Satellite Phone Basics and Benefits

Satellite phones are designed to work in areas where traditional cell phones have no signal, such as remote wilderness areas or at sea.

They use a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to connect calls and send messages.

Satellite phones are often used for emergency situations, such as search and rescue operations, due to their reliability and ability to work in extreme conditions.

They can also be used for general communication in areas with no cell phone coverage, such as in some rural or mountainous regions.

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Satellite phones operate through the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites or Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, which act as relay stations between satellite phones and ground-based systems.

LEO satellites create smaller coverage zones and are closer to the earth, while GEO satellites cover larger areas but have higher latency due to their distance from the earth.

Satellite phone networks can be prone to congestion as satellites and spot beams cover a large area with relatively few voice channels.

Satellite phones operate through the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites or Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. These satellites act as relay stations between satellite phones and ground-based systems, allowing for communication between devices.

LEO satellites are closer to the earth and create smaller coverage zones. GEO satellites cover larger areas but have higher latency due to their distance from the earth.

Satellite signals are sent to the nearest satellite and then relayed to a ground station. This ground station connects to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or internet.

The distance between a satellite phone and a ground station affects the quality of the signal and communication.

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During disasters, mobile telephone networks often reach capacity, causing call volumes to overload the system. This happened during the 2003 Northeast blackouts and the 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse.

Terrestrial cell antennas and networks can be damaged by natural disasters, making it difficult to communicate. This was the case during the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

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Satellite telephony can be a useful alternative during disasters, as it can avoid damaged terrestrial cell infrastructure. Reporters and journalists have used satellite phones to communicate and report on events in war zones like Iraq.

Satellite phone networks themselves can experience congestion due to the large area they cover with relatively few voice channels.

Satellite phones are incredibly useful in remote areas, and it's all thanks to their amazing features. With a satellite phone, you can make voice calls just like you would with a traditional cell phone.

One of the most essential features is voice calling, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones and colleagues no matter where you are. Many satellite phones also have text messaging capabilities, making it easy to send and receive messages.

Some satellite phones even come equipped with built-in GPS capabilities, enabling location tracking and emergency services. This is a lifesaver in emergency situations, and it's a feature you'll be glad to have.

Here are some of the key features of satellite phones:

Satellite phones are incredibly useful in remote areas, and one of their key features is voice calling - they function just like traditional cell phones, allowing users to make voice calls.

Some satellite phones also have text messaging capabilities, making it easy to stay in touch with others.

If you're planning an adventure in a remote location, having a GPS tracking feature on your satellite phone can be a lifesaver. This feature allows for location tracking and emergency services.

In addition to voice and text messaging, satellite phones can also be used to transfer data, such as emails and small files.

One of the most critical features of satellite phones is the SOS button, which can send your location and a distress signal to emergency services in emergency situations.

Here are some common features of satellite phones:

It's worth noting that not all satellite phones have all of these features, so be sure to check the specifications of your phone before heading out on your adventure.

Dual connectivity phones, also known as satellite and cellular phones, are designed for use in remote areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

Manufacturers like Thuraya and Apple have been at the forefront of integrating satellite connectivity into smartphones. In 2018, Thuraya proposed the X5 Touch, the world's first bi-type satellite plus cellular smartphone.

The X5 Touch was soon followed by the XT Lite in 2021, another bi-type satellite plus cellular phone. Apple, however, took a different approach by starting to support sending emergency text messages via Globalstar satellites in 2022.

This feature was made possible by Apple's acquisition of a 20% stake in Globalstar in 2024. The Apple iPhone 14 also introduced Emergency SOS via satellite, allowing users to send emergency messages when outside of cellular coverage.

The demand for reliable communication in remote areas has been steadily growing, driving innovation in satellite communication. Companies like SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are working on new satellite networks using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, promising wider coverage and faster connections.

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Satellite phones are a significant investment, with prices varying from around $200 for used handsets to over $1,000 for the newest models.

New satellites being launched can drive up prices, while network troubles can lead to lower prices. This is because satellite phone providers often subsidize handsets with post-paid contracts, offering discounts of a few hundred dollars.

Satellite phones are often proprietary, with manufacturers relying on licensed technology, which can limit their ability to create independent handsets. This gives operators significant influence over prices.

Costs for making voice calls from a satellite phone range from $0.15 to $2 per minute, with data transmissions being even more expensive, especially when calling from landlines or regular mobile phones.

Satellite phones can cost a pretty penny, especially the newest ones. The Iridium 9505A, released in 2001, sold for over $1,000 in 2010.

Used handsets for networks like Thuraya, Iridium, and Globalstar can be found for around $200. However, prices vary depending on the network's performance.

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If a satellite phone provider experiences issues with its network, handset prices will likely drop. Conversely, when new satellites are launched, prices tend to increase.

BGAN terminals are among the most expensive satellite phones, often costing several thousand dollars. They offer about 0.5 Mbit/s Internet and voice communications.

Satellite phones are sometimes subsidized by providers if you sign a post-paid contract, but these subsidies are usually just a few hundred dollars or less.

Manufacturers have limited control over pricing due to the proprietary nature of satellite networks. This makes it difficult for them to independently produce handsets.

Iridium and Inmarsat are two satellite network providers that offer a range of plans to suit different needs.

Iridium offers prepaid plans with no contract commitment, starting at $25 per month for 500 minutes.

Their Flex plan provides 100 minutes of voice and data for $34 per month, while the Unlimited plan offers unlimited voice and data for $109 per month.

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Inmarsat, on the other hand, offers a range of plans with varying data limits and prices.

Their Fleet One plan starts at $49 per month for 100 MB of data, while the FleetBroadband plan offers 1 MB of data for $99 per month.

