Why You Need a Satellite Phone

The first cellular phone call was placed in 1973, the first commercially available cellular phone was sold in 1983, was 9 inches tall, weighed 2.5 lbs. and had 30 minutes of talk time before needing to be recharged, and today there are twice as many cellular phones on the planet as there are people. These fast-paced changes have turned what was once nothing more than a vision into a global commodity.

Despite these changes, there are still areas around the world, as well as in the United States, that do not have cellular coverage. The United States has cellular coverage across millions of square miles, across multiple cellular networks, but there are still areas where cellular coverage simply does not exist. The good news is satellite service now allows you to stay connected to the outside world even when traveling in these off-grid locations.

The most obvious use case for a satellite phone would be when you are traveling outside of cellular coverage, but there are other situations that require satellite service if you are to stay connected. Below are some examples:

• Traveling off-grid. Off-grid typically means a remote area, but we’ve all been on that long highway where your cell service comes in and out – these areas can include mountains, plains, heavily wooded areas, deserts … anywhere that does not allow connection to a cell tower, but does have a clear view to the sky.
• Natural Disasters. Cell towers are as vulnerable as anything else in the path of a disaster, and when they go down there is no coverage. Cellular companies are great about bringing these services back as quickly as possible, but until that happens it’s best to have another option. There is also the issue of network congestion once a cell tower does come back online – everyone is hitting the towers at the same time so coverage can still be an issue.
• Maritime Applications. Most boats are equipped with communication and navigation equipment, but having a back-up is always a good plan. Satellite hotspot devices are now available that allow multiple users to connect their smartphones, enabling passengers to contact friends and family without tying up the boat’s communication equipment.
• Travel Groups. From the PCT to the Appalachian Trail, there are thousands of remote hiking trails throughout the US, visited by tens of thousands of hikers each year. Satellite calling hotspots provide access to multiple users from a single device, allowing everyone to call home and check in regardless of where they’re traveling. Satellite handsets are lightweight and have plenty of battery power to keep everyone talking, and most units are GPS capable so the group’s exact location can be sent to family, friends and Emergency Services at any time.
• Emergency Backup. While satellite phones will keep you connected anywhere on the planet, if the rest of your team doesn’t have satellite phones then you’ll still be out of touch. Many companies keep an inventory of handsets as backup in the event cellular coverage is unavailable. Cell towers go down with little to no warning. Search and Rescue teams must deploy immediately and in these cases waiting for a cell tower to come back on line is not an option.

There are many options on the market today when considering the best satellite solution for your needs, understanding why you want a satellite device will help narrow the choice. I know, it seems pretty simple, but it’s probably the most important question to ask. Here are some things to consider:

• Emergency device only. If your intention is to have a device to be used only in the case of an emergency, then the basic handset will meet your needs. You can preload contact numbers to receive an emergency SOS if sent, you have texting and voice capabilities so in the event you decide mid-trip that you want to reach out to friends of family you have the capability. It’s lightweight, has GPS capability, it has great battery life and can be charged using a solar charger in the event you’re out for a while.
• I want to call home and check in periodically. The basic handheld phones are perfect for this situation. You can send texts, call home, and incoming texts and voice calls are free to the satellite phone user. Cellhire’s satellite phone rentals offer cost-saving airtime bundle packages allowing you to check in as often as you’d like without breaking the bank.
• I need to be reachable at any point during my trip. There are several options here, and the capabilities of the satellite devices need to be considered. In order to receive an incoming call or text, the satellite device must be connected to the satellite network, otherwise the call will go to voicemail, and the text unread until the handset connects again to the network. In most user scenarios, they are moving about and store the handset in a backpack, so it is not maintaining a satellite connection. If these calls aren’t urgent, users will connect the handheld to the network periodically throughout their trip to check for any voicemail messages, then reach out to the caller. In these cases the basic handset will work fine. Should the user need to respond immediately to any call, a device such as an Iridium GO! hotspot would be ideal. These units can be stowed in an outside pocket of a backpack, with the small antenna extended, and maintain a satellite connection as long as the user has a clear view of the shy. The device also can be used with a small vehicle antenna that allows it to maintain a connection while in a moving vehicle.
• How many people are in my group? If you are traveling with friends, you now have the ability to allow everyone access to a satellite connection without having to rent multiple devices. The Iridium GO! and GO! exec devices are calling hotspots that allow up to ten users to connect their smartphones. Both devices also include external antenna options that allow you to place the unit in a clearing, connect to the satellite, and maintain and ongoing connection - which means no missed calls or texts.
• I need satellite data. There are several options for data while traveling outside of cellular coverage, deciding which is best for you depends on how much data you require, and what data speed is acceptable. The Iridium GO! and GO! exec offer data capability, but the speeds are very slow at 2.4 kbps and 22 kbps respectively. If you require access to e-mails and internet browsing, the Explorer 510 BGAN device is more suitable at 464 kbps. The BGAN device also allows voice calls and acts as a satellite hotspot as well, allowing connection via smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Satellite equipment and service can be expensive. If you are a recreational traveler who only requires the service a few weeks a year, renting is the perfect option. Take the unit for only as long as needed, pay only for the airtime you use. Rental periods run from one week to several months, even longer. Flexible airtime bundles are available so you can be confident you have enough minutes available at the lowest rates.

If you are thinking long-term, purchasing may be best for you. Buy a handset and then choose from several airtime packages, including a pay-as-you go plan as well as prepaid airtime cards. All Cellhire’s satellite devices are available for both rental and purchase.

Ready to choose the best Satellite solution for your needs?

If so, the knowledgeable and professional team at Cellhire is waiting to guide you through the process. Please contact our team at +1-214-355-5200, or via e-mail at [email protected]