Adventure Tech: Immarsat Brings Global Pre-Paid Satellite Phone Service To U.S.

Good news for travelers to remote locations in the U.S. and beyond. Immarsat announced today that they are delivering options for pre-paid satellite phone service on a global scale by providing the service in the U.S. for the first time. This means that sat phone users no longer have enter into costly contracts for a service that they only need to use on an occasional basis. The new pre-paid plans will be available starting September 1.

This is a great option for anyone who travels into remote areas and wants to have a satellite phone along for safety purposes. In the past these phones were not always cost effective for the backpacker or climber who only needed the service a few times a year. The pre-paid plans include both voice and data, which allows for Internet access in the backcountry as well. The service will extend to Immarsat's IsatPhone Pro, BGAN data modem, FleetBoradband and FleetPhone options.

Immarsat has offered pre-paid services prior to this announcement but those options have not included the United States before. The expanded service opens that market as well and brings pre-paid to a global level. Sat phones are now a viable option for those of us who would like to have one with us on our travels but found them cost prohibitive in the past.