A satellite phone or satphone, as it is commonly referred to, is a mobile phone that has direct communication with orbiting communication satellites. A satellite phone can cover specific regions, or even the whole world, it all depends on the architecture of a certain system.
Although it is a mobile phone, a satellite phone does not look like today’s light, slim and tiny cellular phones. The weight and size of the average satellite phone handset is comparable to that of the old late 1980’s or early1990’s cell phone models. The satellite phone also has a large retractable antenna. Satphones are a popular choice when journeying into remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is not available.
Unlike cell phones, satellite phones are known for their incredibly poor indoor reception. In order to achieve somewhat suitable reception indoors, a satellite phone user would need to obtain a consistent signal near a window, or on the very top floor of a building that had a relatively thin roof. Satellite phones are primarily used outdoors as the phones come equipped with connectors for external antennae, which are usually installed in buildings and vehicles.
Satellite phones, like cell phones, are assigned their own number. However, a satellite phone is not usually just assigned any local number. Instead, most are provided with a special country calling codes. For instance, the satellite phone company, Inmarsat, issues codes with +870 to +874. That said, some satellite phone service providers such as Globalstar, issue users regular U.S. phone numbers.
The cost of a satellite phone, both purchasing the phone and making calls with it, is more expensive than a cellular phone. In fact, it is not uncommon for new satellite phones to be sold for $1,000, while an old phone is usually sold for the same price as a cellular phone. Likewise, the cost of making calls from a satellite phone is very expensive. While making a call from a satellite phone to a landline is typically $1.50 a minute, it can sometimes cost as much as $15 a minute. The cost depends entirely on the service provider, location, and where the call is being made.
Every satellite phone network has pre-paid plan, and vouchers can range anywhere from $10 - $5,000. Therefore, if you have use for, and are interested in a satellite phone, you will need to do your homework prior to choosing the service provider and phone before making any decisions.