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Index » Computers & Software » Cell Phones

Satelite Phones Today

Things have come a long way since the 'Sputnik'! Satellite systems now provide both voice and data communication for areas of the world where there is no land or cell phone coverage. Satelite telephones help us to keep in touch when in the air or out at sea. It also helps us to keep track and in contact with those brave adventurers who test the boundaries of endurance and skill. We can follow their routes, talk to them and receive photographs and film from wherever they are and be instantly ready to help when things don't go according to plan.

How does this amazing technology work? A signal is transmitted from the satelite phone, via an antenna to an orbiting network of satellites then back to a ground station and a standard phone network. Sounds good, eh? However, the line of site signal path between satelite telephone antenna and satellite must not be obstructed. Even bad weather can be a problem. Reception is generally much better outdoors but if you are on a boat or in a plane an external antenna might be needed.

At the time of writing there are five main satellite phone service providers. Global Star and Iridium remain the largest. They offer a variety of options for both businesses and the average "Joe Bloggs". Iridium is probably the best known for a variety of reasons.
The company uses a system of 66 operational low-earth-orbit satellites and they have 13 spare satellites too. The satellites are in orbits approximately 485 miles above the Earth's surface. They supply to an extensive variety of markets which include construction, mining, government, leisure and maritime. They also provide equipment to the military and to rescue and disaster relief organisations. Companies tend to sell their services through a collection of service partners, value-added resellers and manufacturers.

You may have noticed that that satelite phones are used regularly by the military, shipping and airlines. They also play an important part in disaster zones. Charitable organisations need to find out what help is required as soon as possible and the landlines and cell networks are often the first to be disrupted. Tracking the signal can help guide helicopters into the most affected and possibly isolated areas to deliver aid quickly.

On a more serious note, satellite phones are also being used in the fight against terrorism. To protect the Alaskan pipeline where it is vulnerable, trucks passing close by are fitted with satellite phones. If the truck is hijacked a signal is sent via the network and the vehicle can be disabled immediately.

As a method of communication satelite telephones remain a very expensive option. It is more expensive than most cell phone calls. As the technology improves and becomes more widely used, the prices should begin to drop. At the moment Iridium claim that the cost of a satellite phone call is similar to the cost of an international roaming call. To improve public perception and possibly build the consumer market the industry is fund raising in Washington state to provide satellite phones and airtime free of charge to US National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq.

Author: Steve Gee

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