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Satellite Phone Rentals in Alaska
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When it comes to satellite phones, the most important factor to consider is the coverage provided by the phone’s network. In Alaska, the two most reliable networks for satellite phone coverage are Iridium and Inmarsat. Iridium offers global coverage, including the poles, but it is often considered as more expensive compared to Inmarsat, which offers coverage primarily in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Another important factor to consider is the phone’s ruggedness. Alaska’s environment can be harsh, with extreme temperatures and rugged terrain, so it’s important to choose a phone that is built to withstand these conditions. A phone that is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof will be more reliable in the long run. Additionally, if you plan on using the phone for extended periods, it’s important to consider battery life. Many satellite phones have a battery life of around 8 hours, but some models can last up to 20 hours on a single charge.
Based on the above considerations, here are some of the best satellite phones for use in Alaska:
Iridium Extreme 9575: This phone offers global coverage and is built to withstand extreme temperatures and rugged terrain. It also has a long battery life of up to 30 hours in standby mode.
Inmarsat IsatPhone 2: This phone offers coverage in the northern and southern hemispheres, and it is dust, water, and shock resistant. It also has a long battery life of up to 8 hours of talk time.
Globalstar GSP-1700: The Globalstar GSP-1700 offers coverage in North America, including Alaska, and it is durable and waterproof. It also has a long battery life of up to 12 hours of talk time.
Ultimately, the best satellite phone for use in Alaska will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering the coverage, ruggedness, and battery life of different models, you can find a phone that will meet your needs and provide reliable communication in the Alaskan wilderness.
It’s also important to note that Satellite Phones are often subject to regulatory requirements and certifications, please check with relevant authorities in Alaska and service providers to ensure compliance and proper usage.
SATELLITE PHONES IN ALASKA. IRIDIUM VS. GLOBALSTAR
It’s False, Satellite phones do not work everywhere. They have specific coverage areas and limitations, their signal strength and connectivity depend on the satellite network and also depends on the location, atmospheric conditions, and other factors. In Alaska, there are 4 satellite operators that provide services, each with its own coverage, services, and pricing plans. These services are suitable for different usage scenarios and not all satellite phones work for every situation.
| Aspect | Globalstar | Iridium | Inmarsat/Light Squared (MSAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Covers up to the 70th parallel; strong in Northern Hemisphere, but not the poles. Requires a view to the south in Alaska. | Near-global coverage, including poles; operates with a mesh network of 66 LEO satellites. | Geosynchronous satellites; coverage limited to non-polar regions. |
| Satellite Altitude | 900 miles; provides a larger footprint but higher latency and weaker signal near the horizon. | 450 miles; smaller footprint but lower latency and stronger signal near the horizon. | 22,000 miles; very large footprint but higher latency. |
| Satellite Constellation | 32 satellites (soon 24). Sine-wave pattern; satellite beams shadow Alaska. | 66 satellites in a mesh network; inclined at 86.4° for global coverage. | 4 satellites in geosynchronous orbit. |
| Inclination | 52° relative to the equator; does not cover the poles. | 86.4° relative to the equator; allows for near-global coverage, including poles. | Fixed geosynchronous orbit; no polar coverage. |
| Services Offered | Voice, SMS, limited data. Requires a good southern view for connectivity. | Voice, SMS, and data with better latency; works in challenging terrains and remote areas. | Suitable for voice, SMS, and basic data services. |
| Local Facilities | Ground station in Wasilla, Alaska; integrates with GCI’s fiber optic telephone network, offering 907-based phone numbers. | Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TTAC) station in Fairbanks, Alaska. | N/A |
| Usage Scenarios | Suitable for general Northern Hemisphere use, outdoor activities requiring satellite phone. | Suitable for global use, polar expeditions, and remote locations. | Best for fixed, high-power setups like marine use or stationary locations. |
| Portability | Small handheld phones; requires line-of-sight to satellites. | Small handheld phones with omnidirectional antennas; easier to acquire signals. | High-power fixed-based terminals; not portable. |
| Key Advantage | Larger satellite footprint covers more area per satellite. | Stronger signals closer to the horizon; reliable in remote areas with continuous global coverage. | Very large area coverage with minimal satellites. |
| Key Limitation | Higher latency; weaker signals near the horizon. | Smaller footprint per satellite; requires more satellites for coverage. | Very high latency; unsuitable for mobile or dynamic outdoor applications. |
Iridium
Iridium Satellite Network Overview
- Concept and Development
- Proposed by Motorola engineers in the mid-1980s to enable global cellular communication.
- Aimed to provide seamless worldwide coverage under the slogan: “One World, One Phone, One Number.”
- The project was ambitious, expensive, and faced numerous challenges before becoming operational.
- Developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, it became the world’s first cross-linked satellite system.
- Launch and Operation
- The system was launched in the late 1990s and became operational in 1998.
- Features a network of 66 operational satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), along with several spares.
- Satellites orbit at an altitude of approximately 780 km (485 miles) in six distinct planes.
- Each orbital plane includes 11 operational satellites and additional spare satellites.
Key Features of the Iridium Network
- Global Communication Coverage
- Provides worldwide voice and data communication services.
- Offers reliable connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas, including the poles and oceans.
- Advanced Satellite Technology
- Utilizes cross-link technology for signal relay between satellites, reducing reliance on ground stations.
- Most of the system’s communication routing and intelligence are managed in space.
- Inclination and Coverage
- Satellites are inclined at 86.4° relative to the equator for near-global coverage.
- Allows connectivity even in the most remote regions of the Earth.
- Earth Stations and Gateways
- Includes active Iridium Earth Stations, functioning as gateways to the public switched telephone network.
- Enables seamless integration of satellite communication with traditional telecommunication networks.
Iridium’s innovative network design has proven to be a breakthrough in global communication, making it indispensable for remote operations, emergency services, and industries operating in challenging environments.
What’s the future hold for Iridium?
Iridium’s launch of its second generation of satellites has been delayed until August 2016. The company is required to wait a minimum of four months after launching two test satellites before launching the ten Iridium satellites into space on Falcon 9 rockets, provided by Space X. Additionally, Iridium’s service quality has recently declined and some believe this trend may continue due to the low fuel and power levels of the older generation of satellites.
