Satellite Phones
Satellite Phones > How Satellite Phones Work
Satellite phones, sometimes called "satphones," are mobile phones which
communicate via orbiting satellites.
On the high seas or in remote areas of the world, satellite phones
can often be the only telecommunication service available.
Satellite phone communication can be expensive, although its cost
is sometimes comparable to the international mobile roaming rates
offered by some GSM carriers. In addition, their data transmission
speeds tend to lag behind those offered by cellular phone and landline
service providers.
Since a clear line of sight is required between the antenna and the satellite, satellite phones must generally be used outdoors, and their performance can be degraded by poor weather. These factors can also limit their ability to receive incoming calls, although external antennas are often used on boats and other locations to enhance their performance and enable their use indoors.
Satellite phone systems are costly to construct, and they are notably
uncompetitive in populated areas. Leading service providers include
Iridium, Globalstar, and Inmarsat, as well as Ellipso and Thuraya.
Some satellite phones offer AMPS and CDMA network compatibility
to provide additional wireless communications options in bad weather
or indoors. Thuraya system users can also access local GSM networks
in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, India, and parts of Africa.
Satellite phone numbers usually include special country codes. For instance, Iridium satellite phones are issued with country codes +8816 or +8817; Globalstar phones are issued with codes +8818 or +8819; and Inmarsat phones are issued with codes +870 through +874. Ellipso satellite phones use country codes +8812 and +8813, while Thuraya phones use country code +88216.
Satellite phones have a reputation for being rather bulky, but they are becoming smaller and more portable; most of them do need a large antenna. On SatellitePhones.us, you will find leading satellite phone solution providers who feature a wide range of wireless products and services for marine, aeronautical, vehicular, jobsite, and handheld applications.
Shop for Satellite Phones
- Iridium
Provider of global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth, including oceans, airways and Polar Regions. Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas through its constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites and in-orbit spares. The Iridium service is used by a wide range of industries, government bodies, and utilities.
www.Iridium.com - Globalstar
Leading handheld satellite phone service provides high-quality, low-cost voice and data services to businesses, communities and individuals around the world.
www.Globalstar.com - Ellipso
This pioneer in satellite system design has created and patented orbital architectures which employ scarce radio spectrum resources. Their design maximizes radio spectrum efficiency and achieves low costs to end-users. Ellipso designs range from narrowband mobile satellite services and associated global roaming capabilities to broadband VirtualGeo and IP based services.
www.Ellipso.com - Inmarsat
Leading global mobile satellite communications firm features a versatile and reliable satellite network. Offers broadband services and solutions to enterprise, maritime and aeronautical users around the globe.
www.Inmarsat.com - Thuraya
Offers quality dual-mode terminals that offer satellite and GSM connectivity. This flexibility is designed to ensure cost-effective and continuous wireless roaming capabilities. Thuraya subscribers can continue using their national land-based mobile network, and can automatically switch to Thuraya satellite mode in areas beyond the range of the terrestrial system.
www.Thuraya.com
Communications Satellite Resources
- Communications Satellites: Making the Global Village Possible
Reviews the history of wireless communications via satellite. From NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
www.HQ.NASA.gov - Remote Satellite Systems
Specializes in satellite communication systems, satellite telephone sales and rentals, and related engineering services including network design and consulting.
www.RemoteSatellite.com
Related Telecommunications Sites
- Cell Phone Batteries - cellular phone batteries and accessories.
- Wireless Phones - wireless telephone service providers.
For your convenience, each external link will open in a new window.
SatellitePhones.us is a Chosen Sites™ information resource.