To find a vehicle test use the pull-down lists below.
On location, hunting for dinosaurs! While waiting for a massive Sauropod to wander across the barren...
Equipment Tests > Satellite Phones
Satellite Phones
Issue: March 2009
Words and photos by Robert Pepper
Off-road touring has an element of risk, so you use quality gear, acquire skills and plan. But sometimes that's just not enough, and problems crop up that you just can't handle.
In those cases talking to an expert or the authorities may be just what's needed. You might have a life-threatening injury on your hands, a dead vehicle that you are unable to fix, or be cornered by impassable roads with supplies running out. But for others communication is more mundane; many people conduct business remotely, and being contactable can mean the difference between a holiday going ahead or not. Or perhaps you're waiting on really important news but don't want to delay a trip.
So there's definitely a case for remote-area communications, and one of the most common solutions is a satellite phone, or satphone. Yes, there's other options, but portability and ease of use are satphone advantages.
So what is a satphone? Everyone knows what a conventional mobile is, one that works on the GSM network, but perhaps not how it works. The GSM network is a series of radio base stations all over the country, with a typical range of around 30km. Your mobile is a radio transmitter/receiver, and has sufficient power to transmit your call to the nearest base station, and from there it hooks in to the national telephone network and thus the world. The limitation is that you need to be close to a base station, which is obviously no good for outback travel, and the signal doesn't pass through or over hills, in part because it is broadcast from terrestrial stations.
Satphones operate much the same way, but their basestations are satellites. Some, the like Thuraya system, have satellites in geostationary orbit (not moving relative to the planet), around 36,000km above the earth. These systems can cover the globe with just three or four satellites, but if one fails there is a coverage problem. The alternative is systems a low-earth orbit (LEO) system, as used by GlobalStar and Iridium. Iridium has 66 satellites at 780km above the earth, and GlobalStar 44 at around 1500km. These satellites circle the earth approximately once every 100 minutes, travelling in various directions. While the satellites can see a large part of the earth, not all satphones systems have truly worldwide coverage. In addition, satphone companies may be banned from offering service in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Libya.
What the satellites do with a call signal when they receive it depends on the system. In the case of GlobalStar and Thuraya the satellite beams it directly back down to a base station on earth ("bent pipe"), so the satellite must be able to 'see' both the user and the base station. Iridium has a network of satellites and any one of them can pick up a call. If that satellite can't see a base station it passes the call to other satellites that can. From the base station the call is routed through the normal telephone networks.
Satphones can either be handsets -- portable battery powered units like large GSM mobiles -- or vehicle mounted, or permanently fixed in buildings. For offroad touring a handset is recommended as this permits flexibility of use away of the vehicle. It also means if the vehicle is disabled the handset still has a chance of working, although the best solution is to use a handset and combine it with an in-car kit. Unlike a GSM mobile a handheld satphone will not work effectively inside a vehicle, and even when outside must be held with its antenna vertical, so waiting for an incoming call could be inconvenient. Using a car kit means the phone will always be fully charged, have acquired a satellite signal for incoming calls, and is ready for outgoing calls. Also, should you need to make a call then you have the quiet, wind-free environment of the car in which to do it; this is a significant advantage, given the often mediocre quality of satphone calls. The external antenna used in car kits is also superior to the handset's own antenna, so for all those reasons a car kit is recommended.
A satphone is not all that different to a GSM mobile; punch in a number and talk. In theory, anyone that can use a mobile can easily use a satphone, and it's true after you understand the important differences between using a satphone compared to a mobile.
Firstly, the satphone needs to "see" the satellite. When was the last time you checked the signal strength meter on your mobile? Probably quite rarely, but with satphones you must do this all the time, and move if necessary to get a better signal. The satphone will also take longer to acquire a signal than a mobile, and it will be more sensitive to your movement. Satphones also require their antennas to be extended, and kept vertical. Incoming calls work differently too; the satphone will not receive calls if it can't see the satellites, so you can't just leave it anywhere and expect it to ring.
The outbound dialling may be different too, sometimes requiring use of an international dialling code. Satphone users also need to expect and deal with lower call quality than GSM, as there may be delays in the voice transmissions, echos, tinny quality due to compression or short dropouts. However, satphone quality is quite acceptable - when the phone is used correctly -- just not as good as GSM. People calling a satphone may also require international dialling access on their phones, even though the number looks "normal" - something to consider and test before you set off on a trip. If the satphone is not connected to a satellite the call will go to voicemail, just like a normal mobile, and there's also the SMS option. Some users rely on SMS almost exclusively as it is cheaper than voice calls, and if you only have satellite reception for a few moments you can send an SMS, but not finish a voice conversation. But don't assume all phone networks can SMS all satphones; inter-company agreements need to be in place for that.
