Satellite phones (sat phone, terminal, satellite cell phone) are mobile communication devices with standard phone capabilities that connect to stationary or orbiting satellites overhead. Compared to a cell phone, sat phones are bigger and heavier, and functionality is typically limited to voice calls and text messaging. They don’t offer smart high-end UX and front-end interface features like your smartphone, but technology is advancing and so is the design of satellite phones. Essentially, sat phones are designed to connect to a satellite (and bypass cellular networks) for the sole purpose of making a call or sending a short text-based message when it’s impossible to use a cell phone.

Let’s start with basic terrestrial technology – cell phones. A cell phone needs to connect to physical cellular towers to make calls, send texts, or access internet services on mobile data. And, as most of us have experienced at one time or another, various elements can impact the signal strength of a cellular connection, specifically the distance from a cell tower. Enter the satellite phone.

However, satellite phones are not immune to outages albeit infrequent but natural phenomena such as solar flares can disrupt satellite communications. Also, some countries have a ban on satellite phone usage within their borders so it's highly recommended to first check with the country you’re visiting.

Satellite Phone FAQs

Do satellite phones have internet capabilities?

Most satellite phones offer internet access at speeds slower than dial-up. Remember dial-up? When the internet used to scream at you when connecting. Slower than that. While a satellite phone connection is still useful for certain applications, like downloading weather maps optimized for satellite phones, most users would find this to be painfully slow. We offer satellite internet terminals which have speeds around 100 times faster than a satellite phone and are made for a variety of applications including marine, portable, vehicular, and fixed.

What are satellite phones?

Satellite phones are handheld (typically) communications devices that allow you to communicate where cellular and landline networks are not available.

Where are satellite phones used?

Satellite phones are typically used in remote areas or at sea. Satellite phones wouldn't typically work well in an urban area.

Why are satellite phones used?

Satellite phones provide a form of communication where cellular networks don't reach or are not available.

Learn more at www.canadasatellite.ca