Satelliittelefoni

Satelliittelefoni, or satellite phones, are mobile phones that communicate via orbiting satellites rather than terrestrial cell towers. This allows for communication in remote areas where traditional mobile networks are unavailable, such as oceans, deserts, and mountainous regions. Satellite phones are essential for emergency services, disaster relief, and individuals undertaking expeditions in off-grid locations.

The technology works by transmitting signals from the satellite phone to a satellite in orbit, which then relays the signal to a ground station. From the ground station, the call can be routed to the regular telephone network or another satellite phone. Different satellite networks operate globally, using various constellations of satellites in different orbits to provide coverage.

While offering unparalleled coverage, satellite phones typically have higher call and data costs compared to conventional mobile phones. The handsets themselves can also be bulkier and more expensive. Despite these drawbacks, the reliability of communication in challenging environments makes satellite telephony a vital tool for many. They can also offer basic data services, though speeds are generally much slower than terrestrial mobile broadband. The user interface is often simpler, focusing on core calling and messaging functions.