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Satellite Phone or Satellite Messenger?
20 March 2023

What are the benefits of Satellite Phone and Satellite Messenger?

The importance of Satellite versus Cellular Technology

Do I need a Satellite Phone or a Satellite Messenger?

Who would'nt want to ask these questions in a world where climate change, flooding, fires, earthquakes and other unpredictable natural events can bring disaster with very little warning. Suddenly cut-off from the help you so desperatly need, How do notify the outside world that you need medical assistance or security evacuation? 

In these scenarios the infrastructure of the cellular communications we rely on in every day life can be destroyed or overloaded making it unusable for extended periods of time right when you need emergency communication the most.

Likewise, if you intend to travel to, work or live in remote off-the-grid locations where mountaineous terrain or lack of cellular infrastructure makes cellular communication impossible then Satellite phone, Satellite messenger or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is your only option to keep you in contact in the event of an emergency or SOS.

Cellular technology operates within the boundries of line-of-sight to cellular networks short range land based towers. Coverage is limited by the location of towers within the network, mountainous terrain or if you are out of range offshore and assuming the infrastructure remains intact in a disaster situation.

Satellite phones and messengers (PLB's) are mobile two-way devices that are configures to transmit and receive using a line-of-sight (LOS) network of satellites orbiting the earth at low earth orbit (LEO) or high earth orbit altitude as it spins allowing for constant communication across the world. 

High Earth Orbit versus Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Satellite constellations in high earth orbit are  able to handle larger amounts of data like emails and documents but there are fewer of them and it is more difficult to maintain a connection as the user has to locate the satellite.

Satellite constellations in LEO comprise of an array of satellites orbiting around both the equator and the poles. At any one time there is line-of-sight to at least two or three satellites providing reliable coverage in mountaineous or polar regions. Becuse LEO satellites operate at a lower orbit they are smaller and lighter and there are more of them in orbit. With LEO the satellites locate the user.

Mobile Systems can assist with a satellite phone or satellite messenger  suitable for your particular requirements!

Satellite Phone

Satellite phones are mobile two-way communication devices using satellite constellations to transmit and receive voice and data.

Iridium IR9555

The Iridium IR9555 uses the Iridium constellation in LEO approximately 780kms above the earth providing stronger signals and faster connections through smaller antennas with lower power requirements. Offering voice calling, two-way SMS and email messaging.

Iridium GO!

Iridium GO! enables satellite connectivity for your mobile devices where terrestrial networks cannot. Connected to the Iridium LEO satellite constellation you can easily connect up to x5 devices wirelessly to the Iridium GO!. Supporting voice calls, SMS, SOS alerts, GPS and data applications like weather through the Iridium GO! app.

CLICK HERE to view IR9555 Call Plans

CLICK HERE to see Iridium GO! Unlimited Plan

 

Satellite Messenger

Satellite messengers are devices capable of sending text messages using the same satellite constellations as satellite phones. These can be purpose built with additional features like mapping software along with SOS function, SMS capability and breadcrumb tracking.

Garmin InReach Mini

The inReach mini is a compact and lightweight satellite communicator with GPS, ideal for maintaining off-the-grid contact. Perfect for adventures where size and weight matter. The inReach mini lets you send and receive text messages, track and share your journey and, trigger an SOS if necessary. The inReach mini will give you and your family peace of mind no matter where your activities may take you.

Garmin InReach SE

Garmin InReach Explorer

You may venture off the grid, but you’re never out of reach – as long as you’re carrying an inReach SE+ or inReach Explorer+. These handheld satellite communicators are designed for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to roam farther and experience more – without compromising their loved ones‘ peace of mind. From backcountry experiences to international adventures, inReach provides communication, location sharing, navigation and critical SOS functions for anyone who loves getting away from it all, on land, water or in the skies.

CLICK HERE to view connection plans

 

 

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