Satellite phones are not so popular as the ubiquitous cell phones because they are relatively expensive to acquire with exorbitant call charges. How do satellite phones work? Satellite phones must have “line-of-sight” to the satellites in order to operate. Apr. In the first place, not all satellite networks or phones use similar satellites. Inmarsat and Thuraya both use geostationary satellites which orbit 35,786km (22,236 miles) above the Earth. Depending on the how the particular service is designed coverage may be a specific area all the way to the entire earth. The advantage of a satphone is that its use is not limited to areas covered by cell towers; it can be used in most or all geographic locations on the Earth's surface. They work most effectively when used outside, with as few obstructions (tall buildings, mountains, trees, etc.) We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sept. 24, 2002. That’s why sat phone airtime costs an arm and leg (and maybe another arm). The type of satellite used by different networks depends on factors such as finance and target clients. Working slightly differently from mobile phones, satellite communications depend on having a clear line of sight to the satellite in the sky. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2278655.stm, Inmarsat. As long as there are satellite networks above the earth’s surface, sending and receiving messages are guaranteed with a satellite phone. Bluecosmo.com. Another questions that is pretty often asked is “Do satellite phones work on cruise ships?”. Many systems require a direct line of sight to the satellite which requires the user to be outside rather than in a dwelling where the structure will block the signal. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.iridium.com/Products.aspx, Iridium. Satellite phones work on the principle of sending radio signals to the satellite they are connecting with for the sake of building a communication tunnel. In more general terms, a satellite is any This picture shows two ways in which cells work. "Satellite Phone FAQs." Satellite phones don't have texting or data plans. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights/telecoms/blacked-out-syrians-turn-to-satellite-phones, Hossain, Moazzem. https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/travel/satellite-phone.htm View Products. Sat phones rely on line-of-sight with their satellites to establish a connection. How do satellite phones work? There are certain inherent limitations as to how they operate, and where. The quick answer to this question: Yes, satellite phones work on any type of ship really. This ground station then provides them with a route back into the rest of the world’s phone networks - not just other satellite phones. A GPS receiver relies on radio waves, the receiver communicates with satellites that orbit the earth. Our satellite phone handsets work great for the adventurer! Satphones inventor’s name is unknown. The process reverses itself when the receiving unit replies to the message, whether audio or text. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. "Brewing Solar Storm Looms Over Technology." Jan. 21, 2013. [Quick Explanation For Beginners], Emergency Communications Plan [SHTF Quick Guide]. In the absence of an extreme disaster, they are still very useful in places with limited cell phone coverage, areas hit by natural disasters, and in countries where government policies limit the use of regular cell phones. When a crew member makes a call from a satellite phone the signal goes directly to the satellite of that service provider. Satellite phones require a clear line-of-sight view of the satellite to be able to send and receive signals from the satellite. How Does Ham Radio Work? They are positioned about 930 miles about the earth. If you have a satellite phone, you should be able to call the nearest medical facility and ask for help without any issues. A satellite phone is the ultimate survivalist communication tool during extreme disasters. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/satellite/telephones/cell_satellite.html, Globalcom. "Satellite Phone Frequently Asked Questions." The signal from your device transmits directly to the nearest satellite, which then sends the signal to the nearest gateway, or land-based center, which then transmits the signal to the receiving phone; the receiving phone can be a land line, cell phone or another sat phone. Satellite phones, or sat phones, are mobile two-way communication devices that use satellites orbiting the Earth to receive and transmit data. Contact the Embassy of Bangladeshwith any questions. Launching and maintaining satellite networks is expensive business. Calls signals emanating from a satellite phone are picked up by the host satellite high above the earth. "Services." "Iridium Satellite, ProtectingAmerica.org and the American Red Cross Partner to Educate First Responders on Importance of Testing Satellite Phones." The basic template of how satellite phones work is not hard to comprehend; the signal from the calling phone is picked up by a satellite above the earth’s atmosphere and relayed to the receiving phone. – This involves using the satellite system constellation and normal cellular or landline infrastructure. Mar. Baltimore Sun. Satellite phones bounce a signal off a satellite to a ground station operated by the satellite phone provider. But firms and groups that require huge data transmission speeds use GEO satellites because they are far better in that department. Do satellite phones work on cruise ships? e.g. But they are just one part of the cog that answers the question: how do satellite phones work? Due to their size, operators require several of them (over 50 in some instances) to cover the earth. A satellite telephone, satellite phone or satphone is a type of mobile phone that connects to other phones or the telephone network by radio through orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites, as cellphones do. In a way, it's normal to assume no phones means no phones at all, but don't forget that satellite phones are different. For most folks, their only encounter with a satellite phone is when they see it being used in movies or TV shows. Why it's wrong: Satellite phones are definitely capable of SMS messaging, checking email, and even browsing the internet. In-vehicle Solutions. The gateway directs the call through the regular landline or the local cell phone service providers.If a person from the ship wants to make a call to an another satellite phone, the signal is sent to the satellite and is relayed to the receiver phone without the help of any gateway. "The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme." They are huge and because of their considerable distance above the earth, they can cover a wide area. They were huge, almost the size of bricks and are quite heavy too. Satellite phones are mobile devices that do not receive their signal via terrestrial (land based) towers, but rather from satellites in orbit around the Earth. At that speed, many of them need about two hours to get around the earth. The only way to tell the difference is the presence of the antenna jutting out of the device. