With the advent of mobile phones, people have the opportunity to constantly be in touch, regardless of their location. The coverage area of mobile operators allows you to transmit and receive signals at a high level in places with the greatest concentration of people (cities, urban settlements). Every year the number of areas in which telephone equipment operates is constantly increasing. However, there are a large number of regions where the lack of wireless connectivity is still a problem.
The solution in this case would be to buy not a mobile phone, but a satellite phone. It differs from the usual smartphone in the principle of operation - a communication satellite is used to transmit data, not a tower. Such devices cover either one region around the satellite or the entire territory of the planet. Since this technology is more complex than that of mobile operators, more complex equipment is used, which costs an order of magnitude more.
Most often, such devices are used by people who, due to their occupation, are forced to be in remote places, or by travelers. Since an unexpected situation may occur in the mountains or deep forests and emergency assistance will be required, there is no replacement for a satellite phone.
How is Iridium different from other telecom operators?
You can't compare Iridium to cellular operators because our network works differently. We talked about the differences in the article “How does a satellite phone work?”
We are a satellite communications operator, which means we can only be compared with MSS (Mobile Satellite Communications) operators. Usually we are compared by coverage area, that is, the territory over which communications will be received, the number of satellites, and the principle of their operation.
If we talk about Iridium, our main difference from others is the unique architecture of the satellite constellation. Thanks to it, our communication is two-way and works throughout the globe, including the most remote corners of the planet, even high latitudes and poles .
When you buy an Iridium phone, you don't need to think about coverage - you buy the equipment, connect it and use it in any area of the Earth, both on land and in the seas and oceans.
Technical features of the project
During the implementation of the Lynk project, a number of serious technical problems had to be solved. So, according to Miller, one of the most difficult of them was to ensure that the satellite signal successfully “breaks through” to the target telephone set through the “noise” (radio interference) generated by other phones.
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Another challenge was the need to compensate for the Doppler effect so that any mobile phone could “see” the satellite as a fixed cellular cell. The Doppler effect, or Doppler shift, is a phenomenon named after its discoverer, the Austrian mathematician and physicist Christian Doppler, which occurs when a radiation source moves relative to a receiver (or vice versa) and involves a change in the wavelength and frequency of the signal.
Existing mobile phones and equipment from cellular operators take this physical effect into account. However, in the case of a satellite, the Doppler shift is much more significant, since the satellite moves orders of magnitude faster than even the most agile traditional mobile phone subscriber.
Lynk plans to deploy its constellation of satellites gradually. In 2022, the number of aircraft will be increased to 10 (they will move in an orbit at an altitude of 500 km), which will cover most of the earth's surface every few hours, Miller says. By 2023, their number will reach 100 and communication availability will become much better - every 5-20 minutes. For continuous operation of the network, 1.5 thousand devices will be required.
“When people have a choice between no connection at all and being connected every 15 minutes by us, we are a much better alternative,” Miller said.
Why is the Iridium grouping unique?
We have 66 active satellites: 11 each in 6 orbits. What makes the Iridium network unique is that there are communication channels between them. This allows the subscriber's signal to be transmitted from satellite to satellite to the ground station.
Thanks to this technology, we do not need a large number of terrestrial gateway stations in all areas of the world - just one station is enough to receive and transmit the signal. Currently, Iridium uses two gateways - in Russia and in the USA.
The absence of a large number of ground stations is a significant advantage of the Iridium network, since in the event of any cataclysm the ground towers will simply be washed away, the networks will be cut off and cellular operators will stop working. At such moments, the only available communication will be satellite communication. For example, in 2021, a similar situation occurred in Puerto Rico. Hurricanes Irma and Maria left more than 95% of cell sites out of service, and 77% of cell phone base stations in the Virgin Islands were down.
How SCRF liberalized the work of VSAT in Russia
In 2004, SCRF introduced the possibility of using VSAT in a simplified manner - without obtaining separate decisions of the commission and permission to use frequencies. This decision concerned the frequency bands 14.33-14.37 GHz and 14.408-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) and 10.7-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), operating with domestic satellites Yamal and Express". In this case, the transmitter power should not exceed 2 W, the EIRP value (effective isotropically radiated power) should be 50 dBW, and the antenna diameter should be no more than 2.4 m.
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Registration of a VSAT station began to be carried out on the basis of a permit issued to the owner of the central station of the corresponding satellite network. Subsequently, in 2008, the simplified procedure was extended to certain parts of the band 14 -14.399 GHz (Earth-to-space) and the bands 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 12.65-12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth) and one category of VSAT stations.
Then, in 2010, the simplified procedure was extended to the frequency bands 14.399-1.45 GHz (Earth-to-space), 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 12.5-12.275 GHz (space -Earth) and three categories of VSAT stations. Decisions from 2008 and 2010 also applied to VSAT stations operating through the Yamal and Express spacecraft.
Will an Iridium SIM card work in a smartphone?
No. This is a feature of all satellite operators: a SIM card from a certain manufacturer only works in devices of the same name. That is, Iridium SIM cards only work in Iridium phones and cannot be used in smartphones operating on cellular networks.
