IsatPhone Launch

The handheld IsatPhone, which is scheduled for release in June, is expected to dramatically improve and lower the costs of global broadband satellite communications. Not only is the satellite phone low priced, but the Inmarsat-4 satellite network it works with is a step up from previous satellite networks. And that’s because the Inmarsat-4 network has been specifically designed to work with the Internet Protocol, enabling the IsatPhone to have more Internet features than today’s smart phones.

With the IsatPhone expected to be here in just a short time, satellite phone service companies are gearing up full speed for providing IsatPhone technical support and value-added services. Stratos Global Corporation is one such company. Stratos will offer its Inmarsat Global Satellite Phone Services (GSPS) service plan for the IsatPhone. According to Stratos, its GSPS plans and the IsatPhone will together provide a competitive alternative to handheld, fixed and maritime phone solutions now on the market.

Although the IsatPhone has not been officially released, Stratos has not only stocked over 1,000 of the phones but has received orders for its GSPS service and Inmarsat’s IsatPhone. According to Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm, “The large, advance sales commitments we have received for the IsatPhone Pro are very encouraging. These customers know that Stratos already has built a strong global customer base in the satellite phone market. They are confident that we will provide them with reliable equipment, affordable airtime and innovative value-added services to ensure the best possible performance from these important new offerings.”

The new phone, which will also be offered through Vizada, has a number of new features beyond satellite phones now on the market. According to Catherine Melquist, director of marketing, Vizada Americas, “During a recent call trial, the IsatPhone Pro exceeded our expectations on every level. In addition to the reliability of the Inmarsat network, it offers global coverage, a robust handset with an ingress protection rating of IP54, clear voice quality, the longest battery life in the market—8 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby—and it is comparatively inexpensive and really easy to use.”

The IsatPhone Pro, which is the first global handheld solution that Inmarsat has offered, has a $699 manufacturer suggested retail price. The low price along with the primary feature that it works globally, will help sell the satellite phone as not just a satellite phone, but a true always-on global phone with always-on Internet access capabilities. This means that IsatPhone Pro users will not only be able to call anyone from anywhere, but also email, text and surf the web from anywhere and anytime.

Besides these salient business features, the new global phone is Bluetooth compatible and is capable of operating reliably all the way down to minus 20 degrees Centigrade and then back up to positive 50 degrees Centigrade. The keyboard has also been designed to be easy to use. The phone keys, for example, can be easily selected even when one has gloves on.

Like Stratos, Vizada offers value added satellite phone services based on the IsatPhone. These include fixed2mobile and prepaid calling offerings as well as Vizada’s online account management system. Vizada will also offer its IsatPhone and satellite phone services with a number of hardware product options from other manufactures. Vizada will not only bundle the IsatPhone with docking stations and PBX systems, but will also offer options that will allow for hands-free satellite phone calling.

Vizada and its partners also plan to offer different satellite phone and service packages that are specifically designed for maritime, vehicular and indoor markets. Presently, Vizada is in the process of training its distributors and channel partners to market, sell and provide technical support for the IsatPhone and all the equipment, accessories and services that can be ordered along with it.