Iridium launched a satellite Wi-Fi hotspot in 2014 – the Iridium GO! – retailing at $795-899+ (depends on vendor). and in January 2023, the Iridium GO! exec model, costing $1599 was announced.
The Iridium GO! and GO! exec are handheld satellite units delivering calling, text and data capabilities.
Data plans start at $65+/mo, or you can get unlimited data for $145+/mo. You can activate service just when you need it, there are no contracts. Data plans for the Exec model start at $110/m, with no unlimited data options.
The Iridium constellation provides global coverage with 66 swarming satellites orbiting 475 miles up. Iridium is known for powering handheld satellite phones that enable voice calls anywhere on the planet, but the network does support limited data service too.
Speeds on the Iridium Go! are at a painfully slow 2.4 Kbps - so uploading a single high-resolution image might take hours, and even a basic web page might take 5–10 minutes to display. The Go! exec model touts speeds 40x faster - 22 Kbps transmits, and 88 Kbps downloads.
The Go! Exec also offers on-device satellite calling, Wi-Fi, Dual USB- ports, ethernet, external antenna / GPS ports, along with its significant new price.
The other big gotcha is that all data usage must go through Iridium's special apps on your phone or tablet – you cannot get a laptop online or use arbitrary apps.
This is not a device for surfing on - but it can be a great global communication option for places where there are no other consumer affordable options. It can download weather updates, place calls, do basics online and most importantly - reach help.
The option is very popular with sailors and cruisers making passages. Additional external antennas can be purchased for always on connectivity.
Specifications
Model: Iridium GO!
- Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
- Satellite Network: Iridium
- Integration: phone, tablet
- Battery: 5.5 hours of talk/data use and up to 15.5 hours of standby time
- Weight: 2.16 lbs (980g)
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 4 inches
- Waterproof: IP65
- Location: Accurate within 2.5 meters
- Price: $795 (device), $65+/mo (plan) (note, prices vary by retailer)
Model: Iridium GO exec!
- Main Function: Basic Satellite Communicator
- Satellite Network: Iridium
- Integration: phone, tablet
- Battery: 6 hours of talk/data use and up to 24 hours of standby time
- Weight: 2.64 lbs (1200g)
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 1 inches
- Waterproof: IP65
- Location: Accurate within 2.5 meters
- Price: $1599 (device), $110+/mo (plan) (note, prices vary by retailer)
News, Videos, & Status
We do not intend to obtain a setup to test.
But! Here's a great review from friends of our resource center, Gone with the Wynns: How We Stay Connected Sailing The World – Free Wifi, Phones, & Satellite
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Purchasing Options
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The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
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Amazon (affiliate links): Iridium Go! | Go! Exec
PredictWind (cruiser recommended for marine support): Iridium Go! | Go! Exec
BlueCosmo: Iridium GO!
Iridium: Iridium Go! | Go! Exec
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