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 can't. They are useful when normal phone lines aren't available or have stopped working. People use them on ships, airplanes, in far-off places during adventures, in mines, for moving things around the world, and during emergencies to stay connected.

Equipment

Early satellite phones were big and needed special antennas that could be set up outside. Later models got smaller, about the size of regular smartphones. Big machines like ships and cars use special microwave antennas that follow satellites on their own. Smaller systems can use VoIP through satellite internet links like BGAN or VSAT. Inside buildings, it’s harder to get a signal and might need outside antennas or boosters. Recently, regular smartphones without any extra parts can also talk directly through satellites.

History

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

Satellite networks

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

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 to connect calls. Inmarsat phones use the code +870. Some older codes stopped being used in 2008. Other systems like Iridium and Globalstar use numbers starting with +881, and smaller local systems use +882.

Cost

Satellite phones are more expensive than regular mobile phones because sending them into space and keeping them working costs a lot of money. An old satellite phone might cost a few hundred dollars, but new models and faster ones 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 directly to networks in other countries. Places like China, India, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia may need people to get special permission before using them. They do this to protect their own security and manage their radio frequencies better.

Security

Modern satellite phones keep conversations safe by using special codes. Older systems had some problems with their codes, so people who need very secret talks use extra safety steps or special satellite services.

Role in disaster response

Satellite phones are very helpful when regular phone networks stop working during big storms, earthquakes, or other emergencies. They have been used to keep people talking after hurricanes and when power goes out. Even though these phones can reach big areas, there isn’t always enough space for everyone to use them at the same time during big disasters.

Dual connectivity smartphones

In the 2020s, some smartphones were made to 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.