Great questions and the answers are quite simple. I've been running a satellite phone sales and rental business in the most isolated city worldwide. Any Guesses???
Well its Perth, Western Australia and we lay claim to literally being the most remote city. So to the point of this article. I have regularly been asked at gatherings and parties how does a satellite phone work.
Well firstly we have to understand what do Satellite phones do and what is the reason they are so different from our typical cellular or cellphone. The answer I have invented is that simply put Satellite phones provide either telephone or data communications where there's no cellular or cell telephone coverage available.
Now I hear you exclaim thats in my living room. No thats not what I'm trying to say. For example in Australia the national Telco proudly publicizes that it gives mobile coverage to 80 percent of the people. What it neglects to then tell you is that 80% of the populace live in 23% of the country. So what about the other 77% of the terrain around Australia. Well the answer's that you've got no mobile or cellular coverage.
Result, the requirement for a satellite phone. The rationale is that unlike a standard cell telephone which uses telecomms towers to broadcast its signal across the land to a base station, which then in turn finds its way to the destination needed. A satellite phone signal goes up not across. Meaning you've got to have direct line of site to the sky for it to work. Then when you are finished dialling, the signal goes into space to be met by a revolving satellite which takes your signal, then pushes it out to 3 other satellites in space and creates and solid signal. All this is seconds. Pretty electrifying.
It then takes your signal and directs it to a land base station in the area you have requested by dialling the number you selected and hey presto connection.
The seriousness of this is that it does not rely on a constant row of towers to broadcast the signal. This allows you to be anywhere on the planet and make a call home to your mother or loved one.
Even from the very top of Everest, where this year a climber let his spouse know he had reached the pinnacle. To rowing across the planet's oceans in a kayak.
It does not come down so much to how do they work but will they work where I want them to and when I need them to.
Well there are at the current time 3 systems that cover most of the earth. First in Inmarsat, which started out life as a military range of satellites out of America. These are still used heavily by the army all over the world but have recently opened its doors to the corporate dollar. This system due to its cost is principally used for high speed data transference.
Then comes Iridium, the only actually satellite voice provider that covers the World. Iridium is recognised as the leader of quality satellite communication. Having latterly just replaced the 9555 handset with the new smaller, lighter iridium 9575 handset. They are continually showing their commitment to improving their service.
The third service that Australian and the Pacific Rim Pacific have accessibility to is called Thuraya. Thurayas coverage covers 3 quarters of the earth surface. With their primary market being purchaser handsets which are light, and miniscule.
Balance this with the price tag being half the cost of its Iridium rival has permitted Thuraya to cut a big market in Asia Pacific region. With the launching of their most recent satellite which covers the Eastern Coast of Australia will without doubt bring added users to their existing network.
As to which service or supplier should you select, well that simply is dependent upon your individual needs. The simple answer get good qualified advice as regards what will assist you and you'll have a safe and contented trip but will generally save thousands of dollars simultaneously.
Well its Perth, Western Australia and we lay claim to literally being the most remote city. So to the point of this article. I have regularly been asked at gatherings and parties how does a satellite phone work.
Well firstly we have to understand what do Satellite phones do and what is the reason they are so different from our typical cellular or cellphone. The answer I have invented is that simply put Satellite phones provide either telephone or data communications where there's no cellular or cell telephone coverage available.
Now I hear you exclaim thats in my living room. No thats not what I'm trying to say. For example in Australia the national Telco proudly publicizes that it gives mobile coverage to 80 percent of the people. What it neglects to then tell you is that 80% of the populace live in 23% of the country. So what about the other 77% of the terrain around Australia. Well the answer's that you've got no mobile or cellular coverage.
Result, the requirement for a satellite phone. The rationale is that unlike a standard cell telephone which uses telecomms towers to broadcast its signal across the land to a base station, which then in turn finds its way to the destination needed. A satellite phone signal goes up not across. Meaning you've got to have direct line of site to the sky for it to work. Then when you are finished dialling, the signal goes into space to be met by a revolving satellite which takes your signal, then pushes it out to 3 other satellites in space and creates and solid signal. All this is seconds. Pretty electrifying.
It then takes your signal and directs it to a land base station in the area you have requested by dialling the number you selected and hey presto connection.
The seriousness of this is that it does not rely on a constant row of towers to broadcast the signal. This allows you to be anywhere on the planet and make a call home to your mother or loved one.
Even from the very top of Everest, where this year a climber let his spouse know he had reached the pinnacle. To rowing across the planet's oceans in a kayak.
It does not come down so much to how do they work but will they work where I want them to and when I need them to.
Well there are at the current time 3 systems that cover most of the earth. First in Inmarsat, which started out life as a military range of satellites out of America. These are still used heavily by the army all over the world but have recently opened its doors to the corporate dollar. This system due to its cost is principally used for high speed data transference.
Then comes Iridium, the only actually satellite voice provider that covers the World. Iridium is recognised as the leader of quality satellite communication. Having latterly just replaced the 9555 handset with the new smaller, lighter iridium 9575 handset. They are continually showing their commitment to improving their service.
The third service that Australian and the Pacific Rim Pacific have accessibility to is called Thuraya. Thurayas coverage covers 3 quarters of the earth surface. With their primary market being purchaser handsets which are light, and miniscule.
Balance this with the price tag being half the cost of its Iridium rival has permitted Thuraya to cut a big market in Asia Pacific region. With the launching of their most recent satellite which covers the Eastern Coast of Australia will without doubt bring added users to their existing network.
As to which service or supplier should you select, well that simply is dependent upon your individual needs. The simple answer get good qualified advice as regards what will assist you and you'll have a safe and contented trip but will generally save thousands of dollars simultaneously.
About the Author:
John Whitley Director of Satellite Phone Sales and Hire A Satellite Phone is a consultant in every aspect of satellite phone rental, hire, parts and accessories. Visit www.satellitephonesales.com.au today to learn more
The Communication Blog
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