If you have been delaying exploring mobile satellite phone service options, now is the time. While their prices may seem steep, sat phones provide crucial communications in areas otherwise inaccessible by other means.
Handheld or fixed satellite dishes use geosynchronous or LEO satellites and require line of sight for operation. In addition, they feature broadcast capabilities and one-way paging services.
Cost
Are You an Outdoor Adventurer or Disaster Relief Worker in Remote Locations? Luckily, satellite phones offer reliable communication when cell networks are down – however their costs tend to exceed traditional mobile phone costs.
To use a satellite phone, one must subscribe to a monthly plan with a service provider. Prices may range anywhere from a few dollars up to several thousand dollars per month depending on which provider is chosen; some offer unlimited voice and data usage while others have strict limits.
Satellite phone providers also offer SMS and SOS emergency alert services in addition to voice calling functionality. It is important that you understand what text messaging is included with your plan and if any additional charges apply if your usage exceeds this limit. Most companies rely on geosynchronous and low Earth orbit (LEO) systems as means for satellite communications – Inmarsat, Thuraya, and Iridium are leading global providers.
Reliability
Reliability of satellite phone service can be crucial for certain users. People traveling frequently to remote areas, for instance, could greatly benefit from having satellite phones as backup to traditional cell phones in case natural disasters or emergencies cause interruptions to cell phone networks. Additionally, satellite phones may provide invaluable backup in times of emergencies that disrupt traditional cell networks.
Satellite phones (commonly referred to as “satphones”) are mobile devices which connect directly with satellites orbiting Earth instead of terrestrial cell towers, providing reliable communications in remote wilderness and open ocean regions where terrestrial cell networks may not exist or function less reliably. This makes satphones ideal for use in wilderness regions where terrestrial communication networks are unreliable or nonexistent.
Reliability of satellite phones depends on both the network used and service offered; for instance, some networks provide one-way pager services that alert satellite phone users of incoming calls; others, like Globalstar and Iridium provide voice and data services around the globe through multiple satellites; however, in such instances quality may depend on distance from nearest antenna.
Security
Satellite phones have become an increasingly popular way of communication in remote areas and during natural disasters, yet those using satellite phones must take steps to ensure the security of their calls such as encryption, authentication and protection from malicious attacks. New technologies are constantly being explored so as to keep satellite phone calls private and safe.
Modern satellite phone networks all encrypt voice traffic to prevent eavesdropping, however the algorithms employed are proprietary and therefore remain unknown to the general public. A team of academic researchers in 2012 reverse-engineered two of the most prevalent proprietary encryption algorithms used on satellite phones to reverse engineer them for reverse engineering purposes.
Satellite phones require clear line of sight to their satellite, meaning the user should be located away from buildings and trees. Furthermore, their batteries have limited life expectancies that could cut out unexpectedly as soon as their satellite moves out of range; it is therefore vital that portable chargers or other power sources be accessible should an emergency arise requiring this method of communication. Finally, make sure that an emergency service number for your provider has also been prepared in case they discontinue service to you unexpectedly.
Flexibility
For travelers visiting remote regions where cell phone networks may not be readily available, satellite phones can be an ideal way to stay in contact. By sending signals directly into space orbiting satellites, these phones connect directly with traditional telephone networks for call routing purposes – ideal in emergency situations like natural disasters.
There is a wide selection of satellite phones available, with prices that differ based on features and coverage area. Some providers provide prepaid plans which may save you money while helping avoid overage fees; additionally, many offer seasonal promotional deals throughout the year.
One of the greatest advantages of satellite phones is their GPS capability, making communication between loved ones or authorities much simpler during an emergency situation. Furthermore, using GPS can also assist you in finding your way home if you become lost on a journey or experiencing an accident.
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