Satellite phones 101 with SatPhone Shop

Forget what you see in the movies – Get the low down on how Satellite phones work in the real world.

As our world becomes increasingly connected, it's easy to assume that reliable communication is always at our fingertips. However, when venturing to remote areas, traditional mobile networks often fall short. In fact, nearly 80% of Australia’s land mass has poor to no mobile reception, but a satellite phone can provide the critical lifeline needed to stay connected. Keep reading to understand the 3 reasons why a satellite phone is an essential item when travelling remotely.  

3 Reasons to choose a Satellite Phone

Global Coverage

Unlike traditional mobile phones, satellite phones are not bound by terrestrial infrastructure. Instead, they communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth, providing coverage in even the most remote areas of the planet. If you travel far and long enough, you run the risk of traditional mobile phones, UHF radios, and boosters becoming unable to establish a connection.

Depending on the model, a sat phone allows users to make and receive calls, send, and receive text messages, and contact emergency services through an in-built SOS button in some satellite models. This can be extremely important in situations where communication is essential for obtaining help or for coordinating rescue efforts.

Reliability

When traditional communication networks are down, satellite phones often remain operational. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, and their connections are rarely affected by terrain or obstacles. This means that in emergency situations, satellite phones can be relied upon to make essential calls and send messages.

Versatility

Satellite phones are not just for voice calls. They can also send and receive text messages and emails. Many satellite phones also have built-in GPS capabilities, making them useful for emergency location tracking. Some models even have Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to use handsfree accessories with your satellite phone.

 

Connecting the dots: How do Satellites work?

A satellite phone operates differently from a regular phone. Instead of relying on a mobile network, it communicates directly with satellites orbiting from 780kms+ above the earth’s surface. The signals are transmitted from the phone to the satellite, then to a ground station, and finally to the recipient. This process takes a bit longer than a regular call, but it ensures that you have reliable communication, even in the most remote areas.

While satellite phones are a reliable communication option, they do have some limitations you need to be aware of. All satellite phones need line of sight to the sky. To establish a good connection from the satellite network, it’s recommended to be away from tall structures or dense bushland to operate effectively.

 

Discover the difference: Understanding the different Satellite Networks

Like mobile phone providers, there are different satellite providers available. The major difference to note is that satellite phones are unique to each satellite network provider, meaning if you have an Iridium phone, you cannot connect to the Inmarsat network (and vice versa).

There are several satellite networks available for satellite phone communication, but the two we will focus on are the Iridium and Inmarsat networks.

Iridium is the world’s only network that covers the earth’s surface from pole to pole. It uses a constellation of 66 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that cross-link to provide reliable communication in even the most remote areas, making it truly a global phone. Iridium is known for its rugged and reliable satellite phones, which are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers.





Inmarsat satellite network provides reliable coverage for voice and data communication. It uses 4 geostationary satellites to provide coverage in most parts of the world, excluding the polar regions. Inmarsat is one of the longest established satellite network providers, initially specializing in the Maritime market for high-speed data and voice communications, it has also added voice / text satellite handsets to its portfolio. In Australia, we use the satellite that is located above Papua New Guinea, which means you need to be in a North-East facing position to connect to the network. Don’t have a compass? Not to worry, just flip up the antenna and move the phone until it connects.

So, what's the bottom line?

Whether you're heading out on a remote 4WDriving trip, working in a remote location, or simply need a reliable backup communication device, a satellite phone can provide global coverage, reliable connections, and versatile features, making them an invaluable tool. The range of satellite products available at SatPhone Shop means there are more options to find the right fit and a wider price range to suit your needs.

SatPhone Shop offers a range of Iridium and Inmarsat satellite phones as well as airtime options. Speak to the expert team with over 30 years of combined satellite experience today to assist you in making an informed decision. If you are looking for short-term solution, we also offer rentals that can be shipped anywhere across Australia. Speak to the remote communication experts today.