
“Satphones” are a vital communication tool for operatives working in remote, hostile, or compromised environments where conventional communications, like cellular networks, are either unavailable or unreliable. Whether operating in dense jungle, desert, or mountainous terrain — or in regions affected by natural disasters or warfare — satellite phones provide the kind of global connectivity that can make the difference between mission success or failure.
This intel breaks down the fundamental principles of how satellite phones work, how they differ from other communication devices, and why they remain a critical asset for covert operations and emergency situations.
A satellite phone works by connecting directly to satellites orbiting the Earth instead of relying on cell towers. When you turn on the satphone and prepare to make a call, the phone sends a signal up to a satellite in space. The satellite, which is either stationary or moving in orbit, receives the signal and relays it back down to a ground station on Earth. Once the ground station gets the signal, it routes the call to the number you dialed — whether it’s a mobile phone, landline, or another satellite phone.
When the connection is made, your “voice” travels from the phone to the satellite, then down to the ground station, and finally to the other party. As you speak, your voice continues to be sent through this same path — satellite to ground station — while the other person’s responses follow the reverse route back to your satellite phone.
This process allows real-time communication (like an ordinary phone call), though there may be a slight delay, especially if the satellite is far away. The key is that the satellite phone maintains a direct line of sight to the sky to keep the connection stable throughout the call.
THE BASICS: WHAT MAKES SATELLITE PHONES DIFFERENT?
The most obvious difference between satellite phones and standard mobile phones is the network they use to communicate. While a cell phone connects to nearby cell towers, a satellite phone connects directly to satellites orbiting Earth. This allows for communication in regions where cell towers or landlines don’t exist or have been destroyed.
To understand how satellite phones function, it’s important to first grasp the key components that make up the system:
The Phone
The handset looks similar to a mobile phone but tends to be bulkier. This is because it needs more robust technology to send signals to satellites great distances away in space.
Satellites
These are the “towers” in the satellite phone network. Two main types of satellites are used:
• Geostationary Satellites (GEO): Positioned about 22,000 miles above the Earth, these satellites stay fixed over one spot, allowing for continuous communication in certain areas. GEO satellites provide a broad coverage area but introduce slight latency (delay) due to the distance.
• Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO): These satellites orbit much closer to Earth, typically between 500 and 1,200 miles. LEO systems offer lower latency, which makes real-time communication faster, and they often move across the sky, handing off communication as they pass overhead.
Ground Stations
When you make a call using a satphone, the signal goes up to a satellite and is then relayed to a ground station. The ground station then routes the call to its final destination, whether it’s a traditional phone network or another satellite device.
Signal Path
A satellite phone connects to a satellite, which forwards the signal to a ground station. The ground station connects it to a local phone network (if calling a landline or cell phone) or relays it through another satellite (if calling another satphone).
HOW SATELLITE PHONE OPERATE IN THE FIELD
The operation of a satellite phone is straightforward, but its effectiveness depends on several factors, including satellite coverage and environmental conditions. This is a step-by-step of how a satphone works in the field:
STEP 1) Initiating a Call
When you make a call, the phone sends a signal to the satellite above. For LEO networks like Iridium, the satellite may be moving across the sky, requiring the phone to maintain line-of-sight with the satellite for the duration of the call. In contrast, a GEO satellite remains fixed in place, but the phone must still have a clear line of sight to the sky to connect.
STEP 2) Satellite to Ground Station
The satellite forwards your signal to a ground station on Earth. This is typically done through high-frequency microwave transmissions, which are extremely efficient over long distances. The ground station then routes the signal based on the destination of your call—either to a landline, mobile network, or another satellite device.
STEP 3) Maintaining Line-of-Sight
Unlike cell phones, satellite phones require a direct line of sight to the sky. Thick forest cover, deep valleys, or being inside a building can block the signal. This means in most cases, operatives will need to move to an open space or high ground for reliable communication.
