how much does a satellite phone cost Page 17

New satellite phones in Australia typically run about AUD $1,200–$1,600 for Inmarsat models and $1,800–$3,000 for tougher Iridium units; decent used ones are roughly $400–$1,200 depending on age and battery health. Plans are around $35–$100+ per month with voice at roughly $1.50–$3/min and SMS at $0.50–$1; prepaid bundles land near $100–$500 with various expiries. Expect extras: spare batteries ($100–$200) and external antennas/docks ($200+)—nothing about space is cheap except the views. If it’s a once‑off adventure, rentals are roughly $15–$35/day plus airtime, which beats owning a very expensive drawer ornament. Coverage matters: Iridium costs more but is truly global; Inmarsat is cheaper but sulks in deep valleys and near the poles.