World Communication Center (WCC), a provider of global satellite voice and data communications, launched Feb. 20 the first Iridium-based satellite pay phone able to use a credit card swiper for direct billing to the caller.

The phone allows owners to vary the per-minute charges. In addition to credit cards, callers can use pre-paid scratch cards to contact crews or those without credit cards.

“The addition of a self-sustaining solar panel booth supplies an ideal solution for those with a limited or non-existent power source,” WCC President Sam Romey, said in a statement.

The satellite credit card pay phone starts at $3,000.