best satellite phone australia Page 11

If you want coverage everywhere from the Nullarbor to a dodgy carpark in Coober Pedy, go Iridium; its global LEO network is the gold standard for reliability.

For most travellers in Australia, the Iridium 9575 Extreme is the safe bet (best coverage), while the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 is superb value if you’ve got a clear view to the northern sky; Thuraya can be cheaper but coverage is patchier here.

Typical new pricing: Iridium 9575 about AUD $2,000–$2,500; IsatPhone 2 roughly $900–$1,200; Thuraya XT-LITE around $700–$900.

Used gear: Iridium roughly $1,000–$1,800, IsatPhone 2 $500–$800, Thuraya $300–$600 if you’re lucky and not allergic to minor scuffs.

Plans vary, but budget about $40–$100+ per month or prepaid vouchers, with calls around $1.50–$2.50/min; keep the antenna up and your head out of gullies.

You can often find used units on Tradingpost, and for short trips, consider hiring—your wallet will thank you almost as loudly as your emergency beacons.