The generator panic did not end and a new trend has already emerged: A flood of people interested in purchasing satellite phones, out of fear of the collapse of the cellular communication systems in Israel. This is a relatively new technology that local authorities have recently been equipped with, but has also spread to the private market and to many consumers who are interested in a gadget that you are not sure you really need.
"The panic for a satellite phone began in October with the beginning of the fighting" says Dr. Oded Lebanon, Dr. of Biology and Ecology and the pioneer of satellite phones in Israel. A Lebanese lover of extreme sports, and in the past managed the situation room of the Ministry of Education, that's when the need for satellite communication first arose. He began importing the first satellite phones to Israel, and has since become the main distributor in Israel of the field.
Lebanon says that the interest is mainly from business owners who fear the collapse of communications in Israel and the inability to continue doing business with entities abroad: "Large companies have begun to equip themselves with satellite communications, either with the phones themselves, or with devices that also allow surfing. But this is not a cheap business, which not everyone can afford."
Dr. Levanoni explains that the main concern that leads to interest is the collapse of cellular communications, not precisely due to a barrage of missiles, but a load of calls: "From our experience in places where there are major disasters, earthquakes or tsunamis, is that everyone tries to call and the network collapses. During the tsunami in Thailand it was not possible to make contact for several days because of that collapse. Sometimes entire regions are cut off from communication for a very long time. For business owners, this can be very problematic."
So what exactly is a satellite phone, what types exist, how does it work, and what is the damage to the pocket? With the help of Dr. Lebanon, here are all the answers to all the questions:
What is the difference between a cell phone and a satellite phone?
A cellular network is built on communication between the mobile phones and many terrestrial antennas. Unlike it, a satellite network connects the satellite phone to satellites moving in the sky.
Which satellites are we talking about?
There are two types of satellites that communicate with the satellite phones: Those in a low orbit, which move at an altitude of about 700 kilometers at high speed, and circle the earth in about four hours, and those at a high altitude of 36 thousand kilometers, which are at a fixed point and cover a certain area of the earth.
Which companies operate the satellites?
About five large companies and another five medium to small companies launch satellites and operate satellite communication networks. Each company has different types of satellites, a number of different satellites covering different areas of the earth, and accordingly also a different quality of satellite communication.
What satellite communication products are there?
The basic product is called Messenger: It is a device that allows sending SMS and e-mails only, without calls. The cost of the messenger device is about 1,000 to 2,000 shekels, and the monthly subscription fee is about 90 shekels a month.A satellite phone that most people are interested in, allows you to make and receive calls. The cost of such a device ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 shekels, a more sophisticated model also includes a modem component that also allows receiving data that enables low-speed Wi-Fi transmission. The expensive product is a modem that allows medium speed Wi-Fi transmission, and costs 4,000 to 8,000 dollars.
What is the cost of the subscription after purchasing the device?
The messenger model subscription for messages only costs about NIS 90 per month. Cell phone subscription varies according to different packages, with the cheapest monthly price ranging from 250 to 350 shekels per month for 10 to 30 minutes of conversation.
What are the disadvantages of satellite phones?
Using a satellite phone will require you to be outside: Unlike a short wavelength of cellular communication that can pass through buildings and even through iron and concrete, satellite phones use a long wavelength that does not pass inside a building and therefore the satellite device must be in the line of sight of the satellite, i.e. under the sky. Even in a crowded city, it is sometimes difficult for a satellite device to receive the satellite above it, and it is necessary to move to improve the reception. There are those who choose to install an external antenna to the building, which costs 600 to 1800 dollars, and enables better satellite reception.In the event of a complete collapse of cellular communication in Israel, it is necessary that the person you want to call also have a satellite phone.
Is it possible to turn the iPhone or Android into a satellite phone?
The technology currently embedded in smart phones will only allow satellite text to be sent in the future. It is assumed that in the future the new phones will make it possible to turn your iPhone or Android into a satellite phone as well.