Ralph’s Radio is proud to be one of the top providers of satellite communication systems in British Columbia. Providing communication services to remote locations is fundamental to industries such as mining, logging and government work. Working with the top service providers, we offer telephone services that meet the needs of any industry. Let’s take a look at how satellite telephone services work and some of the service options available.
Satellite Telephone Overview
Satellite phones work similarly to cellular phones, but instead of land-based radio towers, the phone communicates with a satellite, or group of satellites, orbiting the planet. For a satellite telephone to work, it must have a clear view of the sky. In the case of non-stationary (constellation) orbit satellites, the satellites are often directly above us. For stationary satellite groups, the phone user needs a clear view of the southern sky when in Canada. Satellite phones cannot be used indoors unless an external antenna is connected.
Iridium
The Iridium satellite network is the only one that provides pole-to-pole coverage. They use a total of 66 satellites in a non-stationary orbit to provide thorough coverage. Iridium is the only provider that routes sat phone to sat phone calls between satellites and not to terrestrial switching. Inter-satellite communication increases reliability and security and is impervious to natural disasters. Iridium is the top choice for emergency service providers thanks to this reliability.
Iridium offers two phone options – the 9575 and 9555. The 9575 includes tracking features and can send an SMS text message with your exact location from anywhere on the plant. The 9575 has an SOS button with emergency services supported by GEOS Travel Security Group – at no extra charge.
Inmarsat
The Inmarsat satellite network covers the globe from 70 degrees north to 70 degrees south, using three stationary orbit satellites over the equator. This satellite location requires that users in Canada have a clear view of the southern sky.
Inmarsat offers two satellite telephones – the premium IsatPhone 2 and the IsatPhone. Both phones are compact, include colour displays, feature GPS location information, and offer the longest standby and talk times in the industry. The IsatPhone 2 includes an SOS button and support by GEOS Travel Safety Group Limited.
Globalstar
The Globalstar Satellite Network uses a constellation of 24 satellites in a non-stationary orbit. The satellites provide reliable coverage from 53 degrees north and south to Mexico. This pattern limits coverage in BC to Prince George and areas south.
The sole phone offering from Globalstar is the GSP-1700. It includes a colour display and GPS locating.
Satellite Communication Systems and Ralph’s Radio Service
When it’s time to talk about satellite phone service, contact our Vancouver or Victoria location. Our team of communication experts can help find a solution based on where and how you will want to use the phone. We will find the best value solution for your application.
For more information about our satellite communication services, contact us here.