Satellite Phones

Satellite Phones

Subject: Science & Tech

Section: Space Science

Context- There is renewed interest in satellite communication deployments, with Starlink, operated by SpaceX, and OneWeb, promoted by Bharti Global, vying to enter the Indian market for offering satellite broadband connectivity to every corner of the country.

Concept-

• A satellite phone is a type of mobile phone that connects to other phones or the telephone network by radio through orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites, as cellphones do.
• SAT phones rely on a network of satellites for communication. They are rarely affected by violent storms and, depending upon their system architecture, work virtually anywhere.
• The advantage of a satphone is that its use is not limited to areas covered by cell towers; it can be used in most or all geographic locations on the Earth’s surface.
• They are capable of receiving and making calls anywhere in the world, even in the remotest parts be it the Himalayas or an uninhabited island in the Pacific.
• Traditional SAT phone buyers are government and public safety agencies, energy companies, shippers, and search and rescue organisations.
• However, an increasing number of private individuals are buying SAT phones as a backup against losing their ability to communicate with the world.
• The concept of a satellite phone is not new. In fact, the first satellite phone was launched by Motorola in 1989.

Difference between Satellite Phone and Cell Phone: