# Satellite phone

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Type of mobile phone

An Iridium satellite phone, late 1990s

A **satellite phone** (also called a **satellite telephone** or **satphone**) is a type of [mobile phone](/source/Mobile_phone) that connects to the [public switched telephone network](/source/Public_switched_telephone_network) through orbiting [satellites](/source/Satellite) instead of terrestrial [cell sites](/source/Cell_site). They function in areas without terrestrial network coverage but require line-of-sight to a satellite. Most support voice, text, and low-bandwidth data services.

## Uses

Satellite phones are used in areas where conventional communication infrastructure is unavailable or has been disrupted. Typical applications include maritime and aviation communication, remote expeditions, mining, logistics, and emergency response.[1]

## Equipment

Early handsets were large and required deployable antennas, while later models are comparable in size to ordinary [smartphones](/source/Smartphones). Fixed ship and vehicle installations use directional [microwave](/source/Microwave) antennas that track satellites automatically. Smaller systems may rely on [VoIP](/source/Voice_over_Internet_Protocol) over [satellite internet](/source/Satellite_internet) links such as [BGAN](/source/BGAN) or [VSAT](/source/VSAT). Indoor reception is limited and may require external antennas or repeaters. More recently, unmodified smartphones with no special support for satellite communication are also able to be used for *direct-to-phone* satellite telephony.[2][3]

Globalstar GSP-1600 satellite phone, 2024

## History

The first voice signals relayed via satellite were transmitted in 1958 using the experimental [SCORE](/source/SCORE_(satellite)) satellite, soon after the launch of [Sputnik 1](/source/Sputnik_1). [MARISAT](/source/MARISAT) (1976) became the first dedicated mobile communications satellite and was later integrated into the [Inmarsat](/source/Inmarsat) organization, founded in 1979.[4]

## Satellite networks

Satellite telephony systems operate mainly through two orbital types: [geostationary orbit](/source/Geostationary_orbit) (GEO), about 35,786 kilometres (22,236 mi) above Earth, and [low Earth orbit](/source/Low_Earth_orbit) (LEO), about 640 to 1,120 kilometres (400 to 700 mi). The orbit determines coverage area, latency, and terminal design.

### Geostationary systems

Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa speaking with President John F. Kennedy via the [SYNCOM](/source/SYNCOM) satellite, 1963

GEO satellites appear fixed in the sky, allowing near-global coverage with few satellites. The long signal path introduces latency but supports higher data throughput than LEO networks. GEO service is reliable up to roughly 70° latitude; signal quality decreases near the poles or in obstructed terrain.

Notable GEO-based operators include:

- [ACeS](/source/ACeS) – Indonesia-based operator active 2000–2014

- [Inmarsat](/source/Inmarsat) – Founded 1979, provides global coverage except polar regions

- [Thuraya](/source/Thuraya) – UAE-based, operating since 1997 across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia

- [MSAT](/source/MSAT) / [SkyTerra](/source/SkyTerra) – North American operator offering mobile and fixed terminals

- [Terrestar](/source/Terrestar) – U.S. operator using geosynchronous orbit

- [Tiantong](/source/Tiantong_(Satellite)) – Chinese GEO system for regional voice and messaging services

### Low Earth orbit systems

Simplified satellite telephony link diagram

LEO satellites orbit Earth every 70–100 minutes. Continuous service requires constellations of dozens of satellites, as each satellite remains visible for only several minutes.[5]

Major operators:

- [Globalstar](/source/Globalstar) – 48 active satellites covering most land areas; depends on ground gateways within view of satellites

- [Iridium](/source/Iridium_Communications) – 66 active near-polar satellites with inter-satellite links providing global coverage[6]

Both systems launched in the late 1990s, experienced bankruptcy, and were later restructured. Typical data speeds range from 2.4 to 9.6 kbit/s.

