A satellite phone operates by communicating directly with orbiting satellites, rather than relying on terrestrial cell towers. Signals are transmitted to a satellite, which then relays the communication to another satellite or a ground station, ultimately connecting the caller to the desired recipient. This enables voice and data communication in areas where traditional cellular infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable.
This type of communication device is particularly valuable in remote locations, during emergencies, and in situations where terrestrial networks are compromised. Its use has a long history, evolving from early bulky devices to more portable and efficient models, providing critical connectivity for maritime operations, disaster relief efforts, and resource exploration in isolated areas.