How are portable satellite phones different from normal mobile phones?
Satellite phones allow you to make phone calls from virtually anywhere in the world. A normal mobile phone works by communicating with antennas which are typically no more than 1-5 miles away. These phones work best in populated areas because there is no shortage of cell tower antennas. They don't work at all where there isn't a cell tower nearby - I'm sure you've experienced this. In contrast, a satellite phone makes phone calls by communicating with a network of satellites orbiting the earth in space. These satellites are designed with orbits so that you can always make a call with a portable satellite phone whether you're in the middle of a desert or on a ship in the middle of the ocean.
Satellite phones tend to be bigger and more expensive because they must communicate many miles into space. They also tend to be more expensive since fewer people need them and because putting satellites in space is not cheap! Portable satellite phones work best outdoors and will often not work inside buildings at all. However, portable satellite phones are worth the additional weight and cost by allowing you to stay in contact in areas where there is no normal mobile phone coverage, and in areas where you don't have access to the normal mobile phone service.
If you are a business person who is in several different countries per week, a satellite phone may be helpful since you will be able to make calls from anywhere and receive calls anywhere with a single number. A backcountry hiker can use a satellite phone to call for help in the event of an emergency. It's common for sailors and ship crew to use satellite phones since there's no other easy way to communicate from the middle of the ocean. You can sign up for a monthly plan for your satellite phone, or buy a card containing a certain number of minutes.
A portable satellite phone allows you to stay in contact no matter where you travel in the world. You can make calls from wherever you are, and anyone in the world can you reach you at one number with a portable satellite phone. It may save you time by avoiding the local phone system when traveling to a foreign city, or a portable satellite phone may save your life when you're traveling and injured in a remote location!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Portable Satellite Phones
Welcome to Portable Satellite Phone. This site provides information and buying advice on satellite phones. It can be difficult to understand how to buy a satellite phone but I'll explain everything you need to know.
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