What satphone network is most suitable for you? Satellite phones are available with ever-greater levels of sophistication, in smaller packages and at lower cost. Gaps in network coverage are being filled, and the industry is maturing. At WhatSatphone.com, we think that dual-mode GSM-satellite phones will play an important part in increasing service take-up. The ability to carry one phone with a single phone number that performs both GSM and satellite roles is an important practical and psychological benefit to the end-user. Note that with any satphone, to ensure an adequate signal strength to the phone, you must have clear line of sight to the satellite, and maintain that line of sight throughout the conversation. The four major satellite networks that provide coverage over a high percentage of the world’s surface are as follows:
Globalstar: “It starts with leading engineers striving to launch the world’s best satellite system, and ends with a simple connection between people. A conversation. An exchange of ideas and information.” Globalstar covers about 80% of the world via a Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) 32 satellite network, with some notable areas of non-coverage in Africa and Asia. However, 2012 should see these gaps being filled, and Globalstar will become a much more significant player worldwide. Unfortunately, Globalstar is in dispute with its satellite supplier, so the actual dates for delivering service improvements are unclear. Globalstar coverage map
Inmarsat: “Inmarsat’s goal is to remain the leading mobile satellite services operator – through a combination of extensive portfolio, global coverage and technological innovation. Inmarsat aims to deliver the highest standards of reliability in the market, while offering excellent value for money.” Inmarsat is the world’s leading satphone provider, and is based in London. Currently has 11 geo-stationary satellites in service, providing global coverage except for the poles (as the satellites orbit above the equator). As well as satphones, Inmarsat provides satellite broadband data services for remote workers and offices, known as BGAN Link. Inmarsat is planning for major service improvements in 2013-14. Inmarsat coverage maps
Iridium: “The only satellite communications company that offers truly global voice and data communications coverage. A technology innovator and market leader, Iridium is advancing the way global enterprises conduct daily mission-critical activities through reliable, near real-time, communications services.” Iridium is a well established satphone provider, offering a huge range of products and services worldwide. Currently operates 66 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites providing 100% global coverage. This keeps the call quality high, and delay on the line low. Iridium provides broadband data comms via a range of services, including its maritime Iridium Pilot product. Iridium coverage maps
Thuraya: “Thuraya represents an ideal and an achievement, where we have provided services from the stars to a large number of diverse nations here on planet earth. Waking up every day knowing how far we have gone in bringing people closer together is an unparalleled joy.” Thuraya is a long-established satphone services provider, based in the UAE. Offers land, sea and air services in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East via three geosynchronous satellites, covering about 70% of the globe. The Thuraya IP unit provides satellite broadband. The Thuraya XT-DUAL phone combines satellite and GSM mobile phone technologies into a single neat handset.Thuraya coverage map
