Mesh Network vs Satellite Phone
Satellite phones are extremely expensive. Is it worth the money? Or is MeshCore mesh network a better, cheaper choice?
The big question: satellite or mesh network?
When looking for emergency communication that always works, you'll quickly find satellite phones. They work anywhere in the world, even at the North Pole. Sounds perfect, right? But there's one big problem: the costs are astronomical.
A satellite phone costs €500-2000 purchase plus €50-200 monthly subscription. That's €1000-3000 per year, year after year. For many people that's simply unaffordable.
MeshCore mesh network offers an alternative: one-time €50-80, then completely free. No subscription, no monthly costs. In this comparison we show when which solution fits best in the Netherlands.
Satellite phone: extremely expensive
Satellite phones communicate via satellites orbiting Earth. The advantage is they work anywhere in the world, even in places without any infrastructure. The disadvantage is the extreme costs:
Real costs of satellite phones
- €
Purchase: €500-2000 (depending on model)
- €
Monthly subscription: €50-200 (mandatory, even if you don't call)
- €
Call costs: €1-3 per minute on top of subscription
MeshCore mesh network: affordable alternative
MeshCore is a mesh network that works via LoRa radio. Devices communicate directly and via repeaters. No satellites, no subscription, no providers.
Real costs of MeshCore
- ✓
Purchase: €50-80 one-time (LoRa radio device)
- ✓
Monthly subscription: €0 (completely free)
- ✓
Message costs: €0 (unlimited free)
Cost comparison: satellite vs mesh
| Feature | Satellite Phone | MeshCore Mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase cost | €500-2000 | €50-80 |
| Monthly costs | €50-200/month | €0 (free) |
| Coverage | Worldwide | Network dependent |
| Latency | High (1-2 sec) | Minimal |
| Privacy | Provider sees everything | E2E encrypted |
| Ease of use | Complex | Simple (via app) |
Why MeshCore is much more affordable
€3000+ savings per year
Satellite costs €1000-3000 per year. MeshCore: one-time €50-80, then free. Cheaper after just 1 month.
No subscription costs
MeshCore has no provider, so no monthly costs. With satellite you always pay, even if you don't use it.
No call costs
Each satellite call costs €1-3 per minute. MeshCore messages are always free, unlimited.
Privacy without extra cost
Satellite providers can eavesdrop. MeshCore has end-to-end encryption standard, without extra costs.
Growing network
The mesh network in the Netherlands is growing fast. More users make the network stronger. Free for everyone.
Better battery life
LoRa is much more efficient than satellite. Devices last days to weeks. Satellite phones: 4-8 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Doesn't satellite always work better because it's worldwide?
That depends on your use case. If you're in the Netherlands, MeshCore works fine via the growing network. Satellite is only needed in extreme remote areas without people.
What are the total costs over 5 years?
Satellite: €4000-12000 (purchase + 5 years subscription). MeshCore: €50-80 one-time. Satellite is 50-150x more expensive.
Can I call abroad with MeshCore?
MeshCore works where the network exists. In the Netherlands it's growing fast. Abroad depends on local communities. Satellite works everywhere, but at extreme costs.
When is satellite phone worth it?
Only if you're regularly in very remote areas without any human presence (ocean, Sahara, Antarctica). For the Netherlands and Europe, MeshCore is much more practical and affordable. See also emergency communication without internet.
Are there hidden costs with satellite?
Yes! Activation fees, roaming costs, call costs on top of subscription, costs for data usage. With MeshCore: no hidden costs, truly completely free.
Save thousands of euros
Why spend €3000+ per year on satellite, when MeshCore mesh network works perfectly in the Netherlands for a fraction of the price? One-time €50-80, then completely free.