This is a great option for anyone who travels into remote areas and wants to have a satellite phone along for safety purposes. In the past these phones were not always cost effective for the backpacker or climber who only needed the service a few times a year. The pre-paid plans include both voice and data, which allows for Internet access in the backcountry as well. The service will extend to Immarsat's IsatPhone Pro, BGAN data modem, FleetBoradband and FleetPhone options.
Immarsat has offered pre-paid services prior to this announcement but those options have not included the United States before. The expanded service opens that market as well and brings pre-paid to a global level. Sat phones are now a viable option for those of us who would like to have one with us on our travels but found them cost prohibitive in the past.