Satellite Phone Stats & Facts: Satcom now in 2024
Satellite phone and satellite communication current stats and facts
Introduction
Satellite phones are a type of mobile phone that use satellites to make and receive voice calls. They are typically used in areas where there is no cellular coverage, such as remote rural areas, developing countries, war zones and at sea.
Satellite phones are also popular with travelers, adventurers and businesses that need to stay connected while they are away from the home or office.
History of Satellite Phones
The first satellite phone was invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper, who is also credited with inventing the first handheld cellular phone.
The first commercial satellite phone service was launched in 1982 by Inmarsat.
Inmarsat is a global satellite communications company that provides a variety of services, including voice, data, and broadband internet.
Satellite Phone Market in 2024
According to Statista, the size of the global satellite telephone market is forecast to increase between 2023 and 2027.
In 2021, the size of this market amounted to roughly 192 million U.S. dollars and by 2027 is expected to reach a value of 363.8 million U.S. dollars, growing at a CAGR of 11.2 percent.
The growth of the market is being driven by the increasing demand for satellite phones globally in the following areas:
* Government and defense: Sat phones are used by governments and militaries to communicate in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
* Maritime: Satellite phones are used by ships and boats to communicate with shore stations while at sea.
* Aviation: Sat phones are used by aircraft to communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft.
* Offshore oil and gas: Satellite phones are used by offshore oil and gas rigs to communicate with shore bases.
* Emergency services: Satphones are used by emergency services, such as police, fire, and ambulance, to communicate in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
* Business: Satellite phones are used by businesses to communicate with employees and customers in areas where there is no cellular coverage.
* Individuals: Satellite mobile phones are used by individuals who travel frequently to areas where there is no good cellular coverage.
Satellite Phone Technology
Satellite phones use satellites to make and receive calls. Satellites are orbiting objects that are placed in space to provide satcom communication services.
There are many different types of satellites, but the most common type of satellite used for satellite phones is the geostationary satellite. Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed that the Earth rotates, which means that they appear to be stationary in the sky.
This makes them ideal for satellite communications because they can be easily tracked and connected to by subscriber's devices.
When you make a voice call on a satellite cell phone, your call is first sent to a ground station. The ground station then sends your call to a satellite. The satellite then relays your call to another ground station, which then sends your call to the recipient's phone.
Satellite Phone Features
Satellite phones have a number of features that make them different from cellular phones. Some of these features include:
* Global coverage: Satellite phones have global coverage, which means that you can use them to make and receive calls anywhere in the world.
* Long battery life: These phones have long battery life, which means that you can use them for extended periods of time without having to recharge them.
* Robust construction: Satphones are built to withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dust, drops and water.
* Advanced features: Typically satellite phones have advanced features, such as GPS tracking, data connectivity, possibly Wi-Fi hotspots and Wi-Fi calling.
Satellite Phone Prices
Satellite mobile phones can be more expensive than normal cell phones. The price of a satphone varies depending on the features that it has similar to modern smartphones.
A basic satellite mobile phone with basic features can cost around $500. A sat phone with advanced features, like a premium Iridium 9575 Extreme sat phone, can cost upwards of $1300 as of now.
Satellite Phone Plans
Satellite phone service plans typically include a monthly fee, a per-minute charge for calls, and a per-text charge for text messages. The cost of a satellite service plan varies depending on the provider and the plan that you choose.
A basic satellite phone plan with 100 minutes of talk time and 100 text messages can cost around $80 per month. A satellite phone plan with unlimited talk time and unlimited text messages can cost upwards of $200 per month.
Conclusion
Satellite phones are a valuable tool for people who need to stay connected in areas where there is no cellular coverage. They are used by governments and militaries, businesses, and individuals from many different parts of our planet.
Sat phones can be more expensive than standard mobile phones, but they offer a number of emergency features that make them a valuable communication device for people who need to stay connected in remote or shut off areas of the world.
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