Satphone: Global Voice & Data Services

A Satellite Phone Primer

An introduction to satellite phones & what they do

A Satellite Phone Primer

If you need to communicate where or when regular telephone and internet services are unreliable or unavailable, satellite communications can help

In remote areas, satellite communications are an invaluable way to ensure reliable methods of communications are kept open. Even when in foreign countries with GSM coverage, the affordable call rates offered by satellite networks mean they are often cheaper to use than your GSM phone in roaming mode whilst abroad.

Working slightly differently from mobile phones, satellite communications depend on having a clear line of sight to the satellite in the sky. They work most effectively when used outside with as few obstructions (tall buildings, mountains, trees etc) as possible.

Satphone UK (satphone.co.uk) are specialist satellite phone suppliers of Iridium phone, Thuraya phone, Inmarsat phone and Inmarsat bgan satellite phone high speed data terminals.

Satphone.co.uk also offer prepaid and postpaid satellite phone airtime and SIM cards for Iridium 9505A, Iridium 9555, Iridium 9575, Thuraya XT, Thuraya Hughes 7101, Thuraya so-2510, Thuraya sg-2520 with GSM and GPS option, and Inmarsat, Thrane and Thrane Explorer 500, Explorer 300, Explorer 700 and Fleet 77, Fleet 55, Fleet 33, Fleet Broadband FB 250, Fleet Broadband FB 500 and Thuraya DSL. Callmonitor Limited, 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 4ND, England, UK. Satphone.co.uk offer rental and hire of Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya satellite phones on the Satphone UK web site.

Please note that satellite telephones require a direct line of sight from the antenna to the satellite. Therefore, phones do not work inside buildings or vehicles unless used with an external antenna. Service in outdoor locations with trees, hills, mountains, buildings or other similar structures or geographical features may impair or prevent the use of satellite communication equipment.

Please note that text messaging service on satellite phones may not be possible to terrestrial mobile phones.