Satellite phone rental services vary greatly from the services offered by regular cell phone rentals. Because the signal for the satellite phone network comes from the sky instead of from ground antennas, it reaches into places that have very little or no ordinary cell phone reception. This satellite signal also produces a better clarity of voice and reduces static and cross-talk. In addition, because the satellites that are used are Low-Earth Orbiting, there is almost no perceptible voice delay like that in some ordinary cell phones, especially when speaking over vast distances. Other advantages to satellite phones are that they are reliable, have fewer dropped calls, and are very cost effective.
There are positives and negatives to satellite phone rental services. While they enable communication in areas where ordinary cellular phones have little or no service, the per minute price that is charged for the use of the satellite phone in these areas can be quite expensive. This is on top of the fee that is for the number of days or weeks that you have the phone. In addition, because of the fax and data transmission abilities that a satellite phone offers, the size of the phone can sometimes be a hassle when traveling. Many come with their own carrying case.
Satellite phones also come with international numbers. There is no difference between ordinary cellular phones for international traveling and satellite phones in this aspect, because to use any phone overseas you must be on that specific network and therefore have an international phone number. Therefore, while satellite phones give you the opportunity to keep in contact with your family and friends while traveling, it is very expensive for them to contact you. Some companies advertise the offer of free incoming minutes. However, this simply means that the per minute charge is not applied to your satellite phone rental service account. Your relatives pay much more by making the call from a landline.