Satellite Phone

You may or may not know about Satellite Phones, however, if you are reading this, then you probably want to do some research on or you’re thinking of getting a Satellite Phone, correct? You are on a good page to know and get the best one for you

Which probably means you want and need insightful information to help you measure the pros and cons associated with the buying processing (or renting), owning and running a SatPhone, but first........

What Is A Satellite Phone

Circling Orbiting Satellite

A Satellite Phone, SatPhone or Satellite Mobile Phone is a communication device that operates by connecting directly to satellites orbiting the Earth, rather than relying on terrestrial cell towers.

This allows satellite phones to provide voice calling, texting, and data services in remote or rural areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable.

They work by transmitting signals to and from satellites in either Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary Orbit (GEO), enabling users to maintain connectivity in locations prone to natural disasters, during emergencies, or in areas lacking infrastructure.  Normal Mobile Phones cannot do this, yet.

  Why Do We Need Satellite Phones?

The bottom line is, a satellite phone is a vital safety tool, that keeps the line of communication open to you, your family and associates, while traveling around the world, in remote rural areas and areas where conventional signal coverage does not exist to use a normal Mobile Phone.

How Satellite Phones Work

How Do Satellite Phones Work? Mobile Phones require cellular towers, which connect with varying (and often disappearing) signal strength

Terrestrial cell site (Bet you've seen many around)

Circling Orbiting Satellite

However, World Satellite Phones don't rely on a terrestrial cell phone network. Instead, they beam their data directly to and from Satellites Orbiting Earth

Sat phones rely on a network of satellites that are either fixed above the Equator (GEOstationary) or in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) anywhere from 500 to 1,000 miles above the earth. More on GEO and LEO below as it affects your SatPhone usage

Constellation of Communication Satellites

Where to buy Satellite Phones and who is the best Satellite Phone service provider for You The ability to allow the user to stay in touch from remote areas, with one another at a time of any emergency is boosting the demand for satellite phones across the world.  Plus in addition they ae more affordable than ever beforE.

The Four Main Satellite Phone Networks

The Four Main Satellite Phone Network Service Providers (below) give basically the same services, however in very different ways, with different kinds of coverage, quality and technology. 

Which Sat system is right for you?  Depends on where and how you will make and receive phone calls, and what other supplementary services you may require, such as satellite internet access, Satellite  calibrated configured constellation, connectivity for email, VoIP telephones, GSM and SMS messaging, to name a few.

The Two Types Of Satellites For SatPhones (GEOstationary) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Satellite phones rely on two primary types of satellites: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. Some companies, such as Iridium and Globalstar, have developed advanced LEO satellite systems tailored for various communication needs, while others, including Inmarsat and Thuraya, depend on geostationary satellites. Each constellation offers its unique advantages and disadvantages based on coverage and functionality.

The Iridium Extreme 9575 exemplifies the power of LEO satellites, offering global connectivity even in the most remote locations. These satellites orbit at a much lower altitude (up to 930 miles or 1,500 km), providing dependable communication when you need it most, especially during outdoor adventures or critical situations.

Iridium extreme 9575 (LEO SatPhone)

Iridium LEO Satellite Phones: Your Connection in Every Corner of the Globe

The Globalstar GSP-1700 Satellite Phone is a perfect example of LEO technology designed for affordability and reliable communication. Ideal for adventurers and professionals alike, it ensures you remain connected while exploring remote areas. Globalstar's network, like Iridium's, relies on a constellation of multiple LEO satellites to maintain consistent coverage and high-quality communication.

Globalstar GSP - 1700 Satellite Phone (LEO SatPhone)

Globalstar LEO Satellite Phones: Seamless Communication Wherever You Roam

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, such as those utilized by Iridium and Globalstar, require a larger number of satellites to cover extensive regions. For instance, Iridium operates with up to 60 LEO satellites to maintain global coverage, allowing users to stay in touch during their travels.

Geo satellites, on the other hand, are massive and powerful. Positioned approximately 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometers) above Earth, a single GEO satellite can cover an extensive geographical area. With only about four GEO satellites, service can be provided to most of the Earth’s surface.

Thuraya operates using geostationary satellites, providing dependable coverage across regions like Europe, Africa, and Asia. The Thuraya XT Geo Satellite Phone offers a compact design and robust functionality, making it an excellent choice for both casual travelers and business users who need reliable communication when it matters most.

Thuraya XT Geo Satellite Phone

Thuraya GEO Satellite Phones: Connecting You When It Matters Most

Inmarsat specializes in geostationary technology, ensuring extensive coverage for maritime and aviation industries. The Inmarsat Isatphone 2 is designed to provide exceptional voice quality and data services, catering to users who require robust communication under challenging conditions. Their advanced infrastructure guarantees that you stay in touch, regardless of your remote location.

