Airtime is what makes your satellite device usable off-grid, for voice, SMS, tracking, and data. This guide explains how airtime works, how SIMs behave, and how to choose the right plan type.
The best satellite airtime plan depends less on the device itself, and more on how, where, and how often you plan to use it.
Some users only need a satellite phone switched on for emergency backup during occasional trips. Others rely on always-active tracking devices, offshore communications, or high-usage satellite internet systems operating every day in remote locations.
This guide breaks down the most common real-world use cases and explains which airtime solutions typically make the most sense for each scenario, from expeditions and overlanding to marine operations, lone worker safety, and remote internet deployments.
If the device is only switched on a few times per year, prepaid airtime is often the simplest route. For permanently deployed equipment or regular usage, monthly service plans usually make more financial sense.
Emergency-only devices often prioritise low ongoing cost and long standby periods, while operational systems prioritise continuous service availability and predictable monthly access.
Voice calls and GPS tracking use relatively small amounts of airtime compared to satellite internet. Streaming, video calls, cloud syncing, and large uploads can dramatically increase data requirements.
For ocean rowing and offshore expeditions, continuous active service and truly global coverage are usually more important than minimising monthly costs. Iridium monthly airtime is often preferred because coverage extends across open ocean routes and polar regions.
For overlanding, remote road trips, and off-grid vehicle travel, prepaid satellite airtime gives flexibility without committing to a long-term contract. It is commonly paired with handheld satellite phones, messengers, and emergency communication devices.
Tracking systems, remote monitoring equipment, and permanently deployed assets are typically better suited to monthly airtime plans that maintain uninterrupted service and predictable reporting.
Satellite internet consumes significantly more data than voice or tracking devices. Choosing the right Starlink or broadband service plan is critical if multiple users, streaming, or remote work are involved.
Inmarsat is a trusted provider of satellite communications, with global coverage excluding the polar regions. Plans are available for satellite phones and satellite internet, including IsatPhone 2, IsatHub, FleetOne and FleetBroadband.
All Inmarsat devices are available on Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly options.
Iridium provides truly global coverage so you can stay connected anywhere in the world. Plans are available for satellite phones, satellite trackers and satellite internet, including Iridium 9555, Iridium 9575, inReach trackers and Iridium GO!.
Iridium offers Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly for their devices, excluding inReach trackers which have monthly subscription plans only.
Thuraya provides reliable and uninterrupted coverage to more than 160 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. There are Standard and NOVA SIM card plans available. Plans are available for satellite phones and satellite internet devices, including Thuraya XT-LITE, Thuraya XT-PRO, Thuraya XT-PRO Dual, Thuraya WE and Thuraya IP.
Thuraya Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly options are available for all devices.
Globalstar provides near global plans for their satellite phones and trackers, with Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly plans available. These include the Globalstar GSP-1700 satellite phones, Sat-Fi internet and SmartOne and SPOT Trackers.
Garmin offers subscription plans for their personal satellite trackers, including the inReach Mini, Explorer+ and SE+. These subscription plans are only available through Pay Monthly options.