Satellite or SAT phones are utilized mainly in remote areas where terrestrial phone service is not available. During mass disasters for instance September 11, 2001, Katrina, or the Indian tsunami, major telecommunications lines were simply unavailable. SAT communications in contrast to its terrestrial counterpart, remained open as the satellites remained unaffected by the disaster. This distinction makes SAT phones an integral part of disaster recovery, search and rescue, or military operational missions.
Aside from disaster recovery and military operations, the average SAT phone user can vary significantly. Due to cost, traditionally, SAT phones were only utilized by researchers, military personnel, and rich tourists. Cost is no longer a weighty consideration. Today, SAT phones can be used by people who live in remote parts of the world, or by marine or forest rangers. These people wouldn't otherwise have telecommunications there when needed. Some parts of the world have declared SAT phone usage illegal, in order to discourage instances of wiretapping. Conversely, other regions, such as Australia, have encouraged SAT phone usage by allowing its residents to apply for government subsidies. In this way, the government has made it simpler for its residents to get their SAT phones at very reasonable pricing.
Technology for SAT phones, as with other telecommunications equipment, has greatly improved. Gone are the days when SAT phones were large and cumbersome to carry. SAT phones are now virtually identical in size to standard cellular phones. Cost is still somewhat of a consideration when it comes to purchasing a SAT phone. Though prices have come down significantly, a SAT phone can be purchased in some instances for less than $1,000, however they can also be rented at rates starting as low as $10 or $20 per day. .
When it comes to service providers, the industry has two main networks - Globalstar, and Iridium. These two companies offer a variety of hardware and service offerings to those who need to maintain communications in remote or emergency situations. As with any phone service, use of a SAT phone requires the hardware - the actual phone, and the service agreement in order to operate.
The primary difference between SAT phones and traditional cellular phones are coverage capabilities. Cellular phones rely on cell towers. One important limitation, is that SAT phones do not operate indoors. If you travel often to remote regions, it might be a wise expenditure to invest in a SAT phone.
Aside from disaster recovery and military operations, the average SAT phone user can vary significantly. Due to cost, traditionally, SAT phones were only utilized by researchers, military personnel, and rich tourists. Cost is no longer a weighty consideration. Today, SAT phones can be used by people who live in remote parts of the world, or by marine or forest rangers. These people wouldn't otherwise have telecommunications there when needed. Some parts of the world have declared SAT phone usage illegal, in order to discourage instances of wiretapping. Conversely, other regions, such as Australia, have encouraged SAT phone usage by allowing its residents to apply for government subsidies. In this way, the government has made it simpler for its residents to get their SAT phones at very reasonable pricing.
Technology for SAT phones, as with other telecommunications equipment, has greatly improved. Gone are the days when SAT phones were large and cumbersome to carry. SAT phones are now virtually identical in size to standard cellular phones. Cost is still somewhat of a consideration when it comes to purchasing a SAT phone. Though prices have come down significantly, a SAT phone can be purchased in some instances for less than $1,000, however they can also be rented at rates starting as low as $10 or $20 per day. .
When it comes to service providers, the industry has two main networks - Globalstar, and Iridium. These two companies offer a variety of hardware and service offerings to those who need to maintain communications in remote or emergency situations. As with any phone service, use of a SAT phone requires the hardware - the actual phone, and the service agreement in order to operate.
The primary difference between SAT phones and traditional cellular phones are coverage capabilities. Cellular phones rely on cell towers. One important limitation, is that SAT phones do not operate indoors. If you travel often to remote regions, it might be a wise expenditure to invest in a SAT phone.
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