We may receive commissions when you buy through the links on our site. Full Disclaimer.
If you’re going camping, backpacking, or hiking in an area where communications aren’t available, a satellite phone is a must-have. The 9575 satellite phone from Iridium is one of the most purchased satellite phones on Amazon. Having carried out thorough research on the product, I have put together this iridium 9575 extreme review to help you decide if it’s the best backpacking satellite phone for you.
Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone Review
These other features include access to emergency SOS, online tracking, and customizable GPS. Would you like to send emails? The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone supports short emails in addition to two-way SMS.
Furthermore, the device is renowned for its durability as it was military-grade and rated IP65.
It operates with a Lithium-ion battery, which it comes with. For talk time, the battery will last for about 4 hours, and you get more on standby – about 30 hours.
This satellite phone also happens to be the first to feature the Iridium AxcessPoint. The Iridium AxcessPoint allows you to use the device as a WiFi hotspot.
Who or which company is behind it?
The company behind this product is Iridium. This is a company that offers a broad range of services, among which is Land Mobile Solutions.
Land Mobile Solutions involves data, voice, push to talk, broadband connectivity, etc. They boast of a global network with more than 450 industry-leading partners. The network consists of 66 cross-linked satellites.
These are Low Earth Orbit satellites with a true pole to pole coverage. As a result, they guarantee connectivity in any part of the world.
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone is just one out of the many products in their catalog. They have other products for internet access, SOS, SMS, email services, etc.
- Durable
- IP65 rated
- Short email capacity
- Advanced features
- Iridium AxcessPoint
- Battery capacity relatively low
- Expensive call rates
Verdict
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone has several features that can be life-saving during a backpacking trip, especially the advanced features.
ALSO SEE:
Best Satellite Phone for Backpacking
OTHER SATELLITE PHONE REVIEWS:
Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Review
Who is the product for?
You might wonder, this device looks just like a cell phone; why do I need it when I’ve already got one? Well, as a satellite phone, the Iridium 9575 is very different from the smartphone or whichever cell phone you’re holding.
This product is for you if you are going backpacking in areas where there is no cell tower coverage. This implies areas where you cannot use your regular mobile networks like AT&T, Verizon, etc.
These are majorly remote locations. Examples include high mountains, deserts, deep woods, and water. While camping in such locations, anything can happen. Though not wished, you might run into a few challenges where you’ll need help from those on the outside.
If you’re backpacking in an area where your mobile carrier doesn’t cover, how do you communicate with others if there’s an emergency?
This is one reason why you’ll need the Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone – for your safety. It was equipped with advanced features to deal with emergencies.
The satellite phone connects with the Iridium satellite constellation that was launched far back in 1998. With the Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone, communication is very easy, and its global coverage means you can use it anywhere, even if not in the United States.
Key features and benefits
Prepaid & Postpaid SIM Cards
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone supports both prepaid and postpaid SIM Cards, giving you the flexibility to choose how you want to pay your bills.
With a prepaid SIM, you pay upfront – before you make use of the service. On the other hand, with a postpaid SIM, you pay after you’ve used the service.
GPS
This satellite phone comes with a built-in GPS. You’ll find this feature extremely useful, and it’s one of the key reasons people are buying it.
With this Global Position System, you can identify where you are at all times, and it’ll also help you navigate to other locations.
Emergency SOS
Just as in your iPhones and Androids, emergency SOS allows you to call emergency contacts quickly and easily. This is a life-saving feature should you run into problems.
You can quickly call 911 should there be any fire or medical-related emergencies. Note that the Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone is the first satellite phone to have this feature.
Two-way SMS
The two-way SMS feature means that you can send automatic replies via SMS to anyone from your backpacking camp.
You can set up a shortcode that others can use to reach you and set replies for specific messages. This is an ideal way of letting others know whatever you’re up to.
Short Email Capability
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone communication features are not limited to calls and SMS alone; you can also send short emails and receive them.
So, if you’ve got a very important email to send, perhaps about work, school, you won’t need to leave your camp.
Notifications
With notifications, you won’t miss any important messages. The satellite phones show notifications of received messages, missed calls, emails, and more.
If you’re on a prepaid plan, you’ll also get notified when you’re running low on airtime so you can refill. The same applies to instances when your SIM card is to expire.
IP65 rating
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone is an IP65 rated device. IP65 rated products are top of the list in terms of durability.
An IP65 rating implies that this satellite phone is dust-tight and protected against water; in other words, dustproof and waterproof. Also, it makes the satellite phone shock resistant.
Illuminated weather-resistant keypad
As an IP65 rated product, it’s expected that the devices’ keypad is weather resistant. However, the pointer feature here is the illumination.
The keypad is illuminated to use the satellite phone conveniently at night or in any low light condition. This feature could also suit your artistic taste.
FAQ & Additional Tips
How much does this product cost?
The price of the Iridium Extreme 9575 satellite phone varies depending on where you are purchasing from. Nevertheless, the price ranges from $999 to $1,500.
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card to use for about $1 without airtime. Also, you can get a prepaid SIM along with airtime for about $2 per minute.
Where can you purchase the Iridium Extreme 9575 satellite phone?
You can purchase this product from a range of stores online and offline and the manufacturer’s website. However, I recommend you purchase from Amazon. Click here to buy from Amazon.
When you purchase from Amazon, you get free shipping, and the product arrives in 1 to 3 business days, depending on your state.
Can I rent it?
Yes, if you don’t want to buy this device, you can visit the Satellite Phone Store to rent it. It will cost you about $50 per week. But it’s better to buy it.
What is included in the purchase pack?
The following are included when you purchase this satellite phone;
- Travel charger with international adapters
- Car charger
- Leather case
- USB data cable
- User manual
- Quick Start guide
- CD-ROM with software
- Two accessory adapters
- Magnetic vehicle mount antenna with 5’ cable
- Hands-free earpiece with microphone
How is the device used?
The device is used just like any other satellite phone. You won’t have any trouble operating it or setting it up as there’s a Quick Start Guide and User Manual to assist you.
However, it’s important to note that you can’t use any other SIM card other than Iridium.
Does it have a warranty?
The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone comes with a 12-month warranty when you purchase it.
Conclusion
Following this Iridium 9575 Extreme review, I believe you would agree that the phone has the most important features you’ll need in a satellite and more. The only major downside here is relatively high, but the pros outweigh it, so I recommend it as one of the best backpacking satellite phones.
And remember, you can buy it on Amazon or Rent on Satellite Phone Store
