Understanding Iridium Airtime
- What Is Iridium Airtime?
Iridium airtime allows anyone using an Iridium device to make calls, send texts, emails, or other files from any location in the world. It unlocks your Iridium device and, depending on how much airtime is loaded to the device, will keep it active until the allotted airtime period runs out. We always advise customers to make sure they have enough airtime to last them their trip, adventure, or excursion in order to remain reliably connected.
- How It Works:
Airtime works by the customer either signing up to their preferred airtime contract or by purchasing a particular amount as a pay-as-you-go airtime voucher. We will then activate the relevant SIM card assigned to the device and the customer will receive a notification. Airtime will then decrease with every phone call made, SMS message or email sent, or every time data is turned on from the device. It is important to make sure you don’t burn through your airtime amount before the end of your trip.
Iridium Airtime Plans: Which One Is Right For You?
- Iridium Prepaid Plans:
Prepaid plans, also known as Iridium sat phone top-ups or Iridium GO!® top-ups, are generally the much more cost-effective way of applying airtime. You simply use what you pay for to remain in full control of your expenditure, with no worry about end-of-month bill shocks. We recommend Iridium sat phone prepaid SIMs for more short-to-medium-term trips as prepaid vouchers have validity periods of 1 month to 2 years.
- Iridium Postpaid Plans:
Postpaid plans are for the longer-term excursions, where months will go by and you will be making use of your Iridium device quite regularly. You can sign up to rolling monthly satellite phone contracts from our website and be ready to go in minutes. You will be given a set amount of airtime to get through every month, and at the end of the month, your airtime amount will roll back over to the starting amount.
Global Coverage and Reliability
- How Iridium's Constellation Covers Every Inch Of the Planet:
Iridium is the only satellite network in the world that is truly global. Whether you are sailing the Atlantic or trekking through the South Pole, you will be able to make contact with an Iridium satellite phone or other Iridium device. This is because of the way Iridium’s constellation orbits the earth. It is a mesh of 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites which are always within reach of each other, meaning when you make a call from any location, you will always pick up a signal from an Iridium satellite.
- Redundancy And Reliability:
The redundancy and reliability of Iridium satellites are the cornerstones of its global communication network. This constellation is renowned for its unparalleled redundancy, where multiple satellites are active in each orbital plane, creating a mesh network that guarantees uninterrupted coverage. In the rare event of a satellite malfunction, the system seamlessly switches to alternative satellites, ensuring that users experience minimal disruption. This robust redundancy, combined with the satellites' long lifespan, which can exceed a decade, underpins Iridium's reputation for providing reliable communication services. Whether you're in a remote wilderness or navigating the high seas, Iridium's dedication to redundancy and reliability ensures that you can rely on its network to stay connected, making it an indispensable choice for industries and individuals who depend on constant, global communication.
Benefits Of Iridium Airtime
- Emergency and Safety:
Having enough airtime in an emergency situation is absolutely critical for optimising your chances of survival. Having airtime will mean you can conduct two-way communication from your Iridium device, or even trigger an SOS alert if your device has that feature. Iridium devices can also receive real-time weather and environmental data, which is vital for making informed decisions during emergencies, such as natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.
- Business Applications:
When travelling with colleagues or corporate VIPs, or conducting organisational field research for example, being able to communicate or send files from anywhere is a huge tactical advantage. Iridium airtime supports the transfer of critical data and information, which is crucial for businesses in sectors like maritime, aviation, and environmental monitoring. Iridium airtime also supports asset tracking and management, allowing businesses to monitor the location and status of their assets, vehicles, and equipment, which can improve efficiency, security, and resource allocation.
Choosing The Right Iridium Airtime Plan
- Matching Your Needs:
Before you embark on your adventure you need to think about which airtime is right for you. Consider where in the world you are travelling, for how long, and whether you will need to perform things like check-in calls every day or contact someone back home regularly. If your trip is only a matter of weeks or months, think about purchasing one or more Iridium prepaid vouchers as these are just a one-off payment and will be enough to last the trip without forcing you to pay for rolling monthly refills.
- Making an Informed Decision:
At GTC we have a team of in-house experts who are always ready and able to help with any request. We can guide you through your requirements to help you decide which airtime plan is right for you.
As always, our team of experts is here to help. So, if you need any advice about Iridium airtime, contact us via:
- Email: info@gtc.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 112 3919
