| Satellite telecommunications systems are usually required in areas where the local infrastructure has been damaged, is unreliable or does not exist. In areas where infrastructure is limited or damage has been severe, satellite communication systems become essential for both voice and data transfer. In areas where local landline and cell phone systems exist but are unreliable, satellite systems are an important back-up system. Several types of satellite communications systems are described in this section. See Annex 20.10 Comparison chart on satellite terminals.
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Satellite equipment (all systems)
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| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Useable when all ground-based systems are not operating or damaged
- Useable in any location
- Easy to learn
- Easy to carry to an emergency
- Cheap to use with careful use
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- Can only be used in open areas or with an external antenna
- Can be expensive
- May be subject to government regulations
- Recharge cards must be carried with the phone/terminal
- Can only be called when the unit is set up and on standby
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Satellite hand phones (for example, Iridium, Thuraya)
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| Satellite hand phones are essential in areas where the local infrastructure has been damaged, is unreliable or does not exist. In emergency situations where infrastructure is limited or damage has been severe, satellite hand phones are essential for voice communications. In areas where local landline and cell phone systems exist but are unreliable, satellite systems are an important back-up system. There are several types of satellite hand phones, of which the two major systems are described below. |
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Iridium satellite phones are used world-wide
- Thuraya satellite phones are cheaper and useful in Africa and the Middle East
- Small and easy to carry
- Easy to learn how to use
- Can connect to the internet for basic text-only emails (avoid attachments)
- Vehicle and office kits are available for some models
- Very cheap when used within the one system
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- Easy for users to block the signal by standing too close to buildings
- Thuraya battery life is short-spare batteries are essential
- Expensive to call outside the system
- Very slow internet connection
- Not useful for sending email attachments
- May be subject to government restrictions
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RBGAN portable satellite internet terminals
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| Current portable satellite communication systems are very light and convenient to use. Some systems are only half the size and weight of a typical laptop. The basic unit offers a reasonable internet connection. The BGAN systems offer simultaneous internet and telephone services with acceptable internet connection speed, and are capable of connecting to user PCs wirelessly. Internet connections are expensive, and must be used with care to avoid high usage costs. Automatic updates must be disabled on all PCs connected to these terminals. Both systems offer good coverage. See Annex 20.10 Comparison chart on satellite terminals. |
VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)
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| A permanently fixed satellite dish about 1 m in diameter is used for internet connections and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone calls. This is typically installed after the initial emergency response, due to difficulties with logistics and installation. Depending on the system and the location, the costs can vary from very cheap to very expensive. |
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Long-term reliability
- Good quality connection
- High speed is available
- VoIP – phone services available
- Many users can connect at one time
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- Costs vary greatly depending on location and service providers
- Difficult to install
- Cannot be moved easily
- Support can be difficult to obtain
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Other operational considerations:
Government restrictions
- Use or import of satellite technologies can be restricted, so always check government regulations.
Selecting from equipment options (Iridium, Thuraya, BGAN, Nera, VSAT, etc.)
- Different brands and service providers of equipment all provide slightly different facilities. Be sure to procure the most appropriate unit for the context. For more information see Annex 20.10 Comparison chart on satellite terminals.
- Different facilities are available with different BGAN units. You need to compare the most current units to decide on what best suits your needs. Ease of set up and use by multiple team members are important factors.
Using satellite systems
- All satellite equipment must have a clear view of the sky. Standing outside and beside a building is not good enough-the antenna must have an unobstructed view of all of the sky.
- It is strongly recommended that satellite phones are used with a hands-free earpiece. The user is then able to continually monitor the signal strength when moving and talking.
- In the case of the BGAN terminals, the unit must be aligned in the correct direction and elevation at all times.
Costs
- Satellite terminals and hand phones can be very expensive to operate. However, when used carefully, the cost will be reasonable.
- Remember that the cost is like an expensive international call – even if you’re physically in the same country as the person you’re calling
- Where possible, use the same system for calls to other CARE phones. This will reduce costs and improve the ease of connection. Calls between satellite phones are much lower than calls to a landline.
- Internet using portable satellite connections is expensive. A 15 Mb download (for example, antivirus definition files) will cost approximately tens of dollars. A 4 Mb photograph will cost more than USD20. It is very important to disable ‘automatic updates’ on all PCs using portable satellite terminals, as unnecessary costs will be incurred.
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