By Andrew Liszewski
If you’re the type who can’t live without a cellphone then I suggest it’s time for an upgrade. Not only will the IsatPhone work where there’s GSM service, but if you live in Asia, Africa or the Middle East you can also use the phone even if there’s no cellular towers in sight. We’re talking desert, jungle, even the middle of the Indian Ocean since the phone is currently the world’s cheapest satellite capable handset.
Of course ‘cheapest’ is a relative term, since the phone will still set you back about $775. And even at that price the handset isn’t exactly high-tech looking, save for the massive fold-up antenna on the side. But with the included battery you’ll get about 2 hours and 40 minutes of talk time (satellite or GSM) with about 42 hours of standby. And if you’re planning to bring the IsatPhone with you when your plane mysteriously crashes on an uncharted island full of abandoned scientific research stations, confusing plot holes and tedious flashbacks, you might want to bring an extra battery or two.
[ Inmarsat IsatPhone ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]
Please don’t mistakenly demean Asia’s or Middle Eastern phone systems. Having lived several years in each, I can assure you that cell/mobile systems in these regions are generally far ahead of the US systems. Particularly in Malaysia the phones are cheaper, more reliable, have better coverage and have more varied services. The phones are also more current, I had to travel to Bangkok to buy my latest phone or wait 3-4 months in the US.
As I understand it the IsatPhone’s satellite only maintains a geosynchronous orbit over that region of the world, so the phone is only usable in those areas. I have no doubt their cellular systems are fantastic, but I’m sure there are still areas without coverage, and that’s where this satellite phone would be useful. I guess I’m not really sure where I’m ‘demeaning’ their phone systems?