Getting Started with Satellite Communications
Getting Started with
Satellite Communications
Ready to deepen your knowledge of how satellite phones
and communication devices work?
How to Stay Connected via Satellite Devices
If you’re not sure which satellite communication device is best for your needs or are looking for an emergency communication device, you’re in the right place. Between sat phones, personal communicators and WiFi hotspots, there are a lot of satellite connectivity options on the market for every use imaginable. This page is the ultimate guide to learning the differences between voice calling, messaging and data solutions, device options, airtime plans and the capabilities of different communication networks. Still have questions? The Roadpost team is backed by over 30 years of experience and is available to answer your questions via live chat, email or +1(888) 290-1616 phone.
Compare Satellite Devices, Phones & Airtime Plans
Compare satellite devices, phones, and airtime plans to find the best solution for your needs — whether you're planning for remote travel, emergency preparedness, or field operations.
Compare Satellite Solutions
Learn the differences between the three main modes of satellite communication: voice calling, messaging and data.
Compare Satellite Phones
Learn how sat phones work and compare features in the 2026 Satellite Phone Buyer’s Guide. Discover the best satellite phones for global, remote and emergency use.
How to Choose Satellite Airtime
Find out if a monthly satellite communication service or prepaid airtime SIM card is best for you. Learn how monthly airtime and prepaid SIM cards compare.
Top Satellite Networks
A satellite-based device is only as good as the communication network behind it. Compare how the leading satellite connectivity providers stack up and find the best one for your needs.
Iridium is the only satellite network that offers seamless, reliable global coverage over 100% of the planet. It uses a cross linked constellation of 66 low earth orbiting satellites that connect through multiple ground stations, enabling real-time phone connectivity in remote locations where traditional terrestrial networks can’t reach.
Inmarsat delivers satellite connectivity to most of the globe, except the polar regions. Its geostationary satellites maintain consistent coverage over specific areas, making it a dependable choice for voice calling and data services in fixed remote locations that require stable, wide-area communication networks.
Why Choose a Dedicated Satellite Device Over Your Smartphone?
When safety and satellite connectivity are non-negotiable, purpose-build satellite devices still lead the way. Here’s why.
Built for the Harshest Environments
Satellite based communicators are designed for rugged use, offering military-grade durability, water resistance, and performance across extreme temperatures. Compare that to cell phones — sensitive to water, prone to cracking and unreliable when the weather turns.
Battery Life That Keeps Up with You
Need days of connectivity without a recharge? Satellite communication devices deliver battery life that lasts hundreds of hours, letting you send check-ins, share your location and trigger SOS alerts — even when your cell phone battery is toast. Smartphones, on the other hand, drain quickly scanning for satellite and terrestrial networks, making them a risky choice in critical moments.
Automatic Location Sharing & SOS
Send automatic updates and SOS alerts without lifting a finger. Smartphones require manual effort — not ideal in emergencies.
Reliable Global Satellite Coverage
While smartphones rely on limited, newer satellite networks, dedicated devices tap into proven satellite constellations like Iridium, delivering seamless coverage anywhere in the world— no repositioning required.
Still not sure if you need a purpose-build satellite communication device? Talk to our experts and we’ll help you select the right tech for your needs.
Talk to an ExpertBest-Selling Satellite Devices
Iridium Extreme
The Iridium Extreme® satellite phone offers voice calling, text messaging, SOS alerting and location tracking, on a network with coverage everywhere, making it a robust sat phone for use in the most remote areas.
Shop Now
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
ZOLEO is an affordable messaging device that’s perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected and secure when traveling beyond cell phone coverage zones.
Iridium GO! exec®
Whether you're sailing mid- ocean or exploring the backcountry, the portable Iridium GO! exec satellite Wi-Fi device keeps you connected to the world.
Shop Now
IsatPhone2
The IsatPhone2 satellite phone offers voice calling, text messaging, SOS alerting and location tracking, at an affordable price with near-global coverage.
Satellite Communication FAQs
How do satellite communications work?
Iridium satellite phones and communicators connect with satellites in orbit to transmit voice calling, messages, and even data. These devices are ideal for those who travel to remote areas beyond terrestrial networks but need satellite connectivity to stay in contact with others or emergency services.
What are the different types of satellite communications?
There are three main types: voice calling, messaging, and data. Voice calling is achieved using sat phones on Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary Orbit (GEO) networks, while satellite messaging requires less bandwidth and can be done using devices like ZOLEO on the Iridium® Short Burst Data (SBD®) network.
What’s the difference between satellite communicators and phones?
Satellite communicators offer messaging, tracking, SOS, weather and check-ins. An Iridium phone offers all of these features, plus voice calling. To determine which device is right, consider whether real time calls are needed when you're in remote areas.
How can I set up satellite internet?
Devices like the Iridium GO! exec® can be used for satellite-based internet via the device’s connection manager. Other Iridium satellite phones can use apps like XGate or Predict Wind for 2.4 kbps dial-up. VSAT and Starlink deliver always-on connectivity.
How do you use a satellite phone?
Using a satellite phone is simple once you understand the basics. To get started, step into an open outdoor area with a clear line of sight to the sky — avoiding obstructions like buildings, trees, or vehicles that may block the satellite signal. Turn on your satellite phone, fully extend the antenna, and wait for the device to establish a connection with the satellite network. Once connected, dial the full international number, including the country code. For the best call quality and reception, keep the antenna pointed toward the sky throughout your call.
How reliable are satellite communications in the event of a natural disaster?
Because satellite communication devices connect via cross linked constellations and not terrestrial networks, they are far less vulnerable to outages during disasters. Ground stations can be bypassed if both parties have satellite connectivity.When both the caller and call recipients have a satellite-capable device, ground infrastructure can be completely bypassed.
Which satellite network has the best coverage?
At Roadpost Canada, we only work with leading providers like Iridium and Inmarsat. Only Iridium offers complete coverage anywhere in the world, including the poles, thanks to its 66 low earth orbiting, cross linked constellation. Learn more by clicking here.
Do satellite devices work everywhere?
As long as your device has a clear view of the sky within the provider’s coverage area, it will connect via satellite communication networks. To learn more about the coverage of our satellite networks, click here.
Which countries have banned satellite communication devices?
Although satellite coverage is global, networks such as Iridium comply with U.S. embargo restrictions. As such it is prohibited from providing products/services in the following countries: Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and Sudan. Always check with the local Consulate or Customs offices for info.