Satellite Phones

April 5, 2022
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN Topics

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:

Satellite Phone	Cellular Phone
Satellite phones do not rely on towers, but instead transmit signals via satellites orbiting the earth. e.g Low Earth Orbit	Cellular phones transmit via land-based towers.
The fact that satellite signals are transmitted far above the earth and do not rely on towers is what makes them useful in remote areas.	It would be impossible to place cell phone towers everywhere to ensure continuous signals — for example, in the middle of the ocean or in the remote wilderness.
Satellite phones are designed specifically for telephonic communications, meaning that most allow you to make and receive calls	When it comes to functionality, cell phones do have a distinct advantage over satellite phones. They provide with with wider range of functions.
Satellite phones are more expensive	Cellular phones are cheaper.