Sale of satellite phones

Geostationary satellite phones versus satellite phones for civilian use

Although satellite phones can be used for geostationary orbit connecting the entire world with just three or four satellites, the most popular civilian system is Inmarsat. The geostationary satellite phone requires a large antenna system to receive and transmit the signal. This makes the entire system inconveniently large and negatively affects mobility and ease of use. Civilian satellite phones like Inmarsat are very easy to use and do not require as large an antenna system. However, all portable satellite phone systems have the major drawback that they require a clear link to the sky and cannot be used inside a building. Here the requirement will be for an external antenna and it makes the whole process quite cumbersome and too expensive.

Satellite phones using low earth orbit technology

These satellite phones have the rare advantage of covering the world without wires and without interruptions. Low Earth orbit satellites revolve around the earth at a very high speed but at a lower altitude with an orbital time of around 90 minutes. The altitude at which these satellites move ranges from 600 to 1,150 km. The two original LEO systems are Iridium and Gobalstar could not catch on.

Satellite phone models

Satellite phones have been quite popular in movies and stage shows. They are available in various models and come from divergent brands. The most popular are Globalstar, Iridium and Inmarsat. A prospective user does not always need to purchase one, as satellite phones are also available for rent. Satellite phones can also be purchased by placing an order online. Most providers also offer same-day delivery or door-to-door delivery, depending on what customers prefer. Also, they offer attractive plans to get customer support such as no deposit, free extra battery and unlimited usage with no bundled minutes, faster shipping and many more. An example is the international cell phone rental package offered by some, which provides connectivity to 130 countries with pulse rate payment ranging from 89 cents to $1.69.

Transition from commercial use to consumption

At the turn of the millennium, satellite phones were still not very advanced, and most providers were struggling to be self-sufficient. The most relevant reason behind such a state of affairs was the high cost payable and the high pulse rate payable. For example, the Globalstar handset cost around $1,200 and the pulse rate payable was $2.49 per minute. Inmarsat was also providing a bulky suitcase set at $3,000 to $10,000. Therefore, initially the users of satellite phones were the Government and large commercial houses. They used satellite phone services to reach remote areas that had no other means of communication. Even rental charges in 2001 were $159 per week with call charges of $3.99 per minute. However, in the last five years there has been a sea change in this area. The first popular satellite phone service was provided by Iridum at a cost of $1,995 or it was available for rent at $19.99 per month. The pulse rate payment was a reasonable $1.99 and these rates were much lower than previous rates charged for satellite phones.

The initial steps in the transition from commercial to consumer satellite phones took place in 2001 with the launch of Iridium World Data Services. It provided 2.4 kbps dial-up throughput and direct Internet data throughput of approximately 10 kbps. A package with a pulse rate payment of 99 cents per minute was also introduced. And the biggest addition was prepaid phone service at an average pulse rate of $1.09 per minute. The satellite phone service, originally open only to the government, is now open to private customers. Today, providers like Globalstar have cut satellite phone costs by 80% from their cost in 2001.

The user scenario

However, the largest user to date of satellite phones is the military. Today, Globalstar offers handheld satellite phones for $645, and kits are available for as low as $599. The Inmarsat 2006 has voice service and high-speed data. But the cost is more than $1,650, with the advantage that it provides BGAN services that are not available until now. This technology eliminates the need to use terminals that previously cost a customer nearly $8,000. The advantage of this technology is clear digital voice and high-speed data transfer. Gradually, the popularity of satellite phones began to increase and the average revenue collection marked a 30% increase for the industries involved. With a 60% drop in satellite phone rentals, the consumer force has multiplied into virtual millions. The growing awareness among potential customers about the ease of data and voice transmission through satellite service has resulted in further growth of the satellite phone industry in the United States. Growth has been indicating an upward trend for the last five years.

The dawn of a new era in wireless communications

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently granted authority to offer auxiliary ground component (ATC) services to Globalstar. As a result, Globalstar is eligible to install ATC base stations and mobile terminals. Globalstar today offers a small and lightweight dual mode phone with satellite and ATC modes. It uses 11 MHz of its 1.6/2.4 GHz satellite radio frequencies for terrestrial wireless service. The advantage is that this allows the phone to work in dual mode. Inside a vehicle the telephone set will work in ATC or terrestrial mode and outside it will work in satellite mode. The first demonstration of modified dual-mode was in New York in 2002. Even when the local phone infrastructure is disrupted, the satellite phone system can provide seamless communications. However, the Globalstar satellite phone system is not without its limitations. It cannot be used like a regular cell phone in a building or in a vehicle. The inventors are now looking for a portable phone that has no dead spots and works everywhere. Another requirement in today’s circumstances is adding broadband data and multimedia applications to continuous layers of wireless communication. That’s far in the future though, whereas today’s satellite phone service must be used outdoors with at least an 80% view of the sky or using an external antenna.

Use of satellite telephony different from each other

You usually need the same type of satellite phones throughout the pool to communicate properly. There can be use of two types of satellite phones in part. Otherwise, the communication system would be circular. For example, calling a Globalstar phone from an Iridium phone will send the call first to the Iridium constellation and then to an Iridium gateway. It will then go via a landline to the Globalstar gateway. Sometimes the required gateway is interrupted and difficulties in communication are experienced. Globalstar has a constellation of 48 satellites in low Earth orbit. It covers 120 countries and has the best transmission quality. Iridium has a constellation of 66 satellites in low Earth orbit and a planetary coverage. Inmarsat uses portable terminals with geostationary satellites. This setup is pretty simple and easy to use.

Satellite phones for emergencies

In these days of hurricanes, terrorism, and power failures, everyone must be prepared to deal with any unforeseen emergency. Preparation is more essential as local phones tend to go out just when they are most needed in an emergency. There is no such problem with satellite phones. Satellite phones are not subject to the whims of nature and can be used anytime, anywhere with ease and this can be of real value during the worst of emergencies.