See if I get this right and please correct me if I am wrong. Iridium vs Globalstar satellite phones:

True global coverage ----Iridium yes---- Globalstar no
(anywhere on the planet)

Voice and data quality ----Iridium worst---- Globalstar best

Cost per minute---- Iridium worst---- Globalstar best

Roaming rates ---- Iridium none ----Globalstar yes

Phone size ---- Iridium big---- Globalstar small

Best phone for emergencies would be iridium due to global coverage, who cares how much per minute if it is life or death.

Best phone for normal operation in the covered zone would go to the globalstar.

http://www.travelbygps.com/articles/satphones.php