“ANDROID SATELLITE PHONE”

ABSTRACT

A satellite telephone, satellite phone or satphone is a type of mobile phone that

connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites. They provide similar
functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones; voice, SMS and low-bandwidth Internet
access are supported through most systems.

Depending on the architecture of a particular system, coverage may include

the entire Earth or only specific regions.The mobile equipment, also known as a terminal,
varies widely. Early satellite phone handsets had a size and weight comparable to that
of a late-1980s or early-1990s mobile phone,

But usually with a large retractable antenna. More recent satellite phones are
similar in size to a regular mobile phone while some prototype satellite phones have no
distinguishable difference from an ordinary smartphone.[1][2] Satphones are popular on
expeditions into remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is unavailable.

A fixed installation, such as one used aboard a ship, may include large,
rugged,rack-mounted electronics, and a steerable microwave antenna on the mast that
automatically tracks the overhead satellites.

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CONTENTS
1. Introduction to satellite phone
2. How is it different from terrestrial network
based cell phone
3. Features of satellite phone
4. Components of a satellite phone
5. Functioning of a satellite phone
5.1 Satellite communication systems
5.2 Working of satellite phone
6. Manufacturers of satellite phone systems
6.1 Globalstar
6.2 Inmarsat
6.3 Iridium
6.4 Thuraya
7. Advantages and disadvantages of satellite phones
8. Comparison of different satellite phones
9. Satellite phone accessories
10. Satellite phones purchase/rental sites
11. Conclusion
12. References

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1. Introduction to satellite phones

A satellite phone is a phone that uses satellites for communication (receiving and
sending signals) instead of terrestrial lines. Ideally, these phones enable communication
anywhere around the world irrespective of location whereas normal cell phones require
proper terrestrial network coverage to enable communication.

Due to cost and other reasons such as government regulations on use, satellite
phones are utilized primarily where there is no access to a telephone or cellular network.

Satellite phone

The major applications of satellite phones can be found in the following areas

 Marine Engineering (Ships)

 Aviation (Aero-planes)
 Military
 Emergency Conditions

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2. How are satellite phones different from

terrestrial network based cell phone?

A cellular phone functions on the basis of cells ( a cellular radio network

distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location
transceiver), and hence are called cell phones.

The whole network area is divided into small areas and an antenna is installed in
each area. These are also called cell towers. Modern cellular phones in the industrial
countries mostly work in the cities and on the major highways.

This is because each cell is a radio link from the cell phone to the PSTN; and if a
cell phone user is located where there are no cells, there is no service as it is not possible
for cellular providers to put up cell towers in rural areas or in countries where there is low
usage.

Satellite phones use Low Earth Orbiting (LEO)/MEO (Medium Earth Orbit/Geo-
tationary satellites. They do not have any intermediate towers and they do not use cell
towers, so communication link rarely gets broken.

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3. Features of satellite phones

The features of satellite communication over terrestrial communication are:

 Satellite phones provide a solution for communication when all other forms of
communication are disrupted or limited in cases like earthquakes, floods etc.

 The coverage area of a satellite greatly exceeds that of a terrestrial system..

 Transmission cost of a satellite is independent of the distance from the center of

the coverage area.

 Satellite to Satellite communication is very precise.

 Higher Bandwidths are available for use.

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4. Components of a satellite phone network

A typical satellite phone network consists of components. These are

 Satellite network.
 The ground stations and
 Subscriber products (The satellite phones and data units)

Satellite network consists of or more satellites for transmitting the signals for
source to destination. For example, Iridium satellite network consists of 66 satellites
circles around the earth along LEO. Each satellite traveling at 16,832 miles per hour,

Each satellite is able to circle the globe every 100 minutes. These satellites act as
cellular towers in the sky. Voice and data messages can be routed anywhere in the world
by the Iridium network.

The ground network consists of earth stations that are used for command and
control, in addition to transmission/reception of user signals. The earth stations also work
as Hubs for interconnecting with other communication systems.

For example, Iridium gateways interconnect the iridium constellation with public
switched telephone network, making communication possible between iridium phones and
any other telephone in the world.

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5. Functioning of a satellite phone Network

5.1 Satellite communication systems

There are three types of satellite communication systems which differ in terms of
orbit and signal strength.

 Low earth orbit (LEO) satellites have small area coverage and they orbit below
about 1,800 miles from the earth's surface.

 Medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites peak at 9,000 miles and are commonly used
in navigation systems such as GPS.

 Geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites at 22,300 miles and they are
positioned over the equator.