That’s why active travelers often choose us: today they are in Altai, where several satellite operators operate, in some places even cellular operators, and tomorrow they are off on a trip around the world. And they don't have to worry about whether they brought the right equipment or the right SIM card. One device will be enough to communicate from anywhere in the world and get help in an emergency.
Read on topic: Two stories about rescue and satellite communications
Telit SAT 550 + SIM card MTS
The satellite phone has quite impressive dimensions, a small monochrome display, and a waterproof case included. Ideal for hunting and fishing when you need to make several urgent calls.
But the main difference between this particular phone and the others is that it comes with an MTS SIM card without a monthly fee with a tariff of only 19 rubles per minute.
Telit SAT 550 will work in standby mode up to 32 hours, in talk mode - up to 3 hours.
Price: from 65,000 rubles.
pros
- Secure mounting of retractable antenna
- Durable plastic housing
- MTS SIM card
Minuses
- Impressive dimensions
“I purchased this device on the advice of fishermen I know. I was pleased with the extensive coverage radius, almost all of Russia. Let’s face it, it looks like “prehistoric”, huge size, small screen, additional row of keys. It copes well with calling functions in any area. I didn’t even have to change my phone number from my MTS SIM card.”
Telit SAT 550
Is Iridium just for travelers?
We often talk about how travelers can ensure their safety by using Iridium communications. But in reality, satellite communications are needed not only by travelers.
Workers in the oil industry, forestry industry, sailors and pilots also cannot do without satellite communications. Moreover, satellite communications can be used not only for the safety of employees, but also to control business processes.
For example, trains transport containers with cargo throughout the country and should not leave the control zone due to the lack of ground communications. In addition, with the help of our technologies, the cargo owner or carrier can control that the car was not opened on the way to its destination and that the fuel did not run out. You can also monitor the temperature inside the container.
So Iridium isn't just about phones?
No. We position ourselves as technology first.
Yes, tubes, trackers and marine terminals are our main products. But we also have modems that are not the final product. With their help, development companies and manufacturers can create a terminal to transmit any data required by the client.
For example, a company wants to monitor fuel and water levels. To do this, the developer places a small terminal with an Iridium modem in the device. When the parameter becomes higher or lower than the required level, the satellite terminal records this and the signal is sent to the data center. In the same way, you can monitor the integrity of the container. If there is a seal on a truck and someone tries to break it, the owner of the cargo will receive a warning about this.
Another example is animal monitoring. A small modem is built into the collar, which must be light so as not to cause discomfort. With its help, the owner can always find out where his herd grazes: the device transmits coordinates every 5 minutes or every hour - depending on the owner’s wishes.
Collars with a modem are also used to track the movements of wild animals, for example, Amur tigers. We talked about this in more detail in the article about environmental monitoring using Iridium technologies.
Where can I buy an Iridium phone?
We are first and foremost a telecom operator and our main task is to monitor the correct operation of gateway stations. Therefore, you cannot buy a phone on our website. You can purchase a communication device or connect to the network from our official agents. Please note that there are only five of them. Before purchasing, be sure to check whether your seller has the authority to sell our equipment and services.
It is also important that prices for equipment from our partners may differ, but the cost of communication is the same for everyone, as it is a public offer.
Globalstar Qualcomm GSP 1700
The most compact model from Globaster. The phone is available in three colors: orange, red, gray.
In standby mode, this model will work up to 36 hours. The charge will last for up to 4 hours.
Price: from 55,000 rubles.
Advantages
- Receiving calls with the antenna folded
- Ergonomics
- Display backlight
- Keypad lock
- High voice quality
Flaws
- Expensive
- Conversation is possible only in the Russian Federation
“As a lover of fishing and hunting, I need to be constantly connected in all weather conditions. To replace the one that drowned, I purchased a Globalstar Qualcomm GSP 1700. The first thing that surprised me was its small size and color LCD display. It copes with its functions, but it is possible to talk on it only in Russia. Overall, I'm happy with the purchase."
Globalstar Qualcomm GSP 1700
How is the cost of Iridium communications and technologies determined?
Iridium communications are unique. For it to work correctly anywhere on the planet, you need to spend a lot of money.
Thus, [/anchor] invested $3 billion in updating the satellite constellation in 2021. A total of 81 satellites were built, of which 75 were successfully launched into orbit. Nine of the launched satellites are in reserve on Earth, while the remaining 66 satellites are operational.
The update of the satellite constellation allowed us to begin work on the latest Iridium Certus platform. It will provide developers with a unique opportunity to create new terminals with higher speeds that will improve voice quality in telephony and transmit more data. Developments based on the Iridium Certus platform will be more cost-effective to operate.
But that's not all. Iridium has become the second operator of GMDSS services, or GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), an international system created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and designed to rescue seafarers in distress. It consists of satellite communications systems that relay disaster information to rescue coordination centers around the world that oversee search and rescue efforts.
Before becoming an official satellite service provider, Iridium spent more than four years evaluating IMSO to demonstrate its ability to comply with the organization's requirements and ensure maritime safety.
Iridium CEO Matt Desch and IMSO CEO Capt. Moin Ahmed at the Letter of Compliance ceremony.
These are just the largest stages of our development over the past couple of years. In addition, efforts and resources are invested daily in maintaining interface stations, developing and testing new solutions, equipment certification, company development and communication quality. This kind of work simply cannot be cheap.
