Satellite Phones Surge in Demand During Israel’s Conflict: How They Work and What Are the Costs

In the aftermath of the conflict in Israel, the demand for satellite phones has skyrocketed. As a Lebanese expert in Biology and Ecology with experience managing the situation room of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Oded Levanoni recognized the need for satellite communication early on. Since then, he has become a leading marketer of this technology in Israel.

According to Dr. Levanoni, the primary concern driving interest in satellite phones is not a direct threat such as a missile attack but rather the possibility of cellular communication networks collapsing due to a high volume of calls during major disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis. This lack of communication can be extremely problematic for business owners who rely on it to conduct business with entities abroad.

So, what exactly is a satellite phone, how does it work, and what are the costs involved? Dr. Levanoni breaks it down by explaining that satellite phones use different types of satellites than cellular communication networks and are operated by different companies. He discusses various products available in the market and notes that purchasing a satellite phone requires clear line-of-sight access to the satellite and monthly subscription fees to use the service.

One disadvantage of satellite phones is that they require outdoor usage due to their reliance on clear line-of-sight access to the satellite. Unlike cellular communication that can penetrate buildings, satellite communication signals do not pass through structures, which limits its usability in certain environments. To make calls during complete collapse of cellular communication networks both parties must have access to a satellite phone.

While current smartphones are not capable of functioning as satellite phones, Dr. Levanoni believes that future advancements in technology may allow for integration of satellite communication capabilities into smartphones potentially expanding its accessibility to a wider audience in future years