Satellite phone

A satellite phone (also called a satellite telephone or satphone) is a special kind of mobile phone. Unlike regular phones that use wires or towers close to the ground, satellite phones connect to the world through satellites orbiting high above Earth. This lets people make calls and send messages in places far from normal phone networks.

These phones are very useful in remote areas, like mountains, oceans, or places where there are no phone towers. They need to have a clear view of the sky to work because they talk to satellites instead of ground wires. Most satellite phones can do more than just voice calls—they can also send text messages and small amounts of data, like maps or important information.

Uses

Satellite phones are special phones that work where regular phones cannot. They are helpful when normal phone lines are not available. People use them on ships, airplanes, in far-off places, in mines, and during emergencies to stay connected.

Equipment

Early satellite phones were large and needed special antennas set up outside. Later models became smaller, about the size of regular smartphones. Big machines like ships and cars use special microwave antennas that track satellites by themselves. Smaller systems can use VoIP through satellite internet links like BGAN or VSAT. Inside buildings, it is harder to get a signal and might need outside antennas or boosters. Now, regular smartphones can also talk directly through satellites without any extra parts.

History

The first voice signals were sent through a satellite in 1958 using an experimental satellite called SCORE. This happened just after the launch of Sputnik 1. In 1976, MARISAT became the first satellite made for mobile communication. Later, it joined the Inmarsat organization, which started in 1979.

Satellite networks

Satellite phones connect to satellites in space instead of regular cell towers. They work even where there are no ground networks and need to see the sky.

There are two main types of orbits for these satellites: high orbits called geostationary orbit and lower orbits called low Earth orbit. High orbits stay in one place above Earth and cover large areas, but they can be slower. Lower orbits move quickly around Earth and need many satellites to keep working. Some big companies use these systems to help people talk and send messages from far places.

Numbering

See also: Global Mobile Satellite System and International Networks (country code)

Satellite phones have special numbers for making calls. Inmarsat phones use the code +870. Some older codes are no longer used. Other systems, like Iridium and Globalstar, use numbers that start with +881. Smaller local systems use +882.

Cost

Satellite phones cost more than regular mobile phones. This is because sending them into space and keeping them working is very expensive. An old satellite phone might cost a few hundred dollars. But new and faster models can cost several thousand dollars. Using these phones also costs more each month and for each minute you talk, compared to regular phones.

Legal restrictions

Some countries have rules about using satellite phones. This is because these phones connect to networks in other countries. Places like China, India, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia may need people to get special permission first. They do this to keep their safety and manage their radio signals better.

Security

Modern satellite phones keep talks safe with special codes. Older systems had weaker codes, so people who need very secret talks use extra steps or special services.

Role in disaster response

Satellite phones are very helpful when regular phones stop working during big storms, earthquakes, or other emergencies. They help people stay in touch after hurricanes or when the power goes out. Even though these phones can reach wide areas, there may not be enough space for everyone to use them at once during big disasters.

Dual connectivity smartphones

In the 2020s, some smartphones could connect to satellites for emergencies. Thuraya made the X5 Touch in 2018, which could use both satellite and regular cell service. Apple added satellite messaging for emergencies to the iPhone 14 in 2022 and added roadside help to the iPhone 15 in 2023. These special phones usually let people send text messages and share a little bit of important information when they need help.