How to Use a Satellite Phone

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By Wasatch
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Satellite Phone

Satellite phones are much more expensive than a cell phone both to buy and for air time costs. If you do not need a satellite phone it will be too expensive. If you are in an area that does need one or are in a disaster without cell phone service a satellite phone may be your only option.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Satellite phones commercial use started in 1979 by a company called Inmarsat for use on ships. There are now quite a few satellite phone service providers. Before you buy or rent a phone fully evaluate why you need one. Phones are company specific. You cannot use one companies phone with any other satellite service so chose wisely for your needs. Some companies cover more areas than others. Some are limited in coverage. The poles are the only region not covered at all. Globalstar covers 120 countries and Iridium covers has even better coverage. A few countries, like Burma, make the possession of satellite phones illegal as they cannot censor or wiretap them easily. Do your homework before you lock into a company.
Step 2

If you need a satellite phone be aware there may be a slight delay and sound quality is not as good as your cell phone service, but that said you cannot use your cell phone in the areas you need a satellite phone in anyway. After Hurricane Katrina many cell phones did not work nor did many land lines. None of the satellite phone companies had any loss of service. They are a good emergency or disaster communication device.
Step 3

Cost is between $1,000 and $2,000 for most satellite phones. Air time is about $1.50 a minute from what I found. Plans vary and packages are available. Texting and data transfer are possible and differ from plan to plan and between companies. Again evaluate your needs and see what companies fit your use. If it is for one trip consider renting a phone.
Step 4

As for use of your satellite phone you usually need to be outdoors or near a window facing the satellite for good reception. There are two types of satellite phone services. LEO is Low Earth Orbit. LEO uses orbiting satellites and should have continuous coverage as one satellite goes over the horizon another should be coming into range. They are lower to the earth and may have bad reception in low valleys or against steep cliff walls. Geosynchronous satellites are a system where the satellites are higher up. They appear in a fixed position and rotate at the same speed as earth. That means four satellites can cover the globe except for the extreme poles. They have better global coverage but a LEO system may be better for use in specific areas.