Satellite Phones

[MariaJane]

What are satellite phones? How are they different from cellular phones? What are examples of satellite phones? Are they cheap or expensive?

[James75]

Satellite phone or satphone is a mobile phone that is able to reach and communicate with a wide coverage. The coverage may include the entire earth or remote areas where terrestrial cellular services are unavailable.

The most popular satellite phones use Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites. Currently, the best service available at Globalcom is offered by Iridium satphones covering worldwide. Thuraya satphone uses geosynchronous satellites providing, voice, internet/data, faxt, short messaging(SMS) and GPRS services. Inmarsat satphone service offers high-speed internet access in remote areas. HugesNet services offer faster surfing, downloads and email access.

The satphones and services are quite expensive. Some services offer plans and credits.