What's the fundamental difference between LEO and GEO satellite networks?

LEO (Low Earth Orbit) networks like Iridium and Starlink sit relatively close to Earth, typically 780 to 2,000km up, completing an orbit in around 100 minutes. Your device connects to one satellite as it passes overhead, then hands off to the next in a continuous relay, giving very low latency and true pole-to-pole global coverage. GEO (Geostationary) networks like Inmarsat sit much further out, around 35,786km, moving at the same speed as Earth's rotation so they appear fixed in the sky. This gives a strong, stable signal across a huge area, but only if you have a clear, unobstructed line of sight to that fixed point.

Why does Iridium perform better in places like the Southern Alps or Fiordland?

Because Iridium's 66 satellites are constantly moving across the sky, if one is blocked by a peak or deep valley wall, another satellite will be along shortly to provide a fresh window for connection. Inmarsat's satellites are fixed above the equator, so if a mountain range sits directly between you and the northern sky, the signal stays blocked until you move, not until the satellite does.

Why is Inmarsat still a good choice for many users despite that limitation?

For marine use in places like the Hauraki Gulf or Cook Strait, and for most flatter land-based use across New Zealand, Inmarsat's fixed satellite means you don't have to wait for anything to rise or pass overhead, the connection is simply there once you have a clear view north. It's also generally more affordable than Iridium and is the GMDSS-compliant standard many commercial vessels are legally required to carry.

How much does a satellite phone handset actually cost in NZ?

New handsets typically run from around $1,000 to over $2,500, depending on the network and features. A basic, voice-focused model sits at the lower end; a ruggedised handset with GPS tracking and a dedicated SOS button, like the Iridium Extreme, sits at the premium end.

Why does Iridium airtime cost more than Inmarsat?

Iridium's airtime often carries a 20 to 30% price premium over geostationary alternatives, reflecting the cost of maintaining its 66-satellite constellation and the reliability that comes with it. Inmarsat's hardware and airtime are generally more affordable, though the device must maintain a clear line of sight to the equator to work.

What airtime plan suits occasional use versus regular use?

Prepaid vouchers (for example, 75 minutes valid for 30 days) suit occasional or emergency use, ideal for trampers, hunters or boaties heading out on a single trip with full cost control and no ongoing commitment. Regular or business users are usually better served by a monthly contract plan.

Can people call my satellite phone using a normal NZ number?

Not by default, satellite handsets use international prefixes (Iridium uses +8816), which are expensive to call from a standard mobile or landline. A Local Number add-on, typically around $20 per month, gives you a regular NZ number that forwards calls directly to your satellite device, so callers pay normal local rates.

How fast is data on a basic satellite phone?

Basic handheld plans typically cap out around 2.4kbps, only suitable for short text-based emails or basic weather updates, not browsing or anything media-heavy. If you need genuine data speed, that's where Starlink fits in instead of a traditional satellite phone.

I'm a mountaineer or deep South tramper, which network should I choose?

Iridium. Its total global coverage and ability to route around terrain blockages make it the most reliable choice for the demanding conditions of the Southern Alps and Fiordland, where a fixed GEO satellite is more likely to be blocked by surrounding peaks.

I'm doing marine voyages or working mostly in the North Island, what suits me?

Inmarsat is an excellent option here. It offers strong call clarity and dependable service for boaties and anyone in less mountainous terrain, where getting a clear view of the northern sky generally isn't a problem.

I just want a basic emergency backup for occasional trips outside cell range, what's the simplest option?

Starlink's Direct to Cell service (through One NZ) is a strong, low-commitment backup for this. If all you need is a way to send an SOS or a check-in text without buying or renting dedicated satellite gear, it's well suited to casual trampers or those only occasionally just outside cell coverage. It doesn't yet replace a dedicated Iridium handset for serious emergency voice communication, though.

What's Globalstar, and when does it make sense?

Globalstar uses its own LEO constellation and often provides a more affordable entry point for satellite voice calls and one-way data tracking. Coverage can be less consistent than Iridium's in New Zealand's most remote southern regions, but it's a solid, budget-conscious choice for recreational boaties and remote workers in areas with reasonably good network visibility.

How is Starlink different from a satellite phone network like Iridium?

Think of it like choosing a vehicle. Starlink is built to haul a massive payload of data, perfect for setting up a properly connected remote worksite, running cloud software, or video calls from the backblocks. Iridium and Inmarsat aren't built for that; they're the rugged, go-anywhere tools for critical voice calls and safety messaging, unbeatable for that specific job but not designed for high-speed data.

Which Starlink hardware is approved for use on a moving vehicle or vessel?

The Starlink Flat High Performance unit (Gen 2 and Gen 3) is the only model officially approved for in-motion use on vehicles and vessels, with a low-profile design suited to marine operations and mobile command centres. It must be paired with a Mobile Priority service plan to use in motion.

Should I rely on Starlink alone for a remote worksite?

We don't recommend it as your only system. The smartest approach is hybrid: Starlink for primary high-speed data, paired with an Iridium or Inmarsat device as a guaranteed emergency voice lifeline if the Starlink connection or power supply ever fails.

What's the difference between a satellite phone, a satellite messenger, and a PLB?

A satellite phone gives full two-way voice calling and SMS anywhere. A satellite messenger (like a Garmin inReach or ZOLEO) gives two-way SMS-style texting, GPS location sharing and an interactive SOS, usually on a monthly subscription. A PLB is a pure, one-trick safety device, it sends a one-way distress signal with your GPS location to rescue services, with no messaging capability and no ongoing costs after purchase. They aren't competing for space in your pack, they're partners covering different needs.

Do I need a licence to own and use a satellite phone in NZ?

No, for standard handheld satellite phones from major providers like Iridium and Inmarsat, no special licence is needed to own or use one personally. There are some additional rules around more complex, fixed installations, like a setup mounted on a large vessel or remote station, but that's not something the typical user needs to worry about.

What should businesses consider for lone worker safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

Employers have a duty of care to ensure lone workers can call for help in an emergency. A device like the Iridium 9575 Extreme, with a dedicated SOS button and GPS tracking, is a genuinely effective way to meet that obligation. A common, balanced approach is satellite messengers for cost-effective daily check-ins, with a full satellite phone available for supervisors or site offices for voice coordination during an actual emergency.