Satellite phones have become a go-to communication option for individuals in remote locations, including aviation, emergency services, government departments, maritime operations and adventure travel.
Satellite phones can be tracked using satellites to pinpoint their approximate locations. Tracking software may be web- or device-based and will provide an approximate location estimate for users of SAT phones.
Location tracking
Satellite phones enable users to remain informed and in touch even in remote locations, offering robust location tracking capabilities that are invaluable to adventurers and professionals who venture into perilous territories. Though satellite phones are an indispensable asset when traveling frequently, care must be taken when using this tool to protect privacy.
Users should be wary of their satellite phone’s tracking capabilities if they intend to use them in countries that have poor privacy standards. A government with access to user data from SAT phone providers may use signal triangulation or GPS to locate these phones and track their positions.
Now, there are apps on the market that enable users to easily track their mobile devices with ease. One such app is Get Instamapper, which tracks your location by communicating with satellites and calculating the precise position on a digital map. Furthermore, geofences allow you to set alerts whenever a device enters or leaves an area.
Communication with satellites
Satellite phones provide reliable means of communication in remote areas. Users can keep in contact with friends and family while traveling off-track, let them know they are safe in case something goes wrong on an expedition, and reach emergency responders during any incidents or disasters that might arise.
Satellite phones differ from their cellular phone counterparts in that they connect directly with geostationary satellites that appear as fixed points in the sky; as a result, these phones are less vulnerable to location tracking.
However, satellite phones can still be tracked using triangulation techniques that utilize multiple signal reception locations and calculate relative signal strengths to approximate an approximate location. Furthermore, some devices and third-party applications provide GPS functionality which can help track location – this feature can be especially helpful for travelers visiting remote areas frequently or organizations needing precise location data for work purposes.
Encryption
Although satellite phones don’t rely on cell phone towers for communication purposes, they still can be tracked using triangulation to establish their location. Luckily, such tracking usually occurs under authorized entities’ authority and in accordance with legal regulations.
Still, it is essential to recognize the limitations of satellite phone security. First and foremost, make sure that your device features signal scrambling capabilities, which will prevent anyone from listening in on your calls without authorization.
Refrain from disclosing any sensitive information over your satellite phone; doing so could put your life at risk and violate certain governments’ laws prohibiting their possession. Therefore, before traveling with one to each country it’s important to research its laws. For more information about legalities associated with using one in certain locations visit SaferMobile’s website.
Privacy
Satellite phones (also known as satphones) have become an increasingly popular option among adventurers, humanitarian workers, and others who must remain connected while operating in remote and dangerous places. But these powerful devices may still be subject to tracking and surveillance resulting in potential privacy concerns for users.
Just like traditional cellular networks, satellite phone communications directly with orbiting satellites make satphones trackable with GPS capabilities; however, unlike these methods, hackers are less likely to intercept calls or messages through traditional means and intercepting their communication channels.
Even when brought into countries with strict surveillance laws (like India), it’s difficult for authorities to track it as it’s encrypted communication channels are secure and many satphone providers work closely with government agencies and organizations to ensure privacy compliance regulations are met.
These satellite phones aren’t immune from interference by Mother Nature either; solar flares and other natural disasters may disrupt radio communication, leaving people without the means to call for assistance.
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