Iridium GO! Do I Really Need It? And Cheap Alternatives!

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Iridium GO! is a global satellite communications device that acts as a pocket-sized cellular tower. With this nifty little gadget, you can connect any smartphone device and turn it into a handheld satellite. It’s designed for adventure seekers who need reliable communication when going off the grid.

You only really need the Iridium GO! if you need a satellite phone for communicating via email, calls, and SMS while in a location without cellular reception and if the cost is not a concern. However, those on a budget can always consider cheaper satellite phone alternatives such as InReach MINI, lets’s see what they have to offer.

The Iridium GO! is one of the hottest new tech products on the market, but does the gadget justify the hefty price tag ($799 Amazon)? Keep reading as I explore what makes the Iridium GO! unique and whether or not you really need it. I’ll also discuss alternatives you might consider if you’re on a tight budget while still getting high-quality satellite service.

Are you looking for a cheap alternative but don't have time to read the entire article? scroll down to the bottom to read more about Garmin Inreach mini (it's what I use and recommend) or click this amazon link.

Table of Contents

Iridium GO! — Satellite-Enabled Internet Anywhere You Go

Iridium GO! is an innovative global satellite communications solution designed to enable users with voice and data connectivity worldwide, on land or at sea. The brand’s next generation of products offers a faster and simpler way for people to connect anywhere across the globe.

Iridium GO! is a small device that connects to the Iridium network, enabling users to send & receive text messages and GPS location data – anywhere on Earth. This device has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, including aviation, marine, public safety, utilities, travel, etc.

Earlier in 2019, Iridium launched 75 new low-orbit satellites to provide 24/7 coverage around the globe. These satellites are great for delivering low-latency signals strong enough to reach the north and south poles.

This means that they are perfect for adventures such as sailing

You can connect your Iridium Go! device to the nearest satellite and access the internet from anywhere around the world. However, it’s important to remember that typical satellite signals are unstable and require a direct link between the device and carrier. Any disruptions (clouds, planes, etc.) and the satellite signal will be lost.

In my experience, connectivity issues is something that happens fairly often

Once connected to a satellite, you can use your Iridium GO! device to set up a close-proximity WiFi hotspot. Any device within a hundred feet can connect to this hotspot and access the World Wide Web. Iridium GO! can support up to five concurrent devices. It allows users to make voice calls, share files, utilize GPS tracking services, and even support SOS alerts.

What Does an Iridium GO! Do?

An Iridium Go! aims to provide 100% global coverage so that users can remain connected irrespective of their geographic location. The device is like a cellular tower, except it’s much smaller.

Before satellite communication, going off the grid meant that you were completely isolated from the rest of the world. However, with the introduction of these new devices, you can make phone calls and send messages from the most remote locations on Earth! Best of all, you don’t need to worry about the dreaded cellular service error.

Iridium GO! Features

When using Iridium GO!, you can do the following:

Create a WiFi hotspot with a 100 feet (30 meters) proximity, connect a maximum of 5 devices.

Use the WiFi hotspot to make or receive phone calls on your handheld device.
Send or receive emails.
Send or receive messages (SMS any phone number).
Send or receive photos, attachments, and files.

Access social media, like Twitter and Facebook.
Browse the internet via Opera Mini Browser or XWEB.
Get real-time GPS tracking and transmission.
Have a built-in SOS button for emergencies.

Check weather conditions and forecast with your preferred weather application.
Acquire additional settings for security, connection, configuration, etc.

What People Like About Them, What People Dislike

It’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. The battery will last up to 15.5 hours, depending on usage.

Iridium GO! was designed for people who live an active lifestyle and need communication tools unavailable on traditional handheld satellite phones.

The bottom line with the Iridium GO! is that it’s simple to use, has terrific battery life, and can be charged using a standard Micro USB cable. But what do other people than me really like about the Iridium GO? Below are the benefits and drawbacks of the Iridium GO! device as per my research:

Benefits

With the Iridium GO by your side, you can use your smartphone virtually anywhere.
The Iridium GO! can connect to one of the 75 low-orbit satellites, meaning you’re (almost) always connected.
It’s great for long-distance calling, providing clear and crisp audio quality.
You can browse the internet and even use social media apps.

It includes plenty of freebies (firewall, email client, free 2 hours outbound voice calling).
The Iridium Go! is a rugged device that can sustain plenty of damage without any faults (great for trekking, mountaineering, etc.).
The Emergency SOS button allows you to contact the nearest rescue services quickly.

Drawbacks

The Iridium GO! is very expensive. Also, you have to buy the packages separately — ($139 per month for unlimited data).
You need to download an app to use the Iridium GO! device.

You can only maintain a strong signal if there’s a direct unobstructed link between your Iridium GO! unit and the satellite. That means you can’t use this device indoors, and any obstructions in the sky will significantly affect communications.
While a maximum of five devices can be connected, you can only use one device.
Iridium voice calls are considered international and are subject to expensive call rates.
You can only use applications that support WiFi/cellular/satellite bridging. Iridium doesn’t allow you to use pre-existing applications; you can only use the apps available on the device.
The maximum bandwidth is 2.4 kbps (extremly slow). Don’t expect great speeds for online browsing.

Messaging, emailing, and weather forecasting all require their own Iridium-approved apps.

Can You Use WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.?