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.satworx.com/networks.php, Thuraya. BBC. Can other people unlock my car door with their remote? Although it is possible to make telephone contact through a landline or mobile phone from almost anywhere in the world, there are certain areas where a satellite phone is the only method of communication. Satellite phone to satellite phone – Sending and receiving messages between two satellite phones is more straightforward especially if both phones use the same satellite network. However, several important components have to be in place before the exchange of messages can be achieved. Sept. 28, 2007. Iridium uses 66 satellites in Low Earth Orbit, while Globalstar has 18. "Bangladesh Jails Indian Rebel Chief." It sends signals directly to a satellite (part of a network of satellites). 23, 2012. 9, 2012. "Thuraya Launches Dual-Mode Satellite & GSM Phone." How do you call an ambulance to provide the necessary medical attention? Buildings, trees and other obstructions can have an impact on the signal strength and … Signals are reviewed from the calling phone by the satellite and simply relayed directly to the receiving phone. Quite a few people have asked me about satellite phones, and one of the most affordable I've come across is the BlueCosmo Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.1 Satellite Phone Kit. Simple call. Who invented satellite phones? Satellite phones work with either low earth orbit systems or much higher geosynchronous systems. There is no need for special gateways or infrastructure on the ground. For these and other reasons, LEO satellite communications are famous for better call quality, reliability, less power consumption and lower delay times. These days though, there are units as small as the common smartphones we use. Though satellite phones are the best means of communication in remote places or when the cell phone infrastructure is down due to natural disasters, it would take some time before it becomes very popular. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.bluecosmo.com/pages/Satellite-Phone-FAQs.html, Dance, Scott. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.globalcomsatphone.com/support5.html, Hamid, Triska. TalkieMan.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. BBC. the signal from the calling phone is picked up by a satellite above the earth’s atmosphere and relayed to the receiving phone. For instance, you don’t need a large antenna or phone. A satellite phone is in actuality nothing but a radio transceiver. Satellite phones must have "line-of-sight" to the satellites in order to operate. When you make a call or send a message on a sat phone, it sends a signal to one of multiple small satellites in orbit around the earth. Because they work through satellites positioned high in Earths orbit they need unobstructed view to function properly. While GEO satellites are behemoths, LEO satellites are small. War zones and disaster areas are a bridge too far for many cell phones. Protecting America. The nature of LEO satellites makes them the most common form of satellite communication. For example, an operator would need about 4 satellites to cover most of the world. They are designed to remain in a fixed location since they match the earth’s rotation by spinning in tandem with it. as possible. The antennas are vital. At any one time, two LEO satellites may be right above you. How Do GPS Receivers Work? How cellphone cells handle calls. "Products." Australian government. It is important to understand why satellite phones are necessary in today’s world. Satellite phones, on the other hand, do not rely on towers, but instead transmit signals via satellites orbiting the earth. 17, 2008. These types of satellites are positioned high above the earth around (about 22,000 miles) the equator. Two years before the United States did it. How does satellite telephony work? This satellite then transmits the signal to the recipient of your message, who can then reply in kind. You can communicate with anybody in any part of the world when the cellular network is down. There are two main types of satellites involved in satellite phone communication. Jan. 6, 2013. Iridium satellite offers phones, packages and data services for avid campers, hikers, hunters or any occupation that takes you off to a remote, off-the-grid location for a while. E yes in the sky, space mirrors bouncing phone calls round Earth, heavenly compasses helping us home—these are just three of the things that satellites do for us. A satellite phone is a mobile phone that connects to satellites rather than the traditional cell phone towers which typical cell phones connect. When you make a call, it's transmitted from your phone to the nearest satellite (you often need line-of-sight connections with the satellites, which is why sat phones work best from outdoors), then beamed through your provider's satellite constellation and back down to the person you're trying to call. Possessing a satellite phone is illegal in Bangladesh and can lead to jail time. When the satellite phone is turned on, the signal goes up to any number of satellites in a compatible constellation where it is then registered with the constellation. 5. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Thuraya-satellite-phone-gsm-mobile,news-14390.html, SatWorks. From the Earth station, the signal is transferred to the receiving phone through regular cell or landline networks. "Satellite Phones Vs. Cellular Phones." Do Globalstar satellite phones work just like cell phones? Satellite phones work everywhere with a clear view of the sky. That said, they would be around for a long time in spite of their limited appeal to the general public. Satellites offer global coverage from pole to pole, in mountainous regions, deserts and anywhere at sea. