Proven Voice Calling for Far-Flung Expeditions: Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone Review

Blasted with gusts of cold air and early April snow, we stared in awe as the glacier ski plane taxied down the Ruth Gorge and took off. Suddenly, we were alone. Thankfully, we found comfort knowing that within the 5 weeks of supplies we had with us, we brought an Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone to keep in touch with family and friends.

Cell service shouldn’t be relied on in destinations such as the Alaska Range. With rapidly changing weather known to bring storms that pin you down, it is critical to have a reliable way to communicate. There are a few ways to accomplish this, but little replicates the sound of hearing friends or loved ones out there.

This spring, I made a first ascent in the Ruth Gorge of the Southeast Face of Mt. Bradley, and the 9555 kept news of our progress flowing back home for the entire expedition. Here’s what I learned about this classic sat phone, and where I see it fitting into the modern explorer’s tool kit.

In short: The Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone is a tool to help you stay in touch with the outside world when cell service is not available. Although I would not trust this satellite phone as a primary communicative device, it has its place as a means to talk to loved ones, pass along information, and strengthen communication in remote and challenging destinations. 

Looking for a satellite phone? Check out how the Iridium 9555 compares to the rest of the options out there in GearJunkie’s Best Satellite Phones Buyer’s Guide.

The Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone: Review

Are Satellite Phones Still Relevant?

When venturing into the backcountry and out of cell service, it is important to have some sort of communication system in case of an emergency. A handful of different types of satellite communication devices work well, but before venturing out with it, I wondered if a real-deal satellite phone like the 9555 was still relevant.

Starting with the simplest form of a satellite communication device, a personal locator beacon (PLB) allows only one-way communication to call for help and inform emergency services where your device is located. Increasing in complexity, the next tier is two-way messenger communicators such as the Garmin inReach Mini.

These style devices allow for emergency personal locator services and effective non-emergency communications. I take the inReach with me often, whether I’m spending the day ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, overnighting in the Cascades, or spending weeks living on the glaciers of the Alaska Range. 

A downside to the two-way messenger devices is the speed of information exchange. The faster way of transmitting information is via voice calling, such as on the Iridium 9555. This makes this style of satellite communication device ideal for individuals who need voice communications while in the backcountry, where texting and calling for emergency services with device location are less important.  

Iridium 9555 Functionality

During the 5 weeks we lived on the Ruth Glacier, we spent a substantial amount of time sitting around base camp, either resting in between climbs or waiting for substantial weather windows to go climbing. There’s only so much snow shoveling and staring at our books one can do in a day, so the privilege of being able to call and catch up with friends was welcome. 

The Iridium 9555, when connected with a satellite, allowed for continuous and clear conversation. Being in a gorge with 5,000-foot walls on either side of the glacier caused connection to sometimes take upward of an hour, and often calls would drop connection after a couple of minutes.

Due to the inconsistent connection, I found myself planning calls with friends by messaging with my inReach to ensure the people I wanted to call would be available when the 9555 connected successfully. Despite this setback, it was pleasant to hear the voices of friends while on such a remote glacier.

The Iridium 9555 also allows for messaging communication, but only with the built-in telephone-style T9 keypad. This makes messaging with the sat phone slower and more challenging than the satellite communication devices that connect to your mobile device, which optimize for messaging. 

Given that the satellite phone plan is based on minutes spent making calls, the built-in call minutes counter is a useful and appreciated feature for keeping track of the expected cost of use. This is in contrast to inReach’s charge-per-text plan, which doesn’t keep track of the number of texts sent and received on the device itself unless you go through the message history and count them yourself. 

Design and Features

The Iridium 9555 itself is a boxy design reminiscent of a landline from 2010. Compared to the size and weight of other satellite communication devices, it’s a bulky and heavy device. However, these other messenger devices often require the concurrent use of a mobile phone, making the 9555 a lighter option if a mobile phone is not necessary for the given trip.

While climbing in the Ruth Gorge, we left the Iridium 9555 in base camp as a backup device and took our mobile phones and satellite messenger devices on the wall with us instead.

Given the number of electronics we had with us on the glacier, such as phones, a speaker, headlamps, inReaches, the Iridium 9555, Kindle, etc., and the limited solar panel capacity and rechargeable batteries, the additional battery of the Iridium 9555 was a nice backup to ensure we had a charged satellite phone at all times. 

A Modern-Day Value?

At $1,180, the Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone is a significant investment, especially compared to more affordable options like the Garmin inReach Mini, which costs $342. However, the Iridium 9555 offers enhanced capabilities for voice communication in remote areas, which can be crucial during expeditions where quick and reliable information exchange is needed.

For those who require dependable voice communication in extreme environments, the higher price point may be justified by its robust performance and added peace of mind. For many, however, a solid dedicated device like the Garmin inReach Messenger (which we’ve reviewed previously) may be a better choice — if you can go without the voice calling ability.

Finally, there are other satellite phone options to consider, such as the Iridium GO! Satellite Hotspot that I used while guiding on Denali this year. For $855, it’s a cheaper alternative that provides more data, an accompanying app, and a smaller handheld size.

Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone is a powerful tool for adventurers and professionals who need reliable voice communication in the most remote and challenging conditions. While its price and bulk may be higher than other satellite devices, its ability to keep you connected when it matters most makes it a worthwhile investment for serious expeditions.

Whether used as a primary communication device or as part of a redundant system, the Iridium 9555 delivers solid value for those who prioritize safety and connectivity in the backcountry.