Our pick of the best satellite communications apps

Combine the increase in popularity of new Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Satellite products such as Iridium GO! and IsatHub with existing favourites such as the Thuraya SatSleeve and you will soon see there are a number of Apps now available to make communication easier in remote locations.

Thuraya Talk

Thuraya Talk is a free app which allows you to benefit from reduced calling costs to Thuraya satellite phones. Ideal for those who usually rely on landlines or mobile phones to call Thuraya sat phones.

Thuraya SatSleeve

The popular SatSleeve from Thuraya enables you to transform your smartphone into a sat phone with the help of a clever satellite phone adapter. The SatSleeve app allows you to make and receive calls on your smartphone even when not in range of normal mobile phone networks. SatSleeve even allows you to use popular apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter and send/receive SMS. Phones that can take advantage of this product include iPhone 4/4s/5/5s/6 and Samsung Galaxy S3/4/5.

GTCTrack

Our very own app has a multitude of uses. It can be used to track movement of the smartphone it is installed on or alternatively be used to monitor and manage a range of satellite and GSM assets which are compatible with the device. Another handy feature is the ability to send and receive messages from assets on the account.

IsatHub Apps

The IsatHub Apps from Inmarsat enable you to use your smartphone or tablet to make and receive calls, SMS and browse the internet over Inmarsat's global satellite network with the IsatHub. The Voice app is simple and easy to use while the Control app allows you to fine tune the settings to your own requirements.The Control app also shows you where to point the IsatHub in order to obtain the best signal.

BGAN Pointer

A firm favourite in the GTC office the BGAN Pointer app is a great tool for use not only with Inmarsat BGAN terminals but Inmarsat handsets as well. This handy app shows you in which direction the nearest Inmarsat satellite is located using the camera on your phone. You can then point the equipment in that direction to obtain the best signal. It is particularly helpful for new users to identify what might obstruct the line of sight to the Inmarsat satellites.

Available on: iOS

Iridium GO! & Iridium Mail

As with the IsatHub there are two apps available for the Iridium GO! In this case one is used to make and receive phone calls and the other is an easy way to send and receive emails via satellite. The Iridium Mail app uses XGate technology (see below) to optimise the time spent making a data connection. This app works well with Weather 4D Pro allowing sailing users to obtain GRIB files.

XGate

XGate is the easy way to access email through a satellite connection. The app compresses the data sent and received offering up to 85% savings on satellite airtime expenses. It also blocks out other unnecessary data use by the phone to avoid a large bill at the end of your trip!

Do you have a favourite app that works with your satellite communications products? Let us know in the comments below!