In short, satphones are sufficiently different from a normal mobile that someone who hasn't used one before may well not be able to make calls in the stress of an emergency should be situation arise, unless they have practised beforehand. Satphone owners should consider making up a laminated card to keep with the phone should it need to be operated without their assistance, and pre-programming useful numbers into the speeddial.
Beyond voice and text there is data, and it is possible to hook up to the Internet using a satphone. It is expensive, and very slow; anywhere from 2.4kpbs to around 9.6kbps; around 1/50th the speed of modern broadband. Some satphones are dual GSM/satellite, using GSM where available. This will suit people who want just the one unit. Some handsets have GPS facilities, but you'd be better advised to invest in the cheapest bushwalking receiver instead of relying on your satphone to navigate.
Satphone plans take you back to the early days of GSM. There are a limited number of handsets, which are specific to a network. Incoming calls aren't usually charged, but there's usually a flagall, the billing increment is often 20 or 30 seconds, there are activation and cancellation fees and you'll need to buy the handset too. Calling from one satphone network to another is really expensive; some plans are $16/minute!
read on below advertisement
Of course, you don't need to buy as there are many companies who have satphones for hire, and that's a good way to try a few brands for yourself. But be warned, once you've lived with the convenience and security of a satphone you won't be wanting to do without it.
Australian satphone networks
The networks operating in Australia are GlobalStar, Inmarsat, Optus, Telstra, Iridium and Thuraya. Inmarsat is currently repositioning its satellites and are expected to offer more Australian services in early 2009, with a focus on their BGAN data network. This will offer broadband speeds of around 400kpbs, but with a bulky, specialised transceiver. Optus's own network is designed for permanent installations in vehicles or buildings, and they are partnering with Thuraya for the handset market. Telstra's network is a rebadge of Iridium's. GlobalStar are presently experiencing coverage problems and have released a tool to determine the best times to use their system, and they do not cover most of Africa. In short, as of early 2009 the realistic choice for offroader tourers is between Iridium and Thuraya. Iridium has the ability to pass calls between satellites, enabling it to be the only system with truly global coverage and is designed to be failsafe. If you're calling another Iridium phone, your call doesn't even need to go via a basestation, and their handsets are ruggedized. Thuraya has the edge on features and two choices of non-ruggedised handset, but doesn't cover the entire world, notably missing all the Americas, New Zealand and South Africa. Both have minimum costs about the same, and comparing plans is just as difficult as comparing GSM plans.
www.thuraya.com
www.thurayaphones.com.au
www.globalstar.com.au
www.inmarsat.com
www.satellitephones.com.au
www.iridiumphones.com.au
Starting out with a satphone
Satphones are available for rent in many locations. Or you could buy your own, possibly with a government subsidy which is worth up to $1000 off the price of the handset only. The sticking point for many readers will be that you must spend at least 120 days per year for two years in an area outside normal mobile coverage, but those on the Big Lap should definitely go for it. Further details here:
http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/mobile_services/the_satellite_phone_subsidy_scheme
The rent/buy arguments are the usual. Renting is cheaper, but more hassle and availability is limited at peak times. However, most satphones owners don't use it every day, and some rent it to their friends and family for their trips. Thuraya has introduced pre and post-paid plans, and some plans allow you to 'park' the phone between annual trips.
Important accessories include a 12v charger, car mount, external antenna, belt clip, spare battery (for extra life, and in case the battery itself fails) and many people find a small camera bag ideal carrying it all around.
Who you gonna call?
Just because you have a satphone doesn't mean to say you'll be able to get assistance. If you need to make an emergency call chances are you'll want to do so quickly and the situation will be stressful. You may also be struggling with battery life, noisy weather, service dropouts, and have limited time. So the call needs to be quick and to the point, which means both you and the other person needs to be prepared. If you need to leave a message don't assume you will be understood; during our testing we left messages as a way to gauge call quality, and several were difficult to understand. Send a text too, and repeat yourself.
