2024 Satellite Airtime Service Plan Buyer’s Guide
Compare Iridium Prepaid and Monthly Airtime Service Plan Options
A handy quick reference chart comparing key features and benefits of prepaid airtime SIM cards and monthly service plans. Choose the Iridium airtime option that’s best for you.
| Compare | Prepaid SIM Cards | Monthly Service Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for... | Short-term or seasonal usage | Ongoing satellite phone service that won’t expire until you cancel it |
| Benefits | No monthly service fees Airtime is pre-purchased for use within a defined expiry period |
Maximum convenience, flexibility No airtime limit or expiry dates to manage All plans include some airtime each month and affordable rates for additional usage |
| Coverage | Global or regional, depending on the card | Global |
| Calling features | Airtime is available until it is depleted or expires FREE incoming calls & texts FREE voicemail Dedicated US Phone Number option is not available Unlimited Iridium-to-Iridium Calling option is not available |
All plans include some airtime that can also be pooled FREE incoming calls & texts FREE voicemail & call display service Dedicated US Phone Number option is available Unlimited Iridium-to-Iridium Calling option is available |
| Does my satellite service expire? | Yes, SIM cards expire in 1 to 24 months, depending on card at which time you will be unable to make/receive calls* | No expiration, monthly service does not expire, your satellite service is active until you cancel it |
| Does my airtime expire? | Yes, prepaid airtime expires in 1 to 24 months depending on the card, and unused airtime will be lost | There is no limit to the airtime you can use, however any unused minutes that are included with your plan expire at the end of each month |
| Does my satellite phone number expire? | Yes, when your prepaid SIM card expires, you risk losing your number | No, you keep your satellite phone number until you cancel |
| When do I pay for my airtime minutes? | In advance | Airtime usage is billed monthly |
| Do I have to refill my airtime? | Yes | No |
| Will call details appear in my monthly statement? | No | Yes |
| Is airtime pooling or sharing available? | No | Yes** |
| Ready to choose? | Iridium Prepaid Plans | Iridium Monthly Plans |
*Prepaid satellite phone card expiry can be extended on some cards. Airtime can be refilled online anytime.
**Share/pool included voice minutes across users on the same account (SMS/text cannot be pooled).
Why Choose an Iridium Prepaid SIM Card?
Prepaid cards are a good option if you aren’t concerned with having an 'always on' satellite airtime service. Features and benefits of prepaid SIM cards from Roadpost:
- Ideal for seasonal or short-term use. Prepaid airtime expires within 1-24 months
- Airtime is paid for in advance, a good option for those on a fixed budget
- Most cards can be refilled online, when you need more airtime
- Some prepaid cards offer the option to extend the expiry date for a fee
- One limitation is that detailed call records are not provided
Why Choose an Iridium Monthly Plan?
Monthly plans offer the convenience of hassle-free ongoing, uninterrupted service without having to manage usage or expiry dates. Features and benefits of monthly service plans from Roadpost:
- Flexible, pay-as-you-go ongoing monthly service that you can change or cancel anytime
- All plans include some airtime and affordable rates for additional usage. Airtime pooling is supported
- Hassle-free ongoing monthly service with no limits to the amount of airtime you can use
- Postpaid plans are ‘always on’ so you’ll never have to worry about your service expiring and becoming unavailable
- View detailed call records in your online account