Inmarsat Isatphone 2 (GEO SatPhone)

Inmarsat Satellite GEO Phones: Reliable Communications Around the Globe

Satellites fly above destructive storms and are rarely affected by violent weather conditions. Depending on their system architecture, satellite phones work virtually anywhere in the world, offering users peace of mind. These devices are lightweight and comparable in size to standard cell phones.

Satellites fly above destructive storms

Understanding the types of satellite orbits and the strengths of different satellite phone networks is crucial for selecting the best option for your needs. Whether you require the global coverage of LEO satellites or the extensive reach of GEO satellites, there is a satellite phone tailored to ensure your connectivity in any situation.

The different types of Satellite Orbits to help you know the Satphone you need

Depending on the satellite constellation architecture, coverage may extend across the entire Earth or be limited to specific regions. Make an informed choice to ensure you are always connected when it matters the most.

Supplementary

There are many benefits to having a Satellite Phone. The following are excellent reasons why you should get one:

This technological leap unleashes Satellite Phones from the bonds restricting their Earth-based brethren

In locations where no Cell Phone towers exist, simply just step outside with your Satellite Phone to make a call for help at any time

This is why the Satellite Phone is especially valuable when it comes to time sensitive emergency situations

Frequent hurricane and earthquake prone areas?

When you’re outside of normal Mobile Phone range and you need to make that all-important call or text, why?   When you live in a or frequent hurricane and earthquake prone areas or….

….The local government in an area you live or are visiting, has recently released an impending disaster alert warning

To give your loved ones peace of mind that you are safe and doing ok, when you’re away from home, in a remote area with precarious potential. Satellite phones allow you to keep the lines of communication open

Whether you’re traveling across the country and lose reception in a sparsely populated area or on vacation in the backcountry

a satellite phone is, the only, great way to keep in contact with your family

Get SatPhone Power In Your Hand

Sparsely Populated Area

Thus, they are the communication devices of choice in areas with minimal or non-existent cell coverage, such as sparsely populated or poor countries

locations where governments restrict Mobile Phone and Internet access, or where natural disasters wreck ground-based systems

Iridium extreme 9575 (LEO SatPhone)

Globalstar GSP - 1700 Satellite Phone (LEO SatPhone)

Thuraya XT Geo Satellite Phone

Inmarsat Isatphone 2 (GEO SatPhone)

The differences between normal and Sat Shones

As with Mobile Phones, terminals (SatPhones) have all basic phone features Yet, even though they are heavier and bulkier than cell phones some SatPhone handsets have a weight and size similar to those of the middle 80s...

Iridium 9555 LEO SatPhone

....but then again their primary function is not to look sexy with thrills and frills but more for safety and peace of mind among other critical essential things, most have large retractable antennae.

They aren't brimming with the nearly endless capabilities and functions that your SmartPhone has.

A SatPhone is a stripped-down phone that you'll primarily use to place calls or send short text messages.

However in the last few years a number of recent Satellite Phones are now alike in size to normal mobile phones even some have no difference from an ordinary SmartPhone.

Thuraya X5 Touch Best SatPhone and SmartPhone combo

Why are Satellite Phones more common?

As you would no doubt expect that SatPhone buyers are mostly public safety agencies, government and energy companies, shipping, search and rescue organizations.

However there is an increasing trend where a big number of private people are purchasing Satellite Phones as a safety net against becoming unable to communicate with the world......

Some people in
the past may have
needed a SatPhone,
but couldn’t......

 ....especially if they are with their families and loved ones because in some places where Mobiles Phones dare not wander - that's where Satellite Mobile Phones show us what they are made off.

A Satellite Phone can keep you and your family in touch during disasters and emergencies

When tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and other natural disasters occur, and normal communication goes down, a SatPhone will always be working to call in the help do all the emergency evacuations and usual conducts of saving lives

Just relying on your SmartPhone, or even a landline phone could be detrimental as it could prove difficult to contact the others if not impossible

Inside your house during a hurricane at night, and internet, power, and telephones all go down and you’re with the family, who you gonna to call?  Not Ghostbusters, but a satellite Phone will save the day

SatPhones mostly, are in their element when used for  expeditions and explorations into remote areas where terrestrial normal mobile service is not available, Satellite Mobiles  allow mission-critical voice and data connectivity in the most extreme of conditions.

Holidays into remote places

Some people in the past may have needed a satphone, but couldn’t, now things are different as some major factors have now come into play, for instance there has been a heavy reduction in the cost of satellite phones and airtime over the past few years.

Iridium extreme 9575 (LEO SatPhone)

Globalstar GSP - 1700 Satellite Phone (LEO SatPhone)

Thuraya XT Geo Satellite Phone

Inmarsat Isatphone 2 (GEO SatPhone)