Hi. My name is John Whitley and I’m the founder of RentASatPhone.com.au,  Australia’s number one satellite communications Rental store.

In this article I want to answer one of the most common questions I get from anyone looking into satellite phones in Australia, “Can I use my satellite phone in my car or office”?

At the time of writing, the two networks available in Australia are Thuraya and Iridium. Both options have limitations for mobile satellite phone use while in transit or within buildings.

First let’s understand why. Satellite communications is exactly that: it uses satellites to receive and then distribute the call. That means the satellite phone must have direct line of sight to the sky via either the phone’s aerial or an extension of it.

So, looking at our options, once again we look at the Thuraya satellite phones first.

Both phones are usable while you have direct line of sight to the sky. If that’s interrupted in any way, however, from such things as heavy foliage, tree cover, cliff edges or electrical interference, then you may have difficulty in connecting.

At present Thuraya do not offer a mobile aerial that simply attaches to the satellite phone so as you can use it in a moving vehicle, be it a car or truck or even a train.

This makes their car kit attachment, at an extra average cost of $1,600 plus installation, an expensive extra.

So far we haven’t seen an in-office adapter either which allows indoor use of the satellite network. Hopefully, demand will make these options available soon.

Let’s see what Iridium have to offer.

The Iridium 9555 comes with a number of accessories that allow use in moving vehicles of any type. A standard and included small magnetic-mounted antenna attaches to the phone. You place it through your window and onto your roof, instantly giving you mobile satellite communications in your vehicle.

They also offer a car kit, a bit cheaper than Thuraya’s at closer to $,1350, which offers the security of permanent installation.

We have successfully supplied Iridium’s satellite telephones for cars, trucks, trains, ships, yachts and planes and many other modes of transport.

There are a host of external aerials and extension cables available for all sorts of situations. We can help you find the right one.

I trust you found this information useful. If you’d like to know anything more about satellite phones and how you can use one wherever you go, please contact us.

We’ll be happy to help you.

See our website for more free advice and to learn all you need to know about satellite phones.

Visit www.RentASatPhone.com.au or call us on 1300 851 591.