Make a list of emergency numbers, and more than one friend who you know can be trusted in an emergency. Then work out what you are likely to be saying. Here is an example list of information to leave, and to take with you on a laminated card:
Full names of everyone in the party
Pertinent medical details (blood type, special conditions, Medicare etc)
Next of kin and emergency contact
Vehicle make, model, colour and description
Intended route and times
This list is what the authorities will want to know:
Who people (number, injuries)
What the problem is
Where you are (coordinates, track name/how far along)
Food, water, shelter situation
Your intended plans and what you have done, and what you need
Some examples of numbers to take:
Local police
RFDS
Trusted friends (who have your travel details already)
Your friendly 4WD mechanic (ask before you leave!)
Ranger(s)
Finally, please do not consider a satphone as a get-out-of-jail free card which substitutes for careful planning, training and quality equipment. Note that satphones should be able to call 112 with or without a plan or SIM, which is the international emergency number.
Alternatives to a Satphone
All of the communication systems described here are complementary, each with their own strengths. It is not correct to say that if you have one there will be no need for another, but there is some overlap of functions so it is important to know what can be used for which purpose. The satphone offers relative ease of use, private conversations, text messaging (for most networks), data and doesn't need installation. However they are costly, and cannot broadcast calls.
UHF Radio
Assuming you want a means of emergency communication, then UHF radio is not an option as it is far too short range. Still, every traveller should have a UHF set because it's very handy for inter-car work, contacting stations and other people within a range of a few to several tens of kilometres, depending on conditions.
HF Radio
High-frequency (HF) radio is similar to UHF, but much, much longer range. That means you can talk to anyone from anywhere, but you do need a license and the units are relatively expensive at around $2000+, and not very portable. Vehicle-mounted radio kits could be damaged by fire or rollovers, whereas handset satphones are less vulnerable and more portable.
The good thing about HF is you become part of a travelling community, not just talking one-to-one as you would with a satphone. You can talk to people further up the track for example. HF is free to use and you can broadcast, and listen in to the 'skeds' which are scheduled information services.
www.VKS737.on.net
Distress Beacons
A beacon you activate only in dire emergency, and you can't receive any communications. Transmits a radio signal to a satellite network which alerts the authorities, easy to activate then you just leave it while you do something else. Covered in detail in OL Oct '08.
Mobile phone network
Mobile phone systems like CDMA, GSM and NextG simply do not have the coverage required to be useful as emergency contact systems, but within their range they are excellent. NextG has the best rural coverage, and also offers high-speed Internet access on the move.
Words and photos by Robert Pepper
Off-road touring has an element of risk, so you use quality gear, acquire skills and plan. But sometimes that's just not enough, and problems crop up that you just can't handle.
In those cases talking to an expert or the authorities may be just what's needed. You might have a life-threatening injury on your hands, a dead vehicle that you are unable to fix, or be cornered by impassable roads with supplies running out. But for others communication is more mundane; many people conduct business remotely, and being contactable can mean the difference between a holiday going ahead or not. Or perhaps you're waiting on really important news but don't want to delay a trip.
So there's definitely a case for remote-area communications, and one of the most common solutions is a satellite phone, or satphone. Yes, there's other options, but portability and ease of use are satphone advantages.
So what is a satphone? Everyone knows what a conventional mobile is, one that works on the GSM network, but perhaps not how it works. The GSM network is a series of radio base stations all over the country, with a typical range of around 30km. Your mobile is a radio transmitter/receiver, and has sufficient power to transmit your call to the nearest base station, and from there it hooks in to the national telephone network and thus the world. The limitation is that you need to be close to a base station, which is obviously no good for outback travel, and the signal doesn't pass through or over hills, in part because it is broadcast from terrestrial stations.
Satphones operate much the same way, but their basestations are satellites. Some, the like Thuraya system, have satellites in geostationary orbit (not moving relative to the planet), around 36,000km above the earth. These systems can cover the globe with just three or four satellites, but if one fails there is a coverage problem. The alternative is systems a low-earth orbit (LEO) system, as used by GlobalStar and Iridium. Iridium has 66 satellites at 780km above the earth, and GlobalStar 44 at around 1500km. These satellites circle the earth approximately once every 100 minutes, travelling in various directions. While the satellites can see a large part of the earth, not all satphones systems have truly worldwide coverage. In addition, satphone companies may be banned from offering service in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Libya.
What the satellites do with a call signal when they receive it depends on the system. In the case of GlobalStar and Thuraya the satellite beams it directly back down to a base station on earth ("bent pipe"), so the satellite must be able to 'see' both the user and the base station. Iridium has a network of satellites and any one of them can pick up a call. If that satellite can't see a base station it passes the call to other satellites that can. From the base station the call is routed through the normal telephone networks.
