All About Satellite Phone Service

The ultimate in global phone service

Only a couple of decades ago, we understood and accepted that phone service required a physical phone line and was therefore limited to places like home, office, and payphones.

Now with the explosive growth of cell phones, we realize that phone service is not restricted to where there's a phone wire. But there's still a lot of the planet - 85% - that isn't conveniently close to a mobile phone transmitting tower so phone signal doesn’t exist.

Satellite phones provide the ultimate in global coverage. Satellite phones are bulkier than regular cell phones, however they provide great reception and operate anywhere in the world. A satellite phones only requirement is to be outside when placing a call since the satellite phone needs a line of sight to the satellites in space to operate. Basically, the satellite phone should not be used indoors.

Satellite phones operate in all situations and are most valuable during natural disasters. Most mobile telephone networks operate close to capacity during normal times and large spikes in call volumes often overload the system when it’s needed most. Not true with satellite phones. During tragic events including the attacks of 9/11, the 2003 Northeast blackouts, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2007 Minnesota bridge collapse satellite phones were ordered and delivered in record numbers because cell phone coverage was not available. Also, terrestrial cell antennas and networks can be damaged by natural disasters. Satellite phones are critical and demand is high during natural disasters.

Satcom Direct has been the leading seller of Satellite phones since 2002.

Iridium Satellite Network Coverage

The image above shows the 66 satellite Iridium constellation

Constellations of communication satellites can provide wireless satellite phone service anywhere in the world.