The distance of orbit from the earth has an inverse relationship with signal strength
and positive one with a satellites lifespan.

Because of their proximity to the Earth, LEO satellites provide strong signals; LEO
and MEO satellites are used most frequently by satellite phone services.

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5.2 Working of a satellite phone

A satellite phone is in actuality nothing but a radio transceiver. It sends signals

directly to a satellite (part of a network of satellites). When the satellite phone is turned on,
the signal goes up to any number of satellites in a compatible constellation where it is then
registered with the constellation.

Those signals are then sent back to earth to a station. The Gateway (earth station)
processes and takes care of the switching of the calls rather than the satellite network. This
station then directs the call to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or to a
cellular network.

If calling from a cell or wired phone to a satellite phone, the system works in
reverse. Or suppose a satellite phone calling another satellite phone. The signal goes up to
the satellite, down to earth, back up to a satellite and then back down to earth again.

The frequency specification of a satellite phone is 626.5 to 1660.5 MHz for

transmitter and 1525.0 to 1559.0 MHz for receiver.
Shown below is how satellite phones work

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6. Manufacturers of satellite phone systems

Some of the major manufacturers of satellite phone systems include

1.

2.

3.

4.

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6.1 Globalstar

Globalstar satellite phone system that consists of 48 LEO satellites was specifically
designed to meet the needs of those who travel extensively.

Therefore, a phone that is a compact, tri-band handset, that is able to operate on

both the cellular CDMA and AMPS networks as well as the Globalstar network was
designed.

Advantage:

The Globalstar LEO constellation is only 700 miles from earth, and allows better
quality communications.

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6.2 Inmarsat

Inmarsat was the first mobile communications satellite system conceptualized and
brought to reality.

Inmarset originally designed their satellite phones for the maritime industry, but
they now offer phone services to a wide range of industries.

Inmarsat uses four geo-stationary satellites set at different locations over the
equator. Inmarsat delivers voice, fax, real-time ISDN and MPDS data services to the user.

Disadvantage:

The satellite is so far away (approx. 22,000 miles) that a comparatively large
antenna system is required for signal transmission and reception.

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6.3 Iridium

The Iridium System is a satellite-based, wireless personal communications network

providing a suite of voice features to virtually any destination anywhere on earth.

Iridium uses 66 satellites that orbit the earth on six different planes. Since the
satellites are in LEO, the signal delay for communication is very low.

Individual Iridium satellite is able to orbit the earth once every 100 minutes.

Advantage:

Iridium handsets can receive and make satellite phone calls from anywhere on the
planet, thus creating a reliable connection.

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6.4 Thuraya

Thuraya is an advanced geo-synchronous mobile satellite system that provides

satellite telephony and data services to Europe, The Mediterranean, Northern Africa and
the Middle East region covering more than 120 countries.

Advantage:

Thuraya satellite phones are capable of Internet connectivity, and data is available
at no extra charge.

Disadvantage:

Thuraya uses geostationary satellites and hence delay in voice communications

may be felt.

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7. Advantages and Disadvantages of satellite phones

The advantages of satellite phones are:

 Wide network coverage.

 Uniform performance irrespective of location

 Uniformity in phone number

 No installation/setup required

 Highly useful in disaster response.

The disadvantages are satellite phones are:

 High cost of the phone as well as call cost

 Large antenna size

 Delay in voice communications conversations, particularly when using networks

based on geosynchronous orbits.

 Low data bandwidths for Internet access etc.

 Local government regulations may also prevent one from using satellite phones
without prior permission.

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8. Comparison of different satellite phones

1. Globalstar satellite phones

Globalstar is one of the widely used satellite phones that provides high-quality,
low-cost voice and data services to businesses, services and individuals around the world.

Some of the globalstar phones are:

 Qualcomm GSP-1600

 Qualcomm GSP-1700

 Telit SAT-550

 Telit SAT-600

 Ericsson R-290

fig:Qualcomm GSP-1600 Satellite phone

2. Iridium satellite phones

Iridium satellite phones are the only phones with truly global satellite voice and
data service coverage - complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and
Polar Regions).

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Some of the Iridium phones are:

i. Motorola 9500

ii. Kyocera SS-66K

iii. Kyocera SD-66K with KI-G100

iv. Motorola 9505

v. Iridium 9505A

vi. Iridium 9555

fig:Iridium 9505a Satellite phone

Iridium Call Tariff.

