GTC Airtime Buying Guide

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.

The 3 Questions That Usually Decide Your Airtime

1. How often will the device actually be used?

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.

2. Is this for emergency backup or daily operational use?

Emergency-only devices often prioritise low ongoing cost and long standby periods, while operational systems prioritise continuous service availability and predictable monthly access.

3. Are you using voice, tracking, or broadband data?

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.

Real-world airtime scenarios

Which sounds most like you?

Different trips, projects and operations need different approaches to satellite airtime. Here are a few common scenarios to help narrow down what might work best.

Crossing the Atlantic by boat Best fit · Monthly airtime

Crossing the Atlantic?

Long offshore passages demand reliable communications throughout the journey. A monthly airtime plan can make sense when your device needs to remain active for an extended period and regular contact is important.

Consider

Global coverage and an active monthly service for longer offshore trips.

Explore Iridium airtime →
Travelling through a remote desert Best fit · Pre-Paid airtime

Heading into remote desert routes?

For expeditions or occasional trips beyond mobile coverage, Pre-Paid airtime can offer a straightforward way to keep satellite communications available without committing to an ongoing monthly service.

Consider

Pre-Paid airtime when you mainly need communications for a defined trip or travel period.

Compare airtime networks →
Remote infrastructure communications Best fit · Monthly service

Running remote infrastructure?

Remote sites, monitoring equipment and field operations often need connectivity that remains available month after month rather than only during occasional trips.

Consider

A recurring airtime or subscription plan for equipment that needs to remain permanently connected.

Explore airtime options →
Starlink being used in a remote location Best fit · Broadband plan

Using Starlink off-grid?

Starlink is designed for much higher data use than traditional satellite phones and communicators, making it better suited to internet access, cloud applications, video calls and connected teams.

Consider

Your expected data usage, deployment location and whether your setup will be portable or fixed.

Explore Starlink →
Satellite airtime

Satellite networks available

Inmarsat satellite airtime Inmarsat
Iridium satellite airtime Iridium
Thuraya satellite airtime Thuraya
Globalstar satellite airtime Globalstar
Garmin inReach airtime plans Garmin
01

Inmarsat

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.

Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly airtime options are available across a range of Inmarsat devices.

View Inmarsat airtime →
02

Iridium

Iridium provides truly global satellite coverage, helping you stay connected anywhere in the world. Airtime is available for satellite phones, trackers and satellite internet devices including the Iridium 9555, Iridium Extreme, inReach devices and Iridium GO!.

Choose from Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly airtime options depending on your device and requirements.

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03

Thuraya

Thuraya provides satellite coverage across more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. Airtime is available for satellite phones and satellite internet devices including the XT-LITE, XT-PRO, XT-PRO Dual, Thuraya WE and Thuraya IP.

Pre-Paid and Pay Monthly options are available, alongside Thuraya NOVA airtime.

View Thuraya airtime →
04

Globalstar

Globalstar provides satellite connectivity for a range of phones, trackers and connected devices. Airtime and subscription options are available for products including Globalstar satellite phones, Sat-Fi, SmartOne and SPOT tracking devices.

Explore available Globalstar airtime and subscription options for compatible devices.

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05

Garmin

Garmin offers subscription plans for its inReach satellite communicators, providing access to messaging, tracking, location sharing and SOS functionality beyond conventional mobile coverage.

Garmin inReach devices use subscription-based airtime plans rather than traditional Pre-Paid airtime.

View Garmin subscriptions →