Whether you're posting a breaking news story from the mountains of Afghanistan or just staying in touch with the office during a Caribbean cruise, satellite phones can be the only choice when you absolutely, positively need a phone in the far reaches of the world.  Satellite phones can be expensive, though Iridium's $1.50 USD charge is sometimes equaled or surpassed by international mobile roaming rates for some GSM carriers. However, only recently have they achieved acceptable speeds for data transmission.  

Since there needs to be a clear line of sight between the antenna and satellite, performance can also be affected by poor weather and use is generally restricted to outdoors (though they will sometimes work through glass or canvas).  This can also limit the ability to receive incoming calls, though for applications on boats and other places an external antenna can greatly enhance their use. 

Above excerpt taken from kropla.com.

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