The iPhone is a multimedia and Internet-enabled quad-band GSM EDGE-supported mobile phone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The iPhone's functions include those of a camera phone and a portable media player ("iPod"), in addition to text messaging and visual voicemail. It also offers Internet services including e-mail, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity. User input is accomplished via a multi-touch screen with virtual keyboard and buttons.
The iPhone has been available since June 29, 2007 in the United States from Apple retail and online stores, and from AT&T Mobility. The current price is US$399 for an 8 GB model. On September 18, 2007, Apple announced in a special event that the iPhone will be available on November 9, 2007 on the carrier O2 in the United Kingdom.[1] On September 19, 2007, Apple and Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile announced the iPhone would go on sale November 9, 2007 throughout Germany.[2] On October 16, 2007, Apple confirmed that France Télécom's Orange would be the exclusive carrier for the iPhone in France with a release date of November 29, 2007.[3] On October 24, 2007 as a result of a Molson contest, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail revealed that Rogers Wireless may begin offering the iPhone in Canada starting sometime in 2008, however no official statement has been released by Apple or Rogers confirming this.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Satellite Phone
A satellite telephone, satellite phone, or satphone is a mobile phone that communicates directly with orbiting communications satellites. Depending on the architecture of a particular system, coverage may include the entire Earth, or only specific regions.The mobile equipment, also known as a terminal or earth station, varies widely. A satellite phone handset has a size and weight comparable to that of a late 1980s or early 1990s mobile phone, but usually with a large retractable antenna. These are popular on expeditions into remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is unavailable.A fixed installation, such as used shipboard, may include large, rugged, rack-mounted electronics, and a steerable microwave antenna on the mast that automatically tracks the overhead satellites. Satellite phones have notoriously poor reception indoors, it may be possible to get a consistent signal near a window or in the top floor of a building if the roof is sufficiently thin. The phones have connectors for external antennae that are often installed in vehicles and buildings. Satellite phones are usually issued with numbers in a special country calling code. For example, Inmarsat satellite phones are issued with codes +870 through +874, while Iridium satellite phones are issued with codes +881 6 and +881 7. Some satellite phones are issued with ordinary phone numbers, such as Globalstar satellite phones issued with U.S. telephone numbers.
Cost of a satellite phone
While it is possible to obtain old handsets for the Thuraya, Iridium & Globalstar networks for around $200 the newest handsets such as the iconic Iridium 9505A, although released in 2001 still sells for well over $1,000 new. Since satellite phones are built from the ground up for one particular network and cannot be switched to other networks the price of handsets varies with the performance of the network. If a satellite phone provider runs into trouble with its network the handset prices will fall, and pick up again once new satellites are launched. Similarly handset prices will go up when calling rates are reduced.
Among the most expensive satellite phones are BGAN terminals, often costing several thousand dollars. Satellite phones are sometimes subsidised by the provider if one signs a post-paid contract but subsidies are usually only a few hundred dollars or less.
Since most satellite phones are built under license or the manufacturing of handsets is contracted out to OEM's operators have a large influence over the selling price. Satellite networks operate under proprietary closed standards, making it difficult for manufacturers to independently make their own handsets.
Cost of a satellite phone
While it is possible to obtain old handsets for the Thuraya, Iridium & Globalstar networks for around $200 the newest handsets such as the iconic Iridium 9505A, although released in 2001 still sells for well over $1,000 new. Since satellite phones are built from the ground up for one particular network and cannot be switched to other networks the price of handsets varies with the performance of the network. If a satellite phone provider runs into trouble with its network the handset prices will fall, and pick up again once new satellites are launched. Similarly handset prices will go up when calling rates are reduced.
Among the most expensive satellite phones are BGAN terminals, often costing several thousand dollars. Satellite phones are sometimes subsidised by the provider if one signs a post-paid contract but subsidies are usually only a few hundred dollars or less.
Since most satellite phones are built under license or the manufacturing of handsets is contracted out to OEM's operators have a large influence over the selling price. Satellite networks operate under proprietary closed standards, making it difficult for manufacturers to independently make their own handsets.
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