It took a dozen years for Americans’ smartphone use to jump from 60% to 90%. Today, satellite communication phones and other messaging devices (often referred to as SATCOM by military users) are gaining popularity and becoming more accessible due to improved technology, lower service costs, and sleeker devices.

With increasing traveller desires for more risk and adventure coupled with elevated international war and violent conflict, a survey of the world’s most experienced travellers said they welcome satellite technological advances, including adding satellite connectivity to smartphone capabilities.

Travelers Use SATCOM

Most survey respondents (82%) said they would feel safer with satellite connection abilities on their smartphones. They liked knowing they could call for help if they lost cell coverage, and many relished the peace of mind it would give their friends, family, or colleagues.

The survey revealed that a fifth (19%) of respondents had used a satellite phone or messaging device for medical or security emergency communications. A third (32%) said they used SATCOM for urgent or essential communications unrelated to a medical or security emergency.

New SATCOM Technology Developments

First launched by the satellite providers Iridium and Motorola in 1989, SATCOM devices were initially expensive and primarily used by government agencies, military personnel and organizations operating in remote areas. SATCOM device improvements during the past three decades have led to more compact, affordable and user-friendly satellite phones and messaging devices. Now, there’s a breakthrough technology that integrates satellite communications with smartphones. Users can access email, internet services, and location-tracking features on satellite-enabled smartphones and messaging devices. Which, for travellers, means more accessibility.

Satellite phone networks have expanded their coverage areas and improved connectivity, allowing users to stay connected in remote regions, including at sea and in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. Expanded global coverage makes satellite phones and other devices a valuable tool for adventurers, business and leisure travellers, and individuals living or working in remote locations. Satellite connectivity within smartphones is restricted to emergency dispatch services, with texting as the communication platform. Voice and non-emergency capabilities are on the horizon.

SATCOM Bandwagon

Apple is expanding the capabilities of its satellite messaging on the new iOS 18. The update will broaden the availability beyond emergency messaging, and messages via satellite will be an option when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable.

And it’s not just Apple. There have been several updates in the satellite-to-cell market. SpaceX is testing for direct-to-cell Starlink satellites with partner T-Mobile.

There are reports that T-Mobile customers using the Android 15 beta see their eligibility for satellite messaging. Verizon recently announced a $100 million deal with AST SpaceMobile for satellite direct-to-cellular service for its customers.

Verizon and AT&T are working with AST SpaceMobile, but the company has not yet launched its satellites that will operate the service.

“The race among wireless service companies and smartphone manufacturers to provide satellite communications capabilities for users provides business, leisure and adventure travelers a bigger safety net to travel more boldly in the future,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Benefits of SATCOM

Having a reliable means of communication provides additional security for people travelling domestically or internationally, especially in unfamiliar or risky locations. Many satellite phones and devices have an SOS button that can be activated in emergencies, sending a distress signal and location coordinates to emergency services.

Satellite communications devices also feature GPS navigation features, helping leisure, business, and adventure travellers navigate unfamiliar terrain and find their way back to safety. Satellite devices can receive weather updates that help users plan activities accordingly and stay safe during extreme weather conditions or threats of predictable natural disasters.

A satellite phone offers the advantage of voice communication, SMS texting, and e-mail. Satellite and messaging devices do not offer voice communication but do have SMS texting and e-mail, as well as a tracking feature. The recipient of a tracking message can follow the user through an internet portal as tracking messages are periodically sent.

Satellite messaging devices are often paired with smartphones, where the phone connects with the satellite device and is used as a keyboard and display. Currently, no devices can be paired with a smartphone for voice communications.  Satellite messaging devices are about a third of the cost of a satellite phone.

SATCOM? No Guarantees and User Errors

Satellite phones and satellite messaging devices are reliable for communication in many circumstances, but they can fail. They require a clear line of sight to communicate with satellites in orbit.

All satellite constellations or systems are not the same. For the ordinary handheld device user, a satellite constellation with orbiting satellites is best because these orbiting satellites intersect with each other and find the device on the ground. Users with these systems can use their devices while moving.

A system with geosynchronous satellites, where the satellite moves with the earth’s rotation and appears in one location, requires the user to orient the device towards the satellite. These systems are better for heavy traffic and data transmission.

Topography does affect satellite communication; a clear view of the sky is necessary. It may be challenging to connect with satellites in thick forests or where there are steep slopes above you. The same is true in urban areas with tall buildings. You may be able to send a signal indoors if standing next to a window.

The most significant mistakes individuals make when using a satellite messaging device or phone are relying solely on the device for communication and not having a backup plan. While satellite devices are reliable in remote areas, they can still encounter technical issues or run out of battery. Other SACTOM good practices include:

• Users must familiarize themselves with the device and practice using it.
• Satellite communication devices often require a service subscription, and users must keep them updated.
• They are adding key contacts to the device. Users should preload essential contacts, including family, friends, colleagues, embassies, personal physicians, and more, into the device for easy emergency access. Key contacts must know how to get in touch on the satellite phone or device. Users should have them complete practice calls or messages.

Pack a satellite phone or messaging device and extra batteries if you’re travelling, especially to locations where cellular service is not guaranteed.

 

 

 

Written by: Harding Bush

 

 

BIO:

Harding Bush is a former Navy SEAL and associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, the leading medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services provider. He is an expert in procedures for high-risk travel, cultural awareness, crisis preparedness and operational planning.

 

 

 

 

 

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