STEP 4) Call Handover (LEO Systems)
If you’re using a LEO satellite phone, the satellite may pass out of range as it orbits the Earth. The system is designed to “hand over” the connection to another satellite as the first moves out of range. This ensures continuity of the call without interruption, though signal drops can occur if the handover fails or the coverage area has gaps.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SATPHONES
Advantages
• Global Reach: Satellite phones work almost anywhere on Earth, making them indispensable in areas without cell towers or landlines.
• Resilience: Unlike cellular networks that can be destroyed or disrupted in conflict zones, satellite networks are much harder to take down, ensuring communication during emergencies or warfare.
• Security: Satellite phones can be harder to intercept compared to traditional cellular networks. In covert operations, this added layer of security is crucial. However, encryption and secure communication practices should still be prioritized.
Disadvantages
• Line-of-Sight Requirements: Satellite phones must have a clear line of sight to the sky. This means they won’t work well indoors, in heavy forests, or in urban areas with tall buildings.
• Latency: GEO satellite phones can have a noticeable delay, which can make conversations feel awkward. LEO systems offer lower latency, but connection quality can still be affected by environmental factors.
• Cost: Satellite phones and their service plans are expensive, especially for high-bandwidth data transmissions. For budget-conscious operatives, this can be a significant limiting factor.
APPLICATIONS IN COVERT OPERATIONS
For operatives in the field, satellite phones provide critical utility.
Operational Independence
One of the primary advantages satellite phones bring to covert operations is operational independence. Since satellite phones do not rely on local infrastructure, they enable operatives to operate autonomously. Whether behind enemy lines, on a reconnaissance mission, or engaging in non-official cover (NOC) assignments, satellite phones ensure that communication does not depend on external factors controlled by adversaries or local governments.
Remote Area Coordination
Many covert missions take place in remote or hostile environments where cell towers and landlines are nonexistent. These can include mountain ranges, dense jungles, deserts, or polar regions — places where operatives must operate without depending on local infrastructure.
Disaster or Conflict Zone Communication
In regions affected by war, civil unrest, or natural disasters, cellular networks and landlines are often disabled or destroyed. For operatives working under these conditions, such as during post-conflict intelligence gathering or humanitarian missions, a satellite phone becomes the lifeline for maintaining command and control.
Bypassing Local Surveillance
One of the main concerns in covert operations is avoiding local surveillance or interception. In many parts of the world, cellular networks are monitored by governments or hostile actors, making it risky to use regular phones for sensitive communications. Satellite phones, which bypass local networks by connecting directly to satellites, offer a more secure alternative.
Resilience in Jamming or Electronic Warfare
In environments where electronic warfare tactics are employed, cellular networks, radio frequencies, and other communications can be jammed or disrupted. Satellite phones are generally more resilient against such tactics due to the difficulty in jamming or blocking signals that travel through satellites.
SATELLITE PHONE NETWORKS: THE MAJOR PLAYERS
There are several satellite phone providers, each utilizing different satellite constellations and technologies. These are the main ones:
Iridium
Iridium (i) operates a constellation of LEO satellites, offering true global coverage, including the poles. Iridium is the go-to for operatives working in the most remote locations, given its extensive network of 66 active satellites.
Inmarsat
Inmarsat (i) uses GEO satellites to provide coverage primarily across the globe’s landmasses, but with some limitations in polar regions. It’s known for its more stable connection in areas where line-of-sight to the sky is unobstructed.
Thuraya
Thuraya (i) operates GEO satellites with coverage concentrated in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa. It’s a good choice for operatives focusing on those regions.
Globalstar
Globalstar (i) uses a constellation of LEO satellites, but its coverage isn’t as comprehensive as Iridium’s, making it more suitable for specific regions.
Satellite phones are a critical piece of kit for operatives working in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By understanding how they function, you can use them effectively for communication when other options are unavailable. While they come with certain limitations, their global coverage and resilience make them indispensable for any mission that requires reliable, long-distance communication.
In any covert operation, maintaining robust lines of communication is essential for success — and knowing when and how to deploy satellite technology is a vital part of that tradecraft.
[INTEL : Cell Phone Anti-Tracking Measures]
[OPTICS : Amazon Jungle, Peru]