Satphones can either be handsets -- portable battery powered units like large GSM mobiles -- or vehicle mounted, or permanently fixed in buildings. For offroad touring a handset is recommended as this permits flexibility of use away of the vehicle. It also means if the vehicle is disabled the handset still has a chance of working, although the best solution is to use a handset and combine it with an in-car kit. Unlike a GSM mobile a handheld satphone will not work effectively inside a vehicle, and even when outside must be held with its antenna vertical, so waiting for an incoming call could be inconvenient. Using a car kit means the phone will always be fully charged, have acquired a satellite signal for incoming calls, and is ready for outgoing calls. Also, should you need to make a call then you have the quiet, wind-free environment of the car in which to do it; this is a significant advantage, given the often mediocre quality of satphone calls. The external antenna used in car kits is also superior to the handset's own antenna, so for all those reasons a car kit is recommended.
A satphone is not all that different to a GSM mobile; punch in a number and talk. In theory, anyone that can use a mobile can easily use a satphone, and it's true after you understand the important differences between using a satphone compared to a mobile.
Firstly, the satphone needs to "see" the satellite. When was the last time you checked the signal strength meter on your mobile? Probably quite rarely, but with satphones you must do this all the time, and move if necessary to get a better signal. The satphone will also take longer to acquire a signal than a mobile, and it will be more sensitive to your movement. Satphones also require their antennas to be extended, and kept vertical. Incoming calls work differently too; the satphone will not receive calls if it can't see the satellites, so you can't just leave it anywhere and expect it to ring.
The outbound dialling may be different too, sometimes requiring use of an international dialling code. Satphone users also need to expect and deal with lower call quality than GSM, as there may be delays in the voice transmissions, echos, tinny quality due to compression or short dropouts. However, satphone quality is quite acceptable - when the phone is used correctly -- just not as good as GSM. People calling a satphone may also require international dialling access on their phones, even though the number looks "normal" - something to consider and test before you set off on a trip. If the satphone is not connected to a satellite the call will go to voicemail, just like a normal mobile, and there's also the SMS option. Some users rely on SMS almost exclusively as it is cheaper than voice calls, and if you only have satellite reception for a few moments you can send an SMS, but not finish a voice conversation. But don't assume all phone networks can SMS all satphones; inter-company agreements need to be in place for that.
In short, satphones are sufficiently different from a normal mobile that someone who hasn't used one before may well not be able to make calls in the stress of an emergency should be situation arise, unless they have practised beforehand. Satphone owners should consider making up a laminated card to keep with the phone should it need to be operated without their assistance, and pre-programming useful numbers into the speeddial.
Beyond voice and text there is data, and it is possible to hook up to the Internet using a satphone. It is expensive, and very slow; anywhere from 2.4kpbs to around 9.6kbps; around 1/50th the speed of modern broadband. Some satphones are dual GSM/satellite, using GSM where available. This will suit people who want just the one unit. Some handsets have GPS facilities, but you'd be better advised to invest in the cheapest bushwalking receiver instead of relying on your satphone to navigate.
Satphone plans take you back to the early days of GSM. There are a limited number of handsets, which are specific to a network. Incoming calls aren't usually charged, but there's usually a flagall, the billing increment is often 20 or 30 seconds, there are activation and cancellation fees and you'll need to buy the handset too. Calling from one satphone network to another is really expensive; some plans are $16/minute!
read on below advertisement
Of course, you don't need to buy as there are many companies who have satphones for hire, and that's a good way to try a few brands for yourself. But be warned, once you've lived with the convenience and security of a satphone you won't be wanting to do without it.
Australian satphone networks
The networks operating in Australia are GlobalStar, Inmarsat, Optus, Telstra, Iridium and Thuraya. Inmarsat is currently repositioning its satellites and are expected to offer more Australian services in early 2009, with a focus on their BGAN data network. This will offer broadband speeds of around 400kpbs, but with a bulky, specialised transceiver. Optus's own network is designed for permanent installations in vehicles or buildings, and they are partnering with Thuraya for the handset market. Telstra's network is a rebadge of Iridium's. GlobalStar are presently experiencing coverage problems and have released a tool to determine the best times to use their system, and they do not cover most of Africa. In short, as of early 2009 the realistic choice for offroader tourers is between Iridium and Thuraya. Iridium has the ability to pass calls between satellites, enabling it to be the only system with truly global coverage and is designed to be failsafe. If you're calling another Iridium phone, your call doesn't even need to go via a basestation, and their handsets are ruggedized. Thuraya has the edge on features and two choices of non-ruggedised handset, but doesn't cover the entire world, notably missing all the Americas, New Zealand and South Africa. Both have minimum costs about the same, and comparing plans is just as difficult as comparing GSM plans.
