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Science & Tech.
Mahesh

04/09/22 18:36 PM IST

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

In News 
  • Google has confirmed that its Android 14 will support Satellite Connectivity.
Satellite V/s Cellular Phones
  • Unlike the Cellular networks that depend on cellular towers, the Satellite connectivity provides communication services through satellites.
  • The multi-network triangulation network model of Satellite connectivity helps network reach in the remotest part of the world where the cellular networks, at times, may not be available
  • The satellite connectivity will help scale up the internet availability and prevent spotty coverage of network as do not rely on land-based towers. They transmit signals via satellites orbiting the earth offering a wide coverage.
  • Unlike cellular networks, which rely on cellular towers in your vicinity, satellite phones have the advantage of working in remote areas.
  • These devices are useful when you’re in regions with bad network coverage and need to contact for help immediately.
  • Instances can include anything from you getting lost on a solo hike in the mountains to being part of a ship in the middle of the sea.
  • Satellite phones will also work in case of a large-scale power outage.
Working Phone Satellite 
  • To use a satellite phone, you will need three things – a satellite phone, a satellite connectivity network, and a significant budget, because using a satellite phone is expensive.
  • There are a few satellite connectivity providers.
  • These are Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya and Globalstar.
  • Apple is reportedly partnering with the latter to bring the feature to its iPhone 14-series.
  • Unlike using a regular cell phone or smartphone, where you can switch SIM services immediately by swapping out your SIM cards, satellite phones will work on a single network only. So, if you buy an Iridium phone, it will only work on the Iridium network.
Legal Issues in India 
  • No satellite phone can be brought into the country from overseas.
  • If you need to use a satellite phone inside the country, you must purchase it in India from an authorised distributor.
  • Importing a satellite phone can, however, be allowed provided you have legal permission from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
  • The Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 mentions that “no person shall possess wireless telegraphy apparatus except under and in accordance with a licence issued under this Act.
  • The use of Thuraya and Iridium satellite phones has also been banned in India after the 2011 Mumbai terrorist attack, and a DGS (Directorate General of Shipping) circular prevents satellite phones from these manufacturers from being used in India.
  • While this does leave Inmarsat phones for usage, one must obtain legal permits from the DoT and any other concerned authorities for the same.
  • The ban also extends to dual-connectivity phones (devices that use both satellite and GSM connectivity) and sat-sleeves (devices that adapt a regular phone for satellite connectivity), as per a Gard report.
Source- Indian Express 

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