### Emerging hybrid networks

In 2022, [T-Mobile US](/source/T-Mobile_US) and [SpaceX](/source/SpaceX) announced a partnership using second-generation [Starlink](/source/Starlink) satellites to provide limited mobile coverage via existing [LTE](/source/LTE_(telecommunication)) spectrum.[7][8]

[AST SpaceMobile](/source/AST_SpaceMobile) is developing a [3GPP](/source/3GPP)-compliant space network linking standard smartphones to satellites in areas lacking terrestrial coverage.[9] In 2024, [Iridium](/source/Iridium_Communications) announced “Project Stardust”, a planned 5G non-terrestrial service for messaging and [IoT](/source/Internet_of_things) devices.[10]

## Numbering

See also: [Global Mobile Satellite System](/source/Global_Mobile_Satellite_System) and [International Networks (country code)](/source/International_Networks_(country_code))

Satellite phone networks use special international numbering codes. [Inmarsat](/source/Inmarsat) numbers use +870. Historical codes +871–+874 were phased out in 2008.[11] LEO networks such as Iridium and Globalstar use ranges within +881, while smaller regional systems use +882 for international networks.

## Cost

Satellite communication remains significantly more expensive than terrestrial mobile service due to launch and maintenance costs. Used handsets typically cost a few hundred US dollars; new models and broadband terminals several thousand. Service fees often include a monthly base charge and per-minute rates higher than cellular equivalents.[12]

## Legal restrictions

Some governments restrict or require licences for satellite-phone use because the devices connect directly to foreign networks. Restrictions apply in countries including China, India, Myanmar, North Korea, and Russia, generally citing national security or spectrum management concerns.[13]

## Security

Modern satellite phone systems encrypt voice traffic, but earlier proprietary algorithms (GMR-1, GMR-2) were shown to have cryptographic weaknesses.[14] For sensitive communication, additional encryption or secure satellite services are used.

## Role in disaster response

Satellite phones are valuable when terrestrial networks fail during natural disasters or conflicts. They have supported communication following events such as major earthquakes, hurricanes, and power outages.[15] Because each satellite beam serves large regions, capacity remains limited during widespread emergencies.

## Dual connectivity smartphones

In the 2020s, some smartphones gained satellite connectivity for emergency use. [Thuraya](/source/Thuraya) introduced the X5 Touch (2018) combining satellite and cellular communication.[16] [Apple](/source/Apple_Inc.) added emergency satellite messaging with the [iPhone 14](/source/IPhone_14) (2022) and roadside assistance in the [iPhone 15](/source/IPhone_15) (2023).[17] Such services typically support text-based communication and limited emergency data.

### Notable dual-mode phones

- 2018 – Thuraya X5 Touch, first android and gsm satellite phone, external antenna

- 2021 – Thuraya XT Lite, external antenna

- 2022 – Apple iPhone 14, internal antenna, [Globalstar](/source/Globalstar)

- 2022 – Huawei Mate 50 Series, internal antenna, [BeiDou](/source/BeiDou)

- 2023 – Motorola Defy 2, internal antenna, Bullitt Satellite, [Skylo](/source/Skylo) for satellite messaging

- 2023 – Apple iPhone 15

- 2023 – Huawei P60 Series, internal antenna, [Tiantong](/source/Tiantong_(satellite)) for calling

- 2023 – Xiaomi 14 Pro Titanium Edition, internal antenna, Tiantong

- 2024 – Thuraya Skyphone, Android smartphone with a massive pull-out/retractable antenna

- 2024 – vivo X100 Ultra, internal antenna

- 2024 – Huawei Pocket 2, first internal antenna [flip phone style](/source/Clamshell_design#Popularity) [foldable smartphone](/source/Foldable_smartphone)

- 2024 – Oppo Find X7 Ultra Satellite Edition, internal antenna

## See also

- [Telephones portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Telephones)

- [Broadband Global Area Network](/source/Broadband_Global_Area_Network)

- [Mobile-satellite service](/source/Mobile-satellite_service)

- [Satellite internet](/source/Satellite_internet)

