At GTC, we offer a broad variety of airtime options for different satellite networks, to ensure that your device can keep you connected when you go off-grid. This page aims to answer any questions you may have about airtime, SIM cards, and airtime networks. We have even included some of your Frequently Asked Questions.

Similar to mobile phone credit, airtime enables our device to operate and connects you to others via voice, SMS or data access. Airtime is required for all our Satellite phone, trackers and Internet terminals. Therefore, airtime is not required for our Radios and SOS beacons and these are devices are subscription free.

Pay Monthly airtime, is just like a monthly contract for your mobile phone. Airtime is added to your SIM Card and a direct debit payment is required each month. 

Prepaid airtime is added to your SIM card at activation. Airtime can be added at anytime to top-up the amount of airtime on your device, however it must be noted that airtime has an expiry date. Airtime is only valid for the specified amount of time, for example Thuraya NOVA airtime is valid for 2 years and if there are remaining units, a renewal fee will automatically be taken by the network to keep the SIM active, but the airtime balance will be deducted.

An alternative option on other networks is - purchasing validity extensions or adding more airtime to the device. We recommend that you take note of your airtime validity date, as once this has passed all remaining airtime is gone and cannot be claimed back.

You need to have a SIM card and credit. Once you have ordered your SIM Card you can add airtime to the number on the SIM Card to ensure your device is operational. SIM Cards are free to order from us, so the only cost is postage if you are outside the UK.

SIM cards don't typically expire unless it is an Iridium SIM card. An Iridium SIM will automatically be deactivated 270 days after the credit expires unless you add a new top-up. If you want to reactivate the Iridium SIM you will have to pay a reactivation fee.

If the SIM card is broken or lost, any airtime cannot be transferred once the SIM card has been activated! Therefore, if you have any questions about adding airtime ask us before activating your SIM Card. For example, we often get asked whether you can have a SIM card from one network and the airtime from another, this does not work. If you have an Iridium SIM card you must have Iridium airtime. This is also due to network terms and conditions, therefore you must buy the SIM Card, Airtime and Device from the same satellite network provider. i.e. An Iridium SIM Card, with Iridium Pre-Paid Satellite Phone Airtime for the Iridium 9555.