Why You Need A Satellite Phone Before Your Next Emergency Situation

A satellite phone is not something for everyday use, but in emergency situations such as a flood or an earthquake it’s vital. Basically it bypasses local cellular networks, and uses a network of satellites that are located between 500 to 1,000 miles above the earth to make a call. So in an emergency, if the local network is unavailable – for example a tower is knocked down – or simply if it’s overloaded with too many calls at once – then a satellite phone is the only way to guarantee communication with the outside world.

Who buys satellite phones?

Emergency response teams keep satellite phones on standby for obvious reasons, and traditionally it would be governments and agencies who would buy them. However the cost of the equipment and the calls have fallen hugely in the last few years, and nowadays many ordinary people are buying them too. The handsets are lightweight and about the same size as a cell phone though you must remember to extend the antennae for it to work.

Who can I buy one from?

There are several providers to choose from. Sat-phone prices start from $600 and annual network fees start from $300 currently.

GlobalStar

With a bent-pipe architecture this satellite network can provide cellular phone-level quality of audio. It went bankrupt in 2002 and is currently back in business though with limited service.

Iridium

The original satellite network from Motorola and one of the only truly global satellite network providers.

Thuraya

Originating in 1997 in the UAE in the Middle East, it has dual mode handsets (allowing use of GSM as well as satellite networks) but it doesn’t work in North America except through AT&T’s (non-satellite) network.

Inmarsat GPS

The newest network that has been around since 1979 but only launched a consumer handset in 2010. The other global satellite service.