Iridium Satellite Phones

Powered by a uniquely sophisticated global constellation of 66 cross-linked Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the Iridium® network provides high-quality voice and data connections over the planet’s entire surface, including across airways, oceans, and polar regions. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications.
 
Iridium completed a constellation upgrade in early 2019, replacing all its satellites and upgrading the supporting ground infrastructure. This enabled the launch of Iridium Certus®, a new multi-service platform delivering specialty broadband services, with additional midband services coming soon.
 
At only 780 kilometers from the Earth, the proximity of Iridium’s LEO network means pole-to-pole coverage, a shorter transmission path, stronger signals, lower latency, and shorter registration time than with GEO satellites. In space, each Iridium satellite is linked to up to four others creating a dynamic network that routes traffic among satellites to ensure global coverage, even where traditional local systems are unavailable.

What is a Satellite Phone?
A satellite phone is not a cell phone and a cell phone cannot be configured to connect to a satellite.

Cell phones connect to physical cellular towers to make calls, send texts and access internet services on mobile data. Satellite phones (sat phone, terminal, satellite cell phone) connect to satellites in the sky and function independently from ground-based networks but offer standard phone capabilities.

If you’re looking for a top satellite phone in Canada, the Iridium satellite phone is a worthwhile look. Typically, sat terminals don’t have high-end user interface features, but technology is advancing and so is the design of satellite phones.

Satellite Technologies
Satellite communications are delivered through one of two technologies: Geosynchronous satellites (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems. GEO satellites follow the Earth’s rotation in a fixed position high up covering vast areas.

Unlike Inmarsat and Thuraya, Iridium uses 66 cross-linked LEO satellites that orbit the Earth at a much lower distance, passing frequently to provide ample opportunities to connect with satellite devices on the ground.

Iridium Satellite Services
Iridium provides top class, reliable and protected satellite services with full coverage, making it a true global mobile communications network. With plenty of satellites in orbit, a signal is guaranteed from your Iridium satellite phone when you have an unobstructed view of the sky with no other close interference.

A leading satellite services provider, Iridium offers leading-edge satellite communication devices that include Internet connectivity, location awareness, enterprise apps, email and messaging. Canada Satellite offers a wide selection of pricing plans and bundles for Iridium satellite phones.

Iridium Satellite Phone Models

Iridium offers 4 current model satellite phones. 

Iridium 9575 Extreme
In 2011, a highly durable Iridium Extreme (9575) phone was introduced with a built-in GPS emergency button and interface to advanced location-based services. Available to rent or buy, the Iridium 9575 Extreme model is top of the range combining SOS, GPS-enabled location-based services, online tracking, reliable global coverage, and much more.  The Iridium Extreme is jet-water, shock and dust resistant (IP65) and can operate in temperatures between -15 - +35 °C.

With a military-grade design, the Iridium Extreme is compatible with several accessories to extend capabilities such as setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Iridium 9575 PTT Push-To-Talk
The Iridium 9575 PTT (Push To Talk) is a team version of the Iridium Extreme, allowing users walkie-talkie fuctionality with nearly global range.  Iridium’s Push-to-Talk technology provides instant and secure communication between multiple people located anywhere in the world. Providing global coverage, talk-group configuration and a command center tool that facilitates multiple communication services.

The Iridium 9575 PTT satellite phone includes normal telephone mode for voice calling and SOS services so you can always be in touch from any location.

Iridium 9555
The Iridium 9555, released in late 2008, is still the most popular and reliable model. The Iridium 9555 satellite phone features include voice and text, integrated speakerphone and hands-free capability.  Available to rent or buy, this small but powerful satellite phone is built for tough environments that don’t offer cell phone coverage. Being an older generation sat phone, the Iridium 9555 is a light and easy, practical fit. With guaranteed coverage, this satellite phone provides reliable voice and text communications with basic Internet abilities.

Iridium GO!
The Iridium GO! is the latest personal satellite communications device from Iridium and creates the first ever reliable global connection for voice and data communications on your smartphone or up to 5 mobile devices. No worries. No roaming charges. Just connected and in touch wherever you are, whenever you need, with the devices you rely on every day.

Discontinued / Legacy Phones

Iridium 9505A
Large brick shaped satellite handset manufactured from 2002 to 2008 by the second corporate incarnation of Iridium.  Externally almost identical to the original Motorola 9505.  Native RS-232 data interface with proprietary pinout adapter.  The Iridium 9505A model comes with a convenient and robust docking station with advanced features and functionality like include smart dialing with the correct country format.

The versatile docking station also provides a graphical display for setup, programming, operation and troubleshooting.

An accessory was also introduced at the same time called Iridium Axcesspoint which, when connected to a 9555 or Extreme phone, creates a wi-fi hotspot for smartphone email, SMS and web connections.

All handsets can receive SMS, but only the 9505, 9505A, 9555, Extreme and those based on the 9522 can send them.

Motorola 9505 — Large brick shaped handset manufactured from 1999 to 2002 by the first corporate incarnation of Iridium. Native RS-232 data interface with proprietary pinout adapter.
Kyocera SS-66K — Manufactured in very small numbers by Kyocera in 1998-1999 for the first Iridium corporation, very large handset. Can occasionally be found for sale on eBay.

Several other Iridium-based telephones exist, such as payphones, and equipment intended for installation on ships and aircraft. The DPL handset made by NAL Research combined with a 9522 transceiver is used for some of these products. This handset provides a user interface nearly identical to that of the 9505 series phones.