Inmarsat also offers a range of add-ons, including extra data, voice minutes, and SMS messages, which can be added to any plan.

Their plans are designed for users who need reliable connectivity for remote or maritime use cases.

Satellite phone accessories are a crucial part of ensuring your device stays powered and operational.

You'll need a charger to keep your sat phone juiced up, and our selection includes a range of options to suit your needs.

A satellite phone battery is a must-have for extended use, especially in areas with limited access to power.

We also offer a variety of antennas to enhance your satellite signal strength, making for seamless communication.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, consider our in-building solutions, which can boost your signal indoors.

For those who spend a lot of time on the water, our marine solutions are top-rated and designed to keep you connected on the open seas.

If you're on-the-go, our in-vehicle solutions provide secure and reliable satellite mobile phones for your needs.

A satellite phone is an essential tool for professionals and adventurers who need uninterrupted communication in areas without cellular coverage.

Here are some of the accessories you might need:

Satellite phones use satellites in either high geostationary orbit, 35,786 kilometres (22,236 mi) above the Earth's surface, or low Earth orbit (LEO), 640 to 1,120 kilometers (400 to 700 miles) above the Earth.

The connection and infrastructure for satellite phones can vary depending on the type of orbit used.

Satellite phones have a unique advantage in remote areas where other networks may not reach. This is because they use orbiting satellites for connectivity, allowing for coverage even in areas such as oceans, mountains, and deserts.

Here are some key differences between satellite phones and other networks:

In some countries, possession of a satellite phone is illegal. These countries include China, Cuba, India, Mauritius, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia.

Satellite phones can bypass local telecoms systems, making them a threat to governments with oppressive regimes. This is why some countries have restrictions in place to control the flow of information.

In India, for example, only Inmarsat-based satellite services are permitted within the country's jurisdiction. Importation and operation of other satellite services, including Thuraya and Iridium, is strictly prohibited.

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Satellite phones encrypt voice traffic to prevent eavesdropping. This is a standard feature in all modern satellite phone networks.

In 2012, a team of academic security researchers successfully reverse-engineered the two major proprietary encryption algorithms in use. These algorithms are vulnerable to cipher-text only attacks.

The GMR-1 phones use a variant of the A5/2 algorithm, which is also used in GSM (common mobile phones). This algorithm is not secure enough for high-security applications.

The GMR-2 standard introduced a new encryption algorithm, but it too was successfully cryptanalysed by the same research team. This means satellite phones need additional encrypting for high-security use.

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In some countries, owning a satellite phone is strictly regulated or even prohibited. This is often due to concerns about bypassing local telecoms systems and hindering censorship and wiretapping attempts.

China has been one of the more open countries, with Inmarsat becoming the first company permitted to sell satellite phones in 2016. China Telecom began selling satellite phones in 2018, and several other companies expressed interest in entering the market.

Cuba and Myanmar have restrictions on satellite phone use, but the specifics are unclear. It's worth noting that these restrictions can change over time.

In India, only Inmarsat-based satellite services are allowed within the country's territories. Importing and operating other satellite services, such as Thuraya and Iridium, is strictly prohibited.

Mauritius started regulating satellite phone ownership and use in 2022, with the Information and Communications Authority taking charge. This is a relatively recent development.

North Korea is known for its strict surveillance, with the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security advising visitors that their communications are likely being monitored. This makes it impractical to use satellite phones in the country.

Russia developed new regulations in 2012 to govern satellite phone use within its territory. These regulations allow non-Russian visitors to register their SIM cards for up to six months, but the aim is to intercept calls and fight terrorism.

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Virtual country codes are a unique aspect of satellite phone communication. Inmarsat satellite phones are issued with the code +870.

These codes are special country calling codes, not related to the physical location of the user. In the past, Inmarsat users had different country codes depending on the satellite their terminal was registered with.

However, at the end of 2008, codes +871 to +874 were phased out, leaving all Inmarsat users with the same country code.

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When choosing a satellite phone, it's essential to consider the coverage area. Iridium's satellite network has the largest global coverage, reaching every corner of the globe, including the North and South Poles.

The Iridium 9555 is a popular choice among satellite phone users, offering a durable design and long battery life. It can operate for up to 9 hours on a single charge.

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ has a smaller coverage area, but it's a more affordable option. It's designed for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a built-in GPS.

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The DeLorme satellite phone has a more limited coverage area, but it's a great choice for those who need a simple, reliable option. It's also a more affordable option compared to some of the other satellite phones on the market.

Ultimately, the best satellite phone for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

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Satellite phones can be quite expensive, with the newest handsets selling for over $1,000. The cost of satellite phones varies with network performance, and if a satellite phone provider encounters trouble with its network, handset prices will fall.

Handset prices can be influenced by the satellite network's proprietary protocols, making it difficult for manufacturers to independently make handsets. This can result in operators having a large influence over the selling price.

Satellite phones are sometimes subsidised by the provider if one signs a post-paid contract, but subsidies are usually only a few hundred dollars or less. This can make satellite phones more affordable for some users.

The cost of making voice calls from a satellite phone varies from around $0.15 to $2 per minute. Calls between different satellite phone networks can be even more expensive, with calling rates of up to $15 per minute.

Calls from satellite phones to landlines are usually around $0.80 to $1.50 per minute, unless special offers are used. Pre-paid plans are common among satellite phone networks, with vouchers ranging from $100 to $5,000.

Renting a satellite phone terminal or handset can be a cost-effective option for shorter trips or when trying out the service. Rentals can cost just a few dollars a day.

Here's a rough breakdown of the costs involved with satellite phones: