All about Satellite Cell Phones
Satellite cell phones have made it possible for someone to make verbal contact with another person, wherever he is and whatever what he does, whether he is traveling or working, living on top of mountains, in outlaying oceans, in rural areas, in urban centers or almost every geographical region. Also called satellite telephone, satellite phone or satphone, these modern communication gadgets communicate directly with communications satellites that orbit the planet using the Geostationary Mobile Satellite Standard or GMSS satellite technology.
Most satellite cellular phones, technically referred to as terminal or earth station, are larger and bulkier than regular modern mobile phones. Its size and weight is very much like the earlier models of the mobile phones especially those in the late 1980s and early 1990s but with a retractable external antenna. Satellite phones are usually used in remote areas or when traveling in places where the standard land-based cellular service is unavailable.
Depending on the model, the antennas of most sat phones are usually mounted on a fixed installation. The antenna can be steered in order to automatically locate overhead satellites. Although they are not land-based, satphones are issued special country calling codes depending on the satellite phone service provider. Some recent satellite phone service providers, however, have been issued US telephone numbers.
Satellite cell phones can conveniently help to stay connected wherever you are in the world especially in the more than 130 counties where GPRS phones work. The latest satellite mobile phone models have also become more user-friendly and portable. Some service providers like the Thuraya satellite phones are tailored for specific regions like the Middle East while other like the Mobiq allows you to make and receive calls anywhere except on the North and South Poles and in hyper speed vehicles. Unlike regular mobile phones, a satellite cell phone requires a clear view of the sky whenever it is used and users have difficulty using it when you are inside a building or when traveling on car or boats. Satellite cell phone signal can be enhanced by using an external antenna. Although voice quality on a satellite cell phone can be as good as a regular mobile phone, there is a .25 second delay between transmissions when using a satphone. This is because you practically bounce your voice off a satellite that orbits the earth.
Some satphone rental companies offer satellite cell phones for rent or SIM cards which can be used in the country where currently you are. Renting satellite phones is actually more cost efficient and allows you to keep in touch with your family and business partners at very limited costs. Features like caller ID or voice mail or a weak signal indicator can help you screen or limit your calls, helping you to save on satellite phone calls. Making calls from a satphone is quite expensive but calling a satphone from a landline or regular mobile phone is even most costly. However, unless the receiver is being connected through a collect call or a special reverse-charge service, no extra fees will be charged on the receiver.