What is a satphone and how does it work?
When a satphone user makes a call, the signal is sent to the satellite, which sends it back to its destination on Earth via a gateway. The gateway then routes the call using regular landline and cellular networks. If the call is made to another satphone, then the satellite directly sends the signal to the receiver without using the land networks.
Satphones may be fixed—they are installed on ships and buildings. Handheld satphones may be as small as regular cell phones. However unlike a cell phone, a satphone is not affected by storms, floods and bad weather and does not have to be in the vicinity of a cell tower. All it needs is a clear and direct line of sight to the satellite i.e. nothing solid like trees, buildings, hills, etc. should block the antenna’s view to the sky. Hence a satphone is best used outdoors and in remote areas where there is no cell phone network.
Satellite network companies like Iridium provide extensive coverage on Earth, including the Poles and oceans. Satphones enable extreme adventurers, survivalists, sailors and travellers on cruise ships to keep in touch with civilisation. However, it is illegal to use satellite phones in some countries like India.