www.thuraya.com
www.thurayaphones.com.au
www.globalstar.com.au
www.inmarsat.com
www.satellitephones.com.au
www.iridiumphones.com.au
Starting out with a satphone
Satphones are available for rent in many locations. Or you could buy your own, possibly with a government subsidy which is worth up to $1000 off the price of the handset only. The sticking point for many readers will be that you must spend at least 120 days per year for two years in an area outside normal mobile coverage, but those on the Big Lap should definitely go for it. Further details here:
http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/mobile_services/the_satellite_phone_subsidy_scheme
The rent/buy arguments are the usual. Renting is cheaper, but more hassle and availability is limited at peak times. However, most satphones owners don't use it every day, and some rent it to their friends and family for their trips. Thuraya has introduced pre and post-paid plans, and some plans allow you to 'park' the phone between annual trips.
Important accessories include a 12v charger, car mount, external antenna, belt clip, spare battery (for extra life, and in case the battery itself fails) and many people find a small camera bag ideal carrying it all around.
Who you gonna call?
Just because you have a satphone doesn't mean to say you'll be able to get assistance. If you need to make an emergency call chances are you'll want to do so quickly and the situation will be stressful. You may also be struggling with battery life, noisy weather, service dropouts, and have limited time. So the call needs to be quick and to the point, which means both you and the other person needs to be prepared. If you need to leave a message don't assume you will be understood; during our testing we left messages as a way to gauge call quality, and several were difficult to understand. Send a text too, and repeat yourself.
Make a list of emergency numbers, and more than one friend who you know can be trusted in an emergency. Then work out what you are likely to be saying. Here is an example list of information to leave, and to take with you on a laminated card:
Full names of everyone in the party
Pertinent medical details (blood type, special conditions, Medicare etc)
Next of kin and emergency contact
Vehicle make, model, colour and description
Intended route and times
This list is what the authorities will want to know:
Who people (number, injuries)
What the problem is
Where you are (coordinates, track name/how far along)
Food, water, shelter situation
Your intended plans and what you have done, and what you need
Some examples of numbers to take:
Local police
RFDS
Trusted friends (who have your travel details already)
Your friendly 4WD mechanic (ask before you leave!)
Ranger(s)
Finally, please do not consider a satphone as a get-out-of-jail free card which substitutes for careful planning, training and quality equipment. Note that satphones should be able to call 112 with or without a plan or SIM, which is the international emergency number.
Alternatives to a Satphone
All of the communication systems described here are complementary, each with their own strengths. It is not correct to say that if you have one there will be no need for another, but there is some overlap of functions so it is important to know what can be used for which purpose. The satphone offers relative ease of use, private conversations, text messaging (for most networks), data and doesn't need installation. However they are costly, and cannot broadcast calls.
UHF Radio
Assuming you want a means of emergency communication, then UHF radio is not an option as it is far too short range. Still, every traveller should have a UHF set because it's very handy for inter-car work, contacting stations and other people within a range of a few to several tens of kilometres, depending on conditions.
HF Radio
High-frequency (HF) radio is similar to UHF, but much, much longer range. That means you can talk to anyone from anywhere, but you do need a license and the units are relatively expensive at around $2000+, and not very portable. Vehicle-mounted radio kits could be damaged by fire or rollovers, whereas handset satphones are less vulnerable and more portable.
The good thing about HF is you become part of a travelling community, not just talking one-to-one as you would with a satphone. You can talk to people further up the track for example. HF is free to use and you can broadcast, and listen in to the 'skeds' which are scheduled information services.
www.VKS737.on.net
Distress Beacons
A beacon you activate only in dire emergency, and you can't receive any communications. Transmits a radio signal to a satellite network which alerts the authorities, easy to activate then you just leave it while you do something else. Covered in detail in OL Oct '08.
Mobile phone network
Mobile phone systems like CDMA, GSM and NextG simply do not have the coverage required to be useful as emergency contact systems, but within their range they are excellent. NextG has the best rural coverage, and also offers high-speed Internet access on the move.
