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.