The casual plan tariff (airtime charges) is as follows:

 Iridium to Iridium charges per minute - $1.98

 Iridium call to PSTN or Mobile (originating within Australia & terminating outside
Australia) - $3.30

 Iridium call to another satellite network $22.00

 SMS message $0.98

3. Thuraya satellite phones

Thuraya handsets are unique in their dual-mode feature and can operate in the
thuraya satellite network and GSM 900 terrestrial mobile networks.

Some of the thuraya phones are:

i. Thuraya SG-2520

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ii. Thuraya SO-2510

iii. Thuraya Fixed Docking Unit (FDU2500)

iv. Thuraya XT

Fig: Thuraya XT Satellite phone

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Thuraya Call Tariff

Thuraya offers three types of airtime packages given below:

1. Thuraya Prepay Voice Plan :

Enables the customers to credit their existing Thuraya account at any time, using
scratch cards purchased from one of their service providers in more than 140 countries.

2. Thuraya Postpay Voice Plan :

A Thuraya Postpay account provides monthly bills, meaning that the customer can
use Thuraya handset now and pay later. Postpay offers unlimited usage without the need to
top up credit.

3. ThurayaECO Voice Plan :

ThurayaECO is a prepaid voice plan with very affordable satellite calling rates
from 83 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

• US$0.50 per minute for calls to Thuraya

• US$0.75 per minute for calls to most mobile and landline destinations across the globe

• Affordable SIM pack price containing US$5 in credit

• 1 year SIM card validity with an option to extend

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9. Satellite phone accessories:

 Docking station:

Docking station allows a sat phone to access satellite communications via standard
analog phones or your company's PBX. When you need to leave the office, just undock
your handset and take it with you. Never be out of touch again!

 Solar Charger:

A solar charger enables one to charge satellite phone without depending on

electricity. It is possible to use the phone while it is being charged.

 Wall Charger/Car Charger:

Similar to those that are available with cellular phones. They are used to charge the
sat phone battery using electricity.

 Fixed Mount Antenna:

This is used to create an indoor installation. Mount the antenna on your roof,
run a cable and plug into sat phone. Note that a sat phone requires open area for
communication with the satellite. Hence, for indoor use, one needs to mount the
antenna outdoors.

 Transportable Kit:

This allows a satphone to be mounted within in transportable kit. For using the kit
indoors, you may need to buy extendable outdoor antenna from the manufacturer.

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10. Satellite phones purchase/rental sites

1. https://www.outfittersatellite.com/

Out fitter satellite is one of the best providers of satellite phones (purchase new/used
phones and rental). Satellite phones of various manufacturers like Inmarsat, Iridium,
Thuraya are made available at lowest prices and with 24/7 tech support to its customers.
They also develop customized hard-cased satellite and cellular communications packages.

The models available for purchase/rental are

 Iridium 9555
 Iridium 9505A
 Thuraya SG-2520
 Thuraya XT

2. https://www.satphonestore.com/

Satphonestore provides sales, installation, integration and repair services to the customers
located around the world in industries including military, disaster relief, travel, tourism
Satphonestore offers the following satellite phones for purchase/renting

 Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro

 Iridium 9555
 Iridium 9505/9505A
The main advantages of renting a phone from Satphonestore are:

 Rental charges less than $6 per day

 3 day grace period for rental returns
 No roaming/long distance charges
 Free inbound SMS

3. https://www.telestial.com/satellite_phones.php

Telestial provides satellite phone purchase as well as rent option to the customer.
They sell Inmarsat and Iridium satellite models like:

 Inmarsat iSatPhone Pro

 Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone
 Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone
The models given above are also available on a rental basis costing as low as $3.99
per day and other such plans like weekly rental plan are available, also the customers are
assured 24/7 technical support in case of any queries/clarifications. Also free incoming
email and text messages are made available on all iridium satellite phone rentals.

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11.Conclusion

Satellite phones are the ultimate in providing global coverage. But there are trade-
offs too. i.e, Satellite phones are bulkier than regular cell phones, and while in theory their
coverage might be close to universal, they usually don't work inside buildings or anywhere
that has an obscured view of the sky.

Also, satellite phones are not as popular as the cellular phones probably because of
the high cost of the satellite phone. Research is going on in order to decrease call cost so
that satellite phone becomes a common man phone.

And although satellite phones are very famous in European countries, it is not
popular in the Asian countries and is considered illegal if used without proper permission
and authorization.

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12. References

https://www.seminarprojects.com/Thread-satellite-telephones

https://www.explorersatellite.com/satellite_phones.htm

https://www.highspeedsat.com/satellite-phone.htm

https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/satellite/telephones/cell_satellite.html

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