Portable Satellite Phone
<p>Portable satellite phone have an advantage over terrestrial based phone systems both in disaster usability and remote location coverage. Not only is terrestrial service vulnerable to disaster, it is sometimes not even available prior to disaster. While the average worldwide landline density is around 50% and approximately 70% of the world"s population is in a mobile service area, this still leaves a significant portion not served by terrestrial communications.
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Consequently, many crisis managers are now recommending satellite phones as part of a crisis preparation package. Satellite phones are considered a part of emergency equipment and as such all actors must be fitted with a satellite phone or staff have access to a portable satellite phone It is important that staff check that their satellite phone is working and is fully charged when there are natural disasters to maintain communication with management and services. Consideration to take satellite phones when travelling long distances is highly recommended.
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Satellite phones fitted in vehicles should be operational and turned on during travel. This enables staff to be contacted while travelling should this be necessary. Staff must only use a satellite phone when conventional phones or mobile services are unavailable. This includes emergency situations and for contacting relevant personnel, such as family, colleagues, or management to update travel itinerary. Satellite phones must not be used for personal calls. Instructions for the use of the satellite phone should be kept with the phone with a list of emergency numbers. Emergency numbers
may also be programmed into the satellite phone if appropriate.
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Depending on the satellite systems and type of portable satellite phone, it can be operational immediately anywhere in the world without expert technical staff. The main companies in the market are Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya and Globalstar. Some of these companies offer global coverage and some of them regional coverage. As with communications systems in general, the portable satellite phone offer great and robust services, higher reliability, faster delivery communications and a wide range of other features and options as data / SMS transmissions worldwide.