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.
Like mobile phone credit, airtime enables your device to operate and connect via voice, SMS, tracking, or data. Airtime is required for all our satellite phones, trackers, and internet terminals.
Airtime is not required for radios and SOS beacons, these devices are subscription free.
The best option depends on how long you plan to use your device. Short term and low usage often suits prepaid. Longer term use, or guaranteed allowance each month, often suits pay monthly.
Example: Thuraya NOVA airtime is valid for 2 years, and if there are remaining units, a renewal fee may be taken to keep the SIM active, but the airtime balance will be deducted. Once validity has passed, remaining airtime is gone and cannot be claimed back.
You need a SIM card and credit. Once you have ordered your SIM card you can add airtime to the SIM number 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. Also, SIM + airtime must match the same network, an Iridium SIM card must have Iridium airtime.
For a prepaid airtime customer, you are required to go to our activation page once you have received the SIM card. For pay monthly airtime customers, you are asked to input an activation date on the airtime contract so we can set up activation as part of contract processing.
Yes, customers can be notified with an automatic email including balance and expiration date shortly before airtime expires. Check with us that your email address has been registered for updates. Upon request we can also send an SMS message to satellite phones. You can also manually check your balance at any time on the device.
Generally call rates are the same unless you choose specific SIM options or vouchers. For example, a Thuraya NOVA SIM offers customers inside the NOVA zones lower rates than a standard Thuraya SIM. Similarly, an Iridium regional voucher gives preferential rates in certain countries.
Airtime validity depends on the network and plan. This information is detailed on our airtime pages and confirmed during purchase. We also send reminder emails when your airtime is nearing expiry.
Yes. Calling a satellite device can be expensive due to terrestrial network charges. We recommend arranging a call time via message and having the satellite phone user place the call. SMS is usually far cheaper.
This depends on your location, but generally the Thuraya NOVA plan is best for emergencies thanks to its 2-year validity, if within coverage. Alternatively, Inmarsat offers broader coverage and lower costs than Iridium.
Generally no — mobile and landline calls cost the same from most satellite phones, though this can vary slightly for certain terminals like BGAN.
Unfortunately not. Even SOS functions require airtime (data or SMS) to send alerts. Running out of airtime can be dangerous in remote areas — always check your balance and respond to low-balance notifications.
You can contact us from anywhere in the world for top-ups. We can process payments over the phone in real time. If signal or balance is low, we recommend assigning a trusted contact to top up on your behalf by providing them your SIM number and details.
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.
Tell us your destination, device, and how long you’ll be using it. We’ll point you to the right network and plan type.