best satellite phone for outback australia

Choosing the best satellite phone for the Outback boils down to ruggedness, network coverage, and battery life. The Iridium 9555 is a popular choice, boasting global coverage thanks to its low-earth orbit satellites and a battery life of up to 30 hours standby. Alternatively, the Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 offers excellent voice quality and 10 hours talk time, but with more limited coverage in extreme southern parts. Both phones are built like tanks and will survive the harsh Aussie terrain, but expect to shell out around $1,200 to $1,700 AUD for a new unit, with used ones hovering near $700. Before you drop that kind of cash, check listings on Tradingpost or CarShowroom for deals, and always test the network in your travel area. Remember: no phone is a substitute for common sense in the bush.