Boots On Ground - Supporting Our Troops

  Talking to Soldiers

  Ways to Communicate

  Calling Cards: Iraq

  Calling Cards: Afghanistan

  Calling Cards: Kuwait

  Iraq Phone Home Cards

  Afghan Phone Home Cards

  Kuwait Phone Home Cards

  GSM World Cell Phones

  SIM Cards: Iraq

  SIM Cards: Afghanistan

  SIM Cards: Kuwait



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Using Cell Phones & Satellite Phones in Iraq & Afghanistan

Best GSM Cell Phones in Iraq & Afghanistan

To communicate from a cellphone in Iraq or Afghanistan, you must have an unlocked GSM cell phone. GSM phones operate on a different frequency than used in the U.S. and is widely used in Europe and the Middle East, including Iraq. Make sure the GSM phone is a tri-band or quad-band phone. The frequency needed is GSM 900.

"Unlocked" means that you are not tied to any given cell carrier. Unlocked cell phones need a SIM card which you purchase separately and install in the phone. The SIM card contains the cell phone's number, acccount information and stored personal information.

Most cell phone manufacturers sell an unlocked GSM version of popular phones. So it is really a matter of which phone you like best. However, there is currently a great promotion on a GSM cell phone + SIM Card Combo where you save about $35.

Telestial GSM Cell Phone + SIM Card Combo:

Motorola PEBL-U6
GSM cell phone
Explorer Global
SIM Card
+ Buy GSM Phone Combo
Buy Cell Phone Combo and Save $34 Now (offer ends soon)













See here for more GSM cell phones you can purchase through Telestial.


Satellite Phones in Iraq & Afghanistan

To communicate from a satellite phone in Iraq or Afghanistan, you must use either an Iridium satellite phone or a Thuraya satellite phone. Satellite phones can either be purchased or they can be rented or leased. Iridium operates a network of satellites that provides global coverage around the world. Thuraya operates a satellite that provides coverage in the Middle East, including Iraq.

Satellite phones are about 3 times more expensive than GSM phones, but have the best coverage. Often they are the only choice for a soldier that is deployed at a remote forward operating base (FOB) that a cell phone network cannot reach.


Buy an Iridium Sat Phone

Rent an Iridium Sat Phone