Satellite phones are now more affordable, even though the costs are still premium like IDD phones.
But calling on the same network is relatively cheaper, even though connections are made on various continents.
Even cheaper than the cost of overseas roaming, which is sometimes very expensive.
Satellite telephone operators do not need BTS antennas, all are on top or satellite systems. Make their services compete for long distance telephones.
Satellite phones are not as comfortable as GSM phones. Because there is a delay when speaking. But wherever someone can communicate. and send internet data.
What is the cost of a satellite telephone.
The Iridium satellite telephone network is charged $ 1.45 per minute, the package can be purchased with Pre-paid packages that are deducted from credit. Interestingly the credit will enter the period after 1 year. Connection between satellite phones is only charged $ 1.5 units per minute. Telephone calls between satellite phones are charged 8 units per minute. Each operator has different rates, because the network that is reached by the satellite does not necessarily cover certain areas.
How much is the price of a satellite telephone
Almost the same as middle-class smartphone prices, starting at $ 400- $ 1000.
The Inmarsat Isat Phone Pro phone is $ 600, the Iridium 9555 satellite phone is $ 1,000 larger, and the largest is the Iridium Extreme 9575 $ 1240.
But everything is in compact form, using the antenna for just the index finger. But some devices can reach $ 5000, like an additional booster for clearer sound, can fax, email and SMS. That's just a device that hasn't cost the internet, this one has a speed of 8kbps and is charged $ 0.75 per minute, for 256kbps more expensive to reach $ 25.80 per minute.
But the design is like an ordinary cellphone, not a feature like a modern iPhone or Android smartphone model. Just open, wait until it's connected to the satellite, and communication can be done anywhere.
There are 2 types of satellite telephone network systems.
There are 2 satellite telephone network systems, one Geosync for high orbi satellites and Low Orbit satellites for low orbit satellites.
Geosynchronous systems are telephone networks where satellites remain stationary in one place by following the Earth's orbit. The satellite position does not change and continues to follow the rotation of the earth. The satellite is placed in a very high place, reaching 30,000km from the surface of the earth.
Its function is to provide a wider cover area under the satellite. One of the Geosnyc satellite telephone services is AceS which provides services in all of Asia Landmarks with 1 satellite only. Because the position of the satellite is very high, talks will occur. And the satellite signal reach becomes weak, and the cellphone needs a large size so that it can give a stronger signal to reach the satellite antenna above. But the satellite stays on top of the user, when connected it gets a stable connection.
Low Earth orbit (LEO). It is a satellite system that changes with more satellites, and every satellite orbits (rotates) on the earth every 1 to 1.5 hours. Some satellites are needed to cover the entire surface of the earth. The position of the satellite is in a low orbit, between altitudes of 600km to 1100km. This satellite telephone service is called Iridium, has a total of 66 satellites orbiting above the Earth. Even though the satellite position is lower, but the number of satellites will alternately cover areas around the world. The size of the cellphone is more portable so it is made smaller, because it does not require large power in signal transmission to the satellite.
Some satellite telephone company services
Iridium.
Services from America use LEO satellites. Until now it has launched the 97th and 98th Iridium satellites. One satellite can accommodate 1100 connections. The frequency used is 1618Mhz
Globalstar
Like Iridium from America with low orbit satellites. Penguna Globalstar in 2008 reached 315 thousand users. Use the LEO satellite network
Inmarsat.
Services from the UK. The number of Inmarsat satellites is not much because it uses a single satellite system or GeoSync. Last 2013, the Inmarsat-5 F1 satellite was launched and will be launched in February 2015 to provide broadband internet such as aviation network to disaster areas. Use the same frequency as Iridium. Only polar regions cannot be reached. Inmarsat's telephone costs are said to be the most expensive. Although the number of satellites is few, the connections are rarely disconnected, such as the LEO satellite system.
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