Getting Serious About Sat-Phone Service

The FCC is getting serious about defining spectrum - and usage guidelines, for consumers’ use of satellites in emergencies.

A recent move by the FCC means that increasing numbers of smartphone users may discover what hams already know: that when there's no terrestrial service, additional coverage is readily available from satellites.

Smartphones may soon have a direct connection to satellites when necessary, following a move by the US Federal Communications Commission to set out guidelines for such service. While space-based connections are already a reality on a limited basis with Apple phones and are in the works for T-Mobile, SpaceX, Qualcomm and Iridium, guidelines are still needed to sort out the rules for broader implementation. A recent draft document by the FCC seeks to explore this kind of supplemental service and how it would work.

The FCC said in a news release that this would require agency authorization for terrestrial-based providers so they could provide licensed operation on a part of the spectrum reserved for them. Phones would switch to the satellite signal when no other signal is available.

Essex Ham Annual Survey

Each year, we run an Essex Ham member survey. This year, we're using this to ask questions about our national society, the RSGB. Are you a member? What RSGB services do you use? Do they offer value for money? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Essex Ham 2023 Survey - https://www.essexham.co.uk/limesurvey/index.php