Hi. My name is John Whitley and I’m the founder of www.SatellitePhoneSales.com.au  Australia’s number one online satellite communications store.

In this article I want to answer one of the most common questions I get from anyone looking into satellite phones in Australia, “What satellite phones and networks work in Australia?”

There are three satellite networks that operate in Australia. We will cover two of them here. The third is called Inmarsat, which is the network generally used for data transfer such as emails, for searching the internet or for photos, pictures and videos.

We will stick to the two most common networks available for normal satellite phone communications in Australia.

Firstly there is the Thuraya network. This is an Asian network which covers two thirds of the earth, including Australia.

It uses a slightly lower satellite network than Iridium. Although it should work in any location in Australia, our extensive experience has identified several incidents or events that may prevent your Thuraya handset from operating.

There are two Thuraya handsets available in Australia. The first is the Thuraya SO2510. It’s a small, lightweight handset that offers the best opportunity to get satellite communications at the lowest possible price, normally around the A$990 mark.

It has lots of added features, including GPS Latitude and Longitude. The SO2510 is a small no fuss unit ideal for emergencies. It can only be purchased through an authorised Optus satellite dealership and comes with an Optus airtime plan.

We award this handset three stars because, for the first time, it has allowed consumers to get into satellite communications at a very low initial price.

The second satellite phone in the Thuraya range is the SG2520, a more funky phone crammed with the sort of features you’re more accustomed to on your standard mobile phone, such as a camera.

Thuraya claim this phone is a dual phone and can work in normal GSM mode if it is available and then switch to satellite phone mode when your standard mobile phone network is no longer available.

It’s a bit more expensive at around the $ A2,000 mark.

The second network and the most well known and used is the Iridium network. This is the only truly global network.

The Iridium network partnered with Motorola many years ago. They have great brand recognition and a reputation for being the “go to” satellite phone company for the person who wants to be guaranteed they will get through everywhere, every time.

The Iridium network uses a higher satellite orbit so it doesn’t suffer from the non-connections we have experienced with other networks.

With over 66 satellites currently orbiting the earth it makes sure you connect to 4 satellites before connecting you, giving you more secure and more stable coverage.

Iridium have just launched their new satellite phone, the Iridium 9555. It replaced the much loved and outstandingly reliable Iridium 9505a handset. As you can probably guess, I was a fan.

The Iridium 9555’s main improvements are that it’s 30% smaller than its predecessor. Its aerial is now part of the phone itself and operates better. Iridium claim it has a 30% increase in signal strength.

It has unlimited SMS character functions and comes standard with a mini USB lead so you can download emails to your laptop.

Although more expensive than its predecessor, ranging in price from A$2,200 to A$2,400 depending on where you buy it, unlike the Thuraya handsets the Iridium comes with an outstanding array of standard equipment - car charger, mains charger, magnetic roof-mount antenna, travel plugs, leather case, and the mini USB cable for data transfer.

In our opinion this satellite phone will continue where the 9505a left off - as the market leader. We think it deserves the award and give it 5 stars.

We hope you enjoyed this brief look at satellite communications in Australia.

If you’d like to see more articles just like this one, covering the most frequently asked questions about satellite phones and everything associated with them, visit our website www.SatellitePhoneSales.com.au or call us on 1300 197 600.