Mobile Devices

Video: Verizon educates consumers on SATCOM

07 February 2025

Verizon is continuing its program to inform its consumers regarding the benefits of cellular satellite communication (SATCOM).

Why? The telecom is heavily investing in SATCOM due to the technology likely becoming a key element of future cellular communications and 6G. The earlier consumers understand what SATCOM is and the benefits of the technology, the more likely they will demand it in future smartphones or, at the very least, be willing to pay for it.

So, what are the benefits?

The biggest is range extension and remote communications. SATCOM is not limited by cell towers, nor does it get impacted by elevation or obstacles. SATCOM allows users to stay connected regardless of where they travel — whether it be mountaintops, forests, offshore or even in the air or on the seas.

Other benefits include:

  • Disaster recovery/emergency communications
  • Real-time monitoring of assets
  • Driving the use of sensor networks
  • Mobile banking and retail
  • Faster speed
  • Lower costs
  • Higher levels of integration
To contact the author of this article, email PBrown@globalspec.com


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Discussion – 1 comment

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Re: Video: Verizon educates consumers on SATCOM
#1
2025-Feb-07 8:17 PM

But SATCOM is affected by obstacles. You need a clear view of the sky and a sufficiently dense constellation of satellites such that as one satellite is passing out of view, another one is coming into view and the network can hand off the connection from one to the other.

I'm sure it's better now, but twenty-something years ago, Iridium calls were notoriously unreliable in Afghanistan. You would get a call connected, but in a couple of minutes or so, the satellite would pass out of view and the call would not be successfully handed off to the next satellite that was currently in view. The more mountain ranges around you, the worse it was. It was better than nothing at all but the more clear sky you had, the better your chance of keeping your connection.

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