What Is The Difference Between Your Cell Phone And A Satellite Phone?
At first glance, cell phones and satellite phones look the same. They are both wireless devices and you may believe that there is no real difference between them but that is definitely not the case. While most people from around the world think that any cell phone is a satellite phone since they connect to each other through a satellite, the truth is that the regular cell phone does not actually connect directly to a satellite.
The cellular phones are basically cell based. They are currently called cellular phones because of that reason. Network areas are basically divided into smaller areas. Every single area has an antenna that is installed. You know them under the name cell towers. As cellular phones move, they change from a cell phone tower coverage area to the next. When the phone crosses a cell border, it will send signals to the Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO). The MTSO then relocates your phone to the new region.
Satellite phones will use satellites in order to make phone calls. That is why they have this name. As you turn on a satellite phone (some common examples of great satellite phones at ashburysatcom.co.uk), a signal will be sent to one or more satellites, based on what your carrier offers. As a call will be made from the phone, signals are sent from the satellite to a gateway/ground station. Gateways then take the call to the final destination. You can easily direct the call to a cellular phone, a PSTN or a landline. All PSTN, cell phones and landlines will be able to call satellite phones.
The system does seem to be really complicated but all those communications will be taken care of in a really short period of time, usually in just a few seconds. Because of the connection that is established to a satellite, these phones can easily be used in the most remote regions of the world, which has many practical uses.
While the use of the satellite phone does seem perfect for various cases, it has to be mentioned that these phones will only work when there is a direct line of sight established between the site and the phone. Have patience and always look at the various different options that are available on the market. It is important that you choose a phone that is suitable and that will be useful in the area where you want to go to. That is not as easy as you may be tempted to believe since, as a simple example, a mobile satellite phone will not work when you are inside the home.
There are various service providers and rates do vary from one to the next. Make sure that you look at the plans so that you choose the best available deal that you can find and that satisfies all the needs that you have at the moment. Not all satellite phones are created equally and not all providers will bring in the best possible deals for all people.
