The Difference Between Satellite Phones & Cell Phones

When discussing about satellites phones, of course many of us are aware of the technology especially those who already subscribe to satellite television.

Simply put, the way satellite technology functions is by having an earth bound device (at home for television broadcasts) which in turn will communicate with a satellite in outer space.

Television stations which offers the television service will transmit their broadcast to a satellite in space (circulating the earth) and thereafter the satellite will transmit the broadcast to all satellite receiver device systems on earth including the ones attached to our homes (usually in dish forms)

The satellites in use for the purpose of television broadcasts are called communications satellites because of it's capabilities to transmit sounds, data, video, and graphics from one location to another location.

The type of communication used involves the utilization of a satellite capable of communicating, transmitting television broadcasts, radio or whatever signal transmitted from the earth bound satellite transmitter.

The first communication satellite, Project SCORE, was launched on 18th December 1958 to send a Christmas announcement from President Eisenhower to the world.

Important examples of satellite communications during the Space race:

1962: Telstar: Transoceanic communications satellite.

1972: Anik 1: Canadian 1st communications satellite.

1974: Westar: American 1st communications satellite.

1976: Marisat: First moving communications satellite.

Apart from satellite television, another popular use of satellite technology for the public is the satellite telephone. It provides extensive coverage anywhere around the world be it at the centre of the Pacific Ocean or in the dense Amazon jungle.

Although it is expensive, the satellite telephone is important to those who frequently explore or sail globally as there are no normal telephones that has coverage in secluded areas.

Satellite telephones were first introduced in the 1990's. However, sales were not good as a variety of problems were encountered by the satellite phone companies.

Nevertheless, the satellite telephone had lately increased popularity for instance the Iridium satellite telephone is currently utilizing 66 satellites for its 100,000 clients. Also, Globalstar has recorded 115,000 clients throughout the world.

Satellite phone, also known as 'Satphone' is a mobile telephone system which allows communication via communication satellites that moves around the earth's orbit for worldwide telephone coverage.

Many of the satellite phones utilize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, enabling it to provide a further coverage and better sound quality.

The main difference between a satellite telephone and a mobile phone (also known as a cell phone) is that satellite phones transmit signals to the nearest satellites in outer space while the mobile phone transmits signals to the nearest earth bound cellular network.

Satellite phones utilizes LEO's to form a network which then allows an almost global coverage.

Some satellite phones use geostationary orbiting satellite services which are usually situated between 35,400 km and 48,280 km from the earth's surface.

However, as LEO satellites are positioned closer to the earth's surface and its network provides users with better voice clarity as compared to the geostationary satellites situated further from the earth.

The transmission delay is around 0.5 seconds thus giving LEO satellites an advantage in the form of voice clarity and quality of conversation.