contrast, Inmarsat focuses on high-speed broadband services with geostationary satellites, excelling in data-heavy applications but lacking polar coverage. Choose Iridium for reliable voice and basic data anywhere on Earth and Inmarsat for faster data in non-polar regions.

Iridium vs. Globalstar

Iridium's global LEO satellite network ensures coverage even in the most remote areas, including polar regions, making it a go-to for extreme conditions and global travelers. Globalstar is more affordable, with lower-cost devices and plans, but its coverage is limited and less reliable in remote areas. Opt for Iridium if reliability and global access are paramount; choose Globalstar for budget-friendly communication in less isolated regions.

Iridium Mobile: Review Summary

Iridium Mobile is a premier choice for those who require reliable communication in remote or extreme environments. Leveraging a robust network of 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Iridium provides seamless global coverage, including hard-to-reach areas like oceans and polar regions. Its rugged satellite phones and flexible plans cater to adventurers, maritime professionals, and emergency responders who prioritize connectivity where traditional cellular networks fail.

While Iridium excels in reliability and global reach, its services come with a premium price tag. Satellite phones start at over $1,000, and monthly plans range from $65 to $500, making it a niche solution for users with specific needs. The lack of high-speed data and the requirement for specialized devices may deter casual users. However, for those venturing off the grid or working in critical environments, Iridium Mobile stands out as a dependable and indispensable communication provider.

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