- [Telecommunications](/source/Telecommunications)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Satellite phone: sectors where they are commonly used"](https://axessnet.com/en/satellite-phone-know-the-5-sectors-that-use-them-the-most/). *Axessnet*. 28 August 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Spacex starlink direct-to-cell"](https://web.archive.org/web/20251104215903/https://www.spacex.com/updates). *SpaceX*. Archived from [the original](https://www.spacex.com/updates#dtc-gen2-spectrum) on 4 November 2025. Retrieved 5 November 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Wayback Machine"](https://api.starlink.com/public-files/DIRECT_TO_CELL_FIRST_TEXT_UPDATE.pdf) (PDF). *api.starlink.com*. Retrieved 5 November 2025. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Cite uses generic title ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#generic_title))CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-m714_4-0)** Whalen, David J. (30 November 2010). ["Communications Satellites: Making the Global Village Possible"](https://www.nasa.gov/history/communications-satellites/). *NASA*. Retrieved 28 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Delay/Disruption-Tolerant Network Testing Using a LEO Satellite"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104010/http://personal.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/L.Wood/publications/uk-dmc-dtn-saratoga-testing-estc-2008.pdf) (PDF). NASA. Archived from [the original](http://personal.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/L.Wood/publications/uk-dmc-dtn-saratoga-testing-estc-2008.pdf) (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Iridium Communications Network and Satellite Coverage"](https://www.roadpost.com/iridium-satellite-network). *Roadpost USA*. Retrieved 1 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["T-Mobile and Starlink satellite connectivity explained"](https://www.androidauthority.com/t-mobile-starlink-satellite-connectivity-3207661/). *Android Authority*. 13 September 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["SpaceX and T-Mobile plan satellite-to-phone coverage"](https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/08/forget-5g-wireless-spacex-and-t-mobile-want-to-offer-zero-g-coverage/). *Ars Technica*. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["AST SpaceMobile's prototype satellite makes first 5G connection"](https://spacenews.com/ast-spacemobiles-prototype-satellite-makes-first-5g-connection/). *SpaceNews*. Retrieved 22 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Iridium unveils Project Stardust"](https://investor.iridium.com/2024-01-10-Iridium-Unveils-Project-Stardust-Developing-the-Only-Truly-Global,-Standards-Based-IoT-and-Direct-to-Device-Service). *Iridium Communications*. Retrieved 22 January 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Inmarsat_11-0)** ["Dialling codes – customer support"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110322141333/http://www.inmarsat.com/Support/Calling/Dialling_codes.aspx). Inmarsat. Archived from [the original](http://www.inmarsat.com/Support/Calling/Dialling_codes.aspx) on 22 March 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Satellite Phone Rentals and Sales"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110219005954/http://allroadcommunications.com/products/). Archived from [the original](http://www.allroadcommunications.com/products/) on 19 February 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Countries where satellite phones are banned or restricted"](https://blog.telestial.com/2017/11/08/countries-where-satellite-phones-banned-or-restricted/). *Telestial Blog*. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Driessen, Benedikt; Hund, Ralf; Willems, Carsten; Paar, Christof; Holz, Thorsten (2012). ["Don't Trust Satellite Phones: A Security Analysis of Two Satphone Standards"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130518162622/http://www.ieee-security.org/TC/SP2012/papers/4681a128.pdf) (PDF). *2012 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy*. Archived from [the original](http://www.ieee-security.org/TC/SP2012/papers/4681a128.pdf) (PDF) on 18 May 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Preparing for Hurricane Season with Satellite Phones"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120924235730/http://www.prlog.org/10862989-when-affected-by-hurricanes-satellite-phones-ensure-safe-and-reliable-communication.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.prlog.org/10862989-when-affected-by-hurricanes-satellite-phones-ensure-safe-and-reliable-communication.html) on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Thuraya X5 Touch brochure"](https://web.archive.org/web/20240626121949/https://www.thuraya.com/-/media/thuraya/rebranded/x5-touch-brochure.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.thuraya.com/-/media/thuraya/rebranded/x5-touch-brochure.pdf) (PDF) on 26 June 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["iPhone 14 adds SOS via satellite"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/15/iphone-satellite-sos/). *The Washington Post*. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2023.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Satellite phones](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Satellite_phones).

- [History of the handheld satellite phone](https://globalcomsatphone.com/history-of-the-handheld/) (GlobalCom, 2018)

- [University of Surrey – Satellite constellations overview](https://web.archive.org/web/20070710100616/http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/L.Wood/constellations/)

- [Satellite phone FAQ](https://www.satellitephonefaq.com/) (technical overview)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Satellite phone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_phone) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_phone?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.