The best satellite phones of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
This mobile satellite router connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium Go! hotspot. And this is what I like about this setup — you unbox it, power it up, let it see the sky, and then it acts much like a Wi-Fi router that would might have at your office.
This is not a cheap kit, and it’s designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium Go! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter but also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. Additionally, the unit offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. It boasts various features that make it ideal for those looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 x 82 x 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around.
Review: Iridium GO! Turn any smartphone into a satellite phone
When it comes to communication, the router offers both satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing users to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage.
The Iridium Go! operates within a temperature range of 10 to 50 ℃ and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions thanks to an IP65 rating, making it dust-tight and able to withstand water jets from any direction.
Reviews and comments are divided — those who have bought one are over the moon with the capabilities of this system, its ease of use, and the power it offers. Other reviewers have lamented the price, but it’s worth noting it doesn’t cost any more than a premium smartphone.
Iridium GO! tech specs: Dimensions: 114 x 82 x 32 mm | Weight: 305g | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS | Battery life: Talk time: 5.5 hours, standby time: 15.5 hours | Operating temperatures: 50°F to 122°F | Durability: MIL-STD 810F | IP Rating: IP65
