Satellite Phones

Frequently Asked Questions

Rental of satellite phones
Monthly rental of a satellite phone is an average cost of PLN 1000 – PLN 1300 or PLN 50 per day.

Renting a satellite phone can be a convenient and cost-effective option for individuals or organizations who need temporary or occasional access to satellite communication services, especially in areas without terrestrial network coverage. For example, travelers to remote or rural locations, individuals participating in outdoor activities, or organizations with field personnel can benefit from satellite phone rentals.

Satellite phone subscription
We launch subscription contracts for customers in Poland and Europe.

The price of the Iridium subscription is the equivalent of USD 70 per month. The average price for calls per minute is USD 1.40, SMS USD 0.50.

Activation in the Thuraya network costs USD 26, monthly subscription USD 16-35, call minute USD 0.68 – USD 0.79 or USD 1.12-2.37, SMS USD 0.41.

Inmarsat costs USD 65 per month, USD 1.00-1.20 per minute, USD 0.50 for SMS.

How does a satellite phone work?
A satellite phone works by communicating with satellites in orbit around the Earth to provide voice and data communication services in areas without terrestrial network coverage. The phone has a built-in transceiver that sends and receives signals to and from the satellites. The transceiver converts the audio signals from the phone into radio signals, which are then transmitted to the satellites. The satellites then relay the signals to a ground station, which routes the signals to the recipient’s phone or to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for onward transmission to a landline or mobile phone. The process is reversed for incoming calls.

In order for a satellite phone to work, it must have a clear line of sight to the sky, as the signal must travel from the phone to the satellites and back. The signal quality may be affected by weather conditions, and the latency (the time it takes for the signal to travel from the phone to the satellite and back) is generally higher than for terrestrial mobile networks. However, satellite phones provide a reliable and convenient communication option for individuals and organizations in remote or rural areas, at sea, or in the air, where other communication forms are unavailable.

Satellite smartphone
Several smartphone manufacturers are already working on satellite features for mobile phones. In China, Huawei Mate 50 allows you to send satellite SMS with the help of the BeiDou navigation network. The Apple iPhone has this option in the US, Canada, Germany, Ireland and the UK. Qualcomm is already working on Snapdragon Satellite chip that will enable similar features in Android smartphones. SpaceX also announces the launch of satellite communication services for 5G mobile phones as part of the Starlink network.

Can you track a satellite phone?
Yes, it is possible to track a satellite phone. Some satellite phones have built-in GPS capabilities, which allow them to be tracked in real-time. This feature is often used for safety and security purposes, especially in remote or hazardous locations. In addition, some satellite phone providers offer tracking services that allow the user to monitor the phone’s location.

This can be useful for keeping track of field personnel or for emergency response purposes. However, it is important to note that tracking a satellite phone requires access to the satellite phone’s GPS data and is subject to the availability of satellite signals and other technical limitations. The ability to track a satellite phone may also be subject to local laws and regulations, as well as privacy considerations.

Can satellite phone conversations be tapped?
Satellite phone conversations can be intercepted like any other form of communication. However, the security of satellite phone communications can depend on various factors, including the encryption and authentication methods used by the satellite phone provider, the quality of the encryption software, and the security of the satellite phone network.

In general, satellite phone providers use encryption and authentication methods to secure the communication between the satellite phone and the satellite network, and also between the satellite network and the ground station. However, the security of these methods can be compromised if the encryption software is hacked or if the network is not properly secured.

It is important to note that the interception of satellite phone conversations is subject to local laws and regulations, as well as privacy considerations. In some cases, governments and law enforcement agencies may be able to legally intercept satellite phone communications for national security or criminal investigation purposes.
To ensure the security and privacy of satellite phone communications, it is recommended to use reputable and trusted satellite phone providers, and to be aware of the security risks associated with satellite phone communications.

Military satellite phone
Military satellite phones are specialized satellite phones that are designed for use by military personnel in the field. These phones provide secure and reliable voice and data communication services for military personnel in remote or hazardous locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable. Military satellite phones are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and are designed to be rugged and durable.

In addition to standard satellite phone features, military satellite phones may also have advanced security features such as encryption and secure authentication methods to protect sensitive information. They may also be designed to meet military-specific standards and requirements, such as MIL-STD-810, which defines standards for ruggedness, durability, and environmental resistance.

Military satellite phones are typically used by military personnel, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, to communicate with their headquarters and other units in the field. They provide a critical link for military operations and support, especially in remote or hazardous locations, where other forms of communication are not available or reliable.

We offer satellite phones certified for the army and government administration. These are the Iridium 9555 GSA and Iridium 9575 GSA models.