WhatsApp requires a stable internet connection to send messages. In theory, a satellite phone like the Iridium GO! should be able to make a proper connection to the servers and allow real-time messaging. However, this is far from the truth.

You can’t use third-party messaging applications, like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Skype, with an atrociously slow connection speed and a maximum bandwidth of 2.4 kbps (7 times slower than a dial-up connection. The limited data connection isn’t fast enough to support a stable server connection.

Despite marketing some impressive internet capabilities, the Iridium GO! is strictly a satellite phone and an emergency backup device that can be used to send text messages and make calls when there’s no cell service available.

Can You Surf the Web?

While it’s clear that you can’t use most of your mobile applications requiring a consistent internet connection, what about the Iridium-approved applications? Can you use the default browser to surf the web?

You can’t surf the web using Iridium GO! due to the poor connection speed and limited coverage. Some users have complained that they can’t even load the Google search page. Furthermore, loading any modern website with HTTPS is highly unlikely with the Iridium GO!

Can You Receive Calls?

You can receive calls via the Iridium GO! The real value of this device lies in its ability to make and receive phone calls anywhere in the world. The ability to receive calls is the main selling point of this device, and unlike other features, this one actually delivers.

So, even if you don’t have the internet, you can receive calls wherever you are in the world.

How To Make a Call From an Iridium Phone

Making a phone call is pretty straightforward:

Open the Iridium GO! app and select the voice call option.

Select the country you wish to call from the list of available countries by pressing the associated flag icon.
Dial the number of the individual you want to reach.

How To Make a Call to an Iridium Phone (Receive)

Iridium phone numbers are considered international. The phone number consists of a 9-digit unique telephone number and 881 as the country code. To make a phone call to an Iridium phone:

Find out the correct code for the country you’re calling from. You can use this tool to find the proper code. Suppose you’re calling from the UK. In that case, you use 001 as the country code.
Add 881 as the receiving country code after your country code — 881 is the country code for all Iridium phones. From the above example, the phone number would become 001 881.

Dial the number of the individual you want to call. For example, if you’re calling from the UK, to an Iridium Phone, you’d dial this: 001 881 783631843.

Does It Work With an iPhone?

The Iridium GO! works with an iPhone, even iPads. Be sure to download the Iridium GO! app from the Apple app store. Also, make sure that the iPhone is not running on airplane mode. The Iridium GO! won’t work on airplane mode.

The Iridium GO! is Great for Solo and Group Travels

Whether you’ll be traveling alone or with friends, the Iridium GO! will come in handy.

The Iridium GO! is a must-have for anyone who travels extensively and needs reliable, global communications.

Pilots, sailors, and tourists will love the Iridium GO! So, if you travel a lot, be it for work or leisure, especially to remote areas, this is a device worth considering,

Also, the Iridium GO! is best for groups that need to communicate reliably anywhere on the planet and don’t want to worry about being in the range of cell towers.

Some Cheaper Alternatives

My Personal Recommendation and Most Reliable: Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Messenger

Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Messenger and Iridium GO! are both two of the best satellite messengers on the market. In comparison, the Garmin inReach is slightly better on paper with its cheaper price tag and better service plans.

The inReach Mini is easy to use with good battery time!
Gabo

The downside is that it uses micro USB instead of USB C, which most of my other stuff have; this means I will bring a separate cable just for this piece of equipment; no big deal, but still.

The device comes with a full global coverage plan and free preloaded maps of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. It also has a two-way messaging feature that lets you send short text messages to other users or friends and family.

And, if there’s an emergency, you can easily and quickly use it to send an SOS message for help.

Cheapest Satellite Phone: Inmarsat IsatPhone 2

The IsatPhone 2 is a satellite phone from satellite communication service provider Inmarsat. It was designed for use in remote regions with poor reception and for travelers who may need to communicate in places where their cell phones cannot. The phone is waterproof and dustproof.

If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to Iridium GO!, IsatPhone 2 is a satellite phone that can serve as a good option for your communication needs. It comes with high-speed data transfer and text messaging services.

Best Satellite Phone Battery: Somewear Labs Global Hotspot

The Iridium GO! satellite phone is a great product, but it has some limitations. For example, it has limited bandwidth, and its battery can only last two days on a single charge. To address these shortcomings, Somewear Labs came up with a new solution called the Global Hotspot.

The Global Hotspot is an innovative satellite phone that keeps your connection live for up to a month before needing to be recharged. It also offers unlimited voice calls and text messages worldwide.

Best Sattellite Phone For Textmessages: Spot X

Spot X is one of the best alternatives for the Iridium GO! satellite phone. It has a small form factor, but the features are pretty much like the Iridium GO!. Spot X is a better option for people who don’t need to make voice calls. They can use Spot X for texting and for sending and receiving emails. The device is pretty cheap, too, with unlimited messaging anywhere in the world!

Conclusion

The Iridium GO! is a good solution for people who need access to their phones from remote areas. However, as you can see from this article, cheaper alternatives may work better for certain situations. The Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Messenger, for example, is an excellent choice.

But if you like Iridium GO! features and don’t mind the high price tag, there’s no harm in getting one for yourself!

Hopefully, this article has given you the information to help you decide whether or not the Iridium GO! is suitable for your needs.

Here is my complete Must-have catamaran sailing gear list!