GlobalStar: Satellite Phone & “SatFi” Hotspot

Digital CDMA Signal: GlobalStar uses very low orbiting satellites which makes them extremely well suited for voice communication. When we lived in Mexico, to save on that old $5.95 a minute cost, we used VOIP phone service via our DirecPC satellite for personal calls. You had to say “over” after you finished your statement because the distance between the satellite and the dish caused a tremendous latency. There would be a delay of 2 – 4 seconds between the voice being sent, and when it was received. Unlike microwave-based communication, all you need with a CDMA system is a short antenna. CDMA is not directional, so you can walk around freely, as long as you have a clear view of the sky. If you want to use the sat-phone indoors or in your car, truck, or RV, you need an outside antenna.

I wrote this tech section for tech types, not JPL/NASA Satellite Engineers like Jenny, who require the information contained in the links below to be happy. Here are the links Jenny found for you super nerds.

• Wikipedia
• All About Satellite
• Types of Satellite Communication
• GlobalStar Satellite Phone Service
• Deep Space Network Antennas

A Fond Memory

Pictured here is the original Qualcomm/GlobalStar Dual Mode Satellite/Cell Phone we purchased in 2002.

When we were in Mexico, in addition to our software project, Jenny and I had a high-tech company that retailed the Hughes satellite and DirecPC dishes and services, as well as commercial satellite dishes and services throughout Mexico. Jenny was a JPL DSN engineer, and one of the engineers who designed, manufactured and installed the upgrade from 64 meters to 70 meters for the three DSN satellite dishes located in California, Australia and Spain. These satellite dishes receive the messages from deep space probes like Voyager, that send us back those fantastic pictures of our solar system. We hope you can benefit from our travel and experience, and connect wherever you are, and whenever you need to.

Jenny and I hope that you found this article both informative and interesting. If you are considering extended phone services, we hope that this information can both aid you in making your decision, and save you some BIG money.

Thank you for visiting our website,

Jenny and Jesse