Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Review

When it comes to backpacking and hiking safety, a satellite phone is one of the devices you’ll need. However, while preparing for your trip, it won’t be easy to figure out the best satellite phone to buy as there is a mass of them available in the market. If you’ve come across the Iridium 9555 Satellite phone, you’ll agree it appears as an ideal satellite phone to buy. But should you? Find out in this Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone review.

Iridium 9555 Review

“The Tough Handset – Chosen by Tough Customers” that’s how Iridium describes this satellite phone. At just 1 pound of weight, it is a relatively portable and lightweight phone, but despite that, it has industrial-grade ruggedness. The phone can withstand rugged environments, and with Iridium’s global satellite coverage, you can use it anywhere.

Aside from calls, the Iridium 9555 supports SMS and email with improved capability. Also, it features an upgraded mini-USB data port, an internally stowed antenna, and an integrated speakerphone. The phone has a good battery life, too; the battery will last for up to 30 hours on standby and 4 hours of talk time.

Anyone would find this satellite phone easy to use out-of-the-box thanks to its intuitive user interface. The screen is a 200 character illuminated graphic display, and the illuminated weather-resistant keypad means you can use the phone conveniently even at night. Furthermore, it features volume, battery, and signal strength meters.

Which company is behind it?

This Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone is an Iridium product, just as the description states. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Virginia, United States. Iridium is about the best satellite network provider globally as they have about 66 active out-of-earth satellite that provides coverage even in the poles.

As a result, Iridium satellite phones can be used anywhere, and top world companies and governments use them. Aside from land mobile communications, the company offers other solutions, including aviation, autonomous systems, polar, maritime, Internet of Things (IoT), etc.

Iridium boasts of an ecosystem of more than 450 industry-leading partners. The 9555 Satellite Phone is one of the 100s of products the company produces.

Verdict

If you need a very portable satellite phone and one you can use seamlessly, the Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone is the best you can get. Those are the sellout features of the satellite phone, although it packs other advanced features.

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Who is the product for?

Satellite phones while backpacking and hiking are for safety and survival. In remote areas where you’re likely to go, your mobile networks won’t pick any signal as such areas are usually out of their coverage range. Satellite phones get signals from satellites that have a wider coverage range. Iridium satellites, as mentioned earlier, provide global coverage.

The Iridium 9555 satellite phone is for you if you’re not very used to satellite phones; maybe it’s’ your first time using one. This is because it features a simple interface and has all the basic functions you’ll need in a satellite phone. You can use it for calls, SMS, and email without passing through a learning curve.

The satellite phone is not for you if you wish to use other advanced features like GPS tracking, Bluetooth, alarms, etc. It is also not for you if you need a satellite phone to take pictures or listen to music.

Due to its ruggedness, the Iridium 955 satellite can be used in any weather condition. Whether you’re backpacking or hiking during spring, summer, fall, or winter, you can go for the Iridium 9555 satellite phone if you need a satellite phone.

Also, the product is for you if you care about battery life. With 30 hours of standby, you can get through an entire day without charging your device. The battery life will depreciate with use after some time, maybe a couple of years, but that’s normal with electronics.

Key Features of Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone

Lightweight and Portable

When planning for backpacking and hiking trips, it’s always ideal to go with the most portable options. This is the advantage you get with the Iridium 9555 satellite phone. Thanks to its design, the satellite phone is compact and portable, which means it can easily be carried along. It isn’t heavy either as it weighs 1 pound.

Integrated Speakerphone

The Iridium 9555 satellite phone features an integrated speakerphone. Although this is a common feature in telephones, it is worth mentioning as its ideal for backpacking and hiking. You can set the satellite phone on speakerphone so everyone in the camp can hear what the person you’re calling is saying.

SMS and email

SMS and email are features we use every day on our mobile phones. You can do the same with the Iridium 9555 satellite phone, and it isn’t difficult. Specifically, this satellite phone supports two way SMS text messaging and short email messaging. Furthermore, email support means that the phone is compatible with the internet.

Durability

Engineered to withstand rugged environments with industry-grade materials, the Iridium 9555 satellite phone is very durable. You can use it in any season. Also, there’s the illuminated weather-resistant keypad. In other words, the keypad is resistant to moisture and dust.

Easy to use

For most backpackers and hikers, the idea of using a satellite phone always seems complex. With the Iridium 9555 satellite phone, that problem is solved as it is very easy to use. The user interface is simple, and all you need to get going is to get conversant with the keys and their functions.

Memory

This satellite phone has an internal memory with a 100 entry address book. This means you can store up to 100 phone numbers and email addresses. The SIM also has its memory with a 155 entry capacity. The memory also retains your dialed, received, and missed calls history.

Security

You can make the Iridium 9555 satellite phone a private property if you want. With dual security options – Keypad lock and PIN lock – you can lock off others using the phone without your consent. Furthermore, you can set call timers, so calls are automatically ended to save costs.

Mini-USB data port

A mini-USB data port means connecting the Iridium 9555 satellite phone can be connected with other USB compatible devices. This includes smartphones, laptops, digital cameras, desktop computers, etc. The phone comes with a USB data cable you can use.

Headset and hands-free capability

You don’t always have to hold your satellite phone to your ears whenever you want to make calls. You can plug in a headset and use it hands-free for better convenience. Included in the purchase box is a Hands-free Headset you can use.

FAQ & Additional Tips

How much does this product cost?

The price of the Iridium 9555 satellite varies depending on where you are buying from. Nevertheless, the price is around $1000.

What is included in the purchase pack?

When you purchase this product, you get the following in the box;

• Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone
• AC Charger and DC Travel Charger
• International Adapters
• Hands-free Headset
• Leather Case
• 5′ Auxiliary Antenna and Adapter
• USB Data Cable
• Quick Start Guides in Multiple Languages

Can you track the Iridium 9555’s position?

You cannot track the position of the satellite phone because it doesn’t feature a GPS. If that’s what you want, you’ll fare well with Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone.

Does it have a warranty?

Iridium issues a 1-year limited warranty on this 9555 satellite phone.

Conclusion

Is the Iridium 9555 satellite phone a good product for backpacking and hiking? The answer is Yes, it is. It is recommended as an ideal product because it is portable, has all basic satellite phone functions, durable with good battery life, and can be used anywhere. The product is available on Amazon with free shipping within the US.