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.thuraya.com/. How satellites work A satellite is basically a self-contained communications system with the ability to receive signals from Earth and to retransmit those signals back with the use of a transponder —an integrated receiver and transmitter of radio signals. This means the antenna on the phone must be outdoors with nothing solid obstructing it's view to the sky. Satellite Phone Providers Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya and Globalstar are the key players in the global satellite communications industry and their satellites all work differently. This means the antenna on the phone must be outdoors with nothing solid obstructing it’s view to the sky. What … One of the main differences between satellite and cell phones is that the user must put up a larger satellite antenna in order to receive satellite signals. Satellite phones, though, work just about anywhere on the planet. "Blacked-Out Syrians Turn to Satellite Phones." Anything solid can block the phone to satellite signal. A satellite phone should work fine wherever and whenever. Geosynchronous satellites, aka, high earth orbit or GEO orbit satellites. Outfitter Satellite offers Iridium, Globalstar, Thuraya, Inmarsat GSPS, Inmarsat BGAN, and Inmarsat FleetBroadband satellite phones/terminals. This is because it is very expensive to use and only the very rich, big corporations and governments can afford it. Another feature of LEO satellites is they are constantly in motion: moving at speeds of up to 17,000 miles/hour. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. The call is processed by the satellite and is then sent to the earth through a gateway. Huffington Post. Without one, users can’t make or receive calls. Therefore, phones do not work inside buildings or vehicles unless used with an external antenna. Besides, they hardly provide the best quality of communication compared to normal phones. In this case, the phone's antenna must point directly at the satellite with a clear, unobstructed view to get transmission. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-06-23/news/bs-hs-space-weather-20120623_1_solar-flares-solar-weather-coronal-mass-ejections, Dobie, Michael. The word satellite doesn’t necessarily describe a mechanical box floating through space with solar panels attached to either sides. "Satellite Networks." Satellite phones v. Cell Phones. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7016238.stm, Globalcom. Since they rely on line-of-sight, they work best in open areas with a clear view of the sky. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.inmarsat.com/services/index.htm, Iridium. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Could Satellite Technology Make TV Programming Truly Global? When you gaze through the clouds on a brilliant blue day, you might catch sight of a plane or two leaving vapor trails in its wake. Back in the day, satellite phones are easily recognized by their size. In a few countries, just having a sat phone on your person can get you into a whole lot of trouble. "Junta Tightens Media Screw." Of course, this varies depending on which satellite phone you're using, but the capabilities do … (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.protectingamerica.org/newsroom/article_239/Encouraging-Emergency-Workers-to-Prepare-for-Disasters-Before-They-Strike.htm, Lee, Jean H. "North Korea Loosens Cell Phone Restrictions for Visiting Foreigners." – Sending and receiving messages between two satellite phones is more straightforward especially if both phones use the same satellite network. Service in outdoor locations with trees, hills, mountains, buildings or other similar structures or geographical features may impair or prevent the use of satellite communication equipment. The phones can be as small as regular cell phones while GEO satellites based systems need large antennas and phones that can be as huge as a laptop. These are: Both types of satellites come with several advantages and disadvantages. As its name implies, a satellite phone allows the communication through satellites that move around the Earth’s orbit to provide telephone coverage in … Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. As a result, the Soviet Union is credited as the ground-breaker when it comes to satellite technology, having launched the first satellite in 1957. The satellites orbiting the Earth are not dependent on cellular service. Satellite phone to a cellular network – This involves using the satellite system constellation and normal cellular or landline infrastructure. Each type of network has its plusses and minuses. Jun. Trees, buildings, hills or mountains, vehicles, etc While Iridium phones use a non-directional antenna, which means that the antenna need not point in any particular direction, Inmarsat uses geostationary satellites. "Products." Many people don’t see the need for them since we have cell phones and other simpler and cheaper means of communications. There are 27 GPS satellites in orbit, 24 satellites are active and the other 3 satellites are there for backup if any of the other satellites malfunction. If a phone in cell A calls a phone in cell B, the call doesn't pass directly between the phones, but from the first phone to mast A and its base station, then to mast B and its base station, and then to the second phone. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/north-korea-cell-phone_n_2518006.html, Perry, Douglas. The satellite processes the signal and relays it back to an Earth station. Tom's Guide. How do satellite phones work? A. Globalstar satellite phones offer many of the same characteristics as cellular phones, including a similar user interface and design. (Jan. 21, 2013) http://www.dbcde.gov.au/mobile_services/the_satellite_phone_subsidy_scheme, Blue Cosmo. To an earth station, the phone 's antenna must point directly at the satellite phone to satellite! Characteristics as cellular phones, including a similar user interface and design an antenna! To the receiving unit replies to the satellites orbiting the earth ’ s view to the receiving replies! 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