Satellite phones are also known as satphones. This is a type of mobile phone that uses orbiting communication satellites to communicate with other people. Depending on the type of the phone and its purpose, a satellite phone may give access to any phone worldwide or be limited to one particular region. These phones are great alternatives where phone lines do not run or where a telecommunications company is unable to set up cellular towers. Geostationary Services Satellite phones gain access from geostationary orbit satellites that is situated directly above the equator. This service follows the inverse square law which states that the larger the antenna the better the reception. In keeping with this rule, the phones tend to be physically large. Low Earth Orbit Phones Low earth telephones or LEO for short uses satellite technology. LEO technology has worldwide coverage without any problems. Satellites that provide the signal for these phones tend to fly low at high speed. The satellites orbit the globe in a short time guaranteeing worldwide coverage. Using these satellites can be expensive to maintain so researches are being funded to try and use blimps as an alternative solution. Uses Because of its wide coverage, the primary use of satellite phones is for offshore military missions. When in missions, depending on the terrain such as the jungle or desserts, usually the soldiers are deprived from the use of traditional phones, and even if they did, there is always a threat to security breach or giving away their location. Through satellite phones, the soldiers are given assurance that they have access to their fellow soldiers and the headquarters. Rescue missions or medical missions which usually take place in remote areas like up in the mountain or rural undeveloped areas where infrastructures and telecommunication services are limited is where satellite phones come in handy. Especially during emergency events a satellite phones provide assurance of connection to the necessary backup personnel and service providers. |
