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Satellite Phones are mobile telephone units that communicate directly with orbiting satellites.
Depending on the unique architecture of the system involved, the coverage area for satellite phones may include the entire planet, or just one specific region.
The mobile equipment, also known as a terminal or earth station, varies widely. A satellite phone handset has a size and weight comparable to that of a late 1980s or early 1990s mobile phone, but usually with a large retractable antenna. These are popular on expeditions into remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is unavailable.
A fixed installation, such as used shipboard, may include large, rugged, rack-mounted electronics, and a steerable microwave antenna on the mast that automatically tracks the overhead satellites.
Satellite phones are usually issued with numbers in a special country calling code. For example, Inmarsat satellite phones are issued with codes +870 through +874, while Iridium satellite phones are issued with codes +881 6 and +881 7. Some satellite phones are issued with ordinary phone numbers, such as Globalstar satellite phones issued with U.S. telephone numbers.
Phone systems that offer global coverage can be very useful when visiting remote areas, which are outside the range of ordinary cellular networks.
Geostationary services
Low Earth orbit
Calling costs
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