Satellite Cell Phone Information
Satellite cell phones connect through satellite signals instead of using waves transmitted through cellular towers. These cell phones will most likely use what is known as low Earth orbiting satellites to provide service. Satellite cell phones are not restricted in the type of calls that can be received or dialed from the device.
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Benefits
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Satellite cell phones allow you to make phone calls in areas that may be out of range of a cell phone tower. Cell phone service is not always available in barren areas or at sea, but satellite phone service is. Satellite cell phones are ideal for use in areas with limited cell phone usage options.
Types
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You can find several providers of satellite cell phones and satellite cell phone service. Two of the most popular companies are GlobalStar and Iridium. GlobalStar has close to 50 satellites in orbit while Iridium has more than 60. The phones available through the companies are hand-held models and are compatible with installation kits that permit you to create a satellite phone base in your vehicle and vessel. Satellite phones available for use with GlobalStar and Iridium include the QualComm GlobalStar GSP-1700, GSP-1600 as well as the Iridium 9500 and 9505.
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Service Options
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Many of the plans offered by satellite cell phone providers include an annual activation fee, monthly bundled minute rate and charge for each minute that you go over the permitted amount. You can also choose to have the phone on an emergency basis only and get charged per minute of usage.
Differences from Terrestrial Cell Phones
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Satellite phones are larger than traditional cell phones because of the need for their antennas to receive satellite signals, which are much farther away than signals transmitted from cell phone towers. Satellite cell phones are only operational when they are within the line of sight of satellite signals. This means that they do not work indoors on satellite mode. However, most satellite phones will have a cellular mode that you can switch to when inside.
Considerations
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It is not likely you will use a satellite phone as your primary phone service. Phone and equipment can cost upwards of $1,000 along with an activation fee and high monthly call rate. Iridium charges $50 to activate a phone under its 20 Pack plan. With this plan, you will pay $70 per month for 20 minutes and $1.49 for each additional minute.
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