Satellite Phones Descend Below $1000 Mark

London-based mobile satellite communications company Inmarsat has begun marketing its new IsatPhone as the world's cheapest satellite phone.

The device is pocket sized (13 x 5 x 3.2 cm) and features the typical oversized satellite antenna. It features dual mode GSM 900 and satellite reception with coverage in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The battery provides up to 2 hours 40 minutes of talk time, and up to 42 hours of standby time.

Data is transmitted at 2400 bps via satellite and at 9600 bps on GSM. The handset will be priced at $775 USD, and is ideally suited for those who do business in the nations bordering the Indian Ocean, where coverage is the densest.