What Are Satellite Hotspots? | Symmetry Blog
About Cobus Heukelman
In our previous piece “Satellite vs Cellular” we looked at some of the advantages offered by satellite communication. For applications such as asset tracking and emergency response it makes sense to have dedicated devices for that purpose. But what if you just want to send an email on your notebook or check your social media accounts on your smartphone? That’s where satellite hotspots are a very elegant solution. A satellite hotspot is similar to your home WiFi router, but instead of getting its internet connection through fiber or cable, it connects via satellite.
I should probably mention at this point that satellite hotspots cannot compete with fiber when it comes to connection speeds, so don’t go exchanging your home router for a satellite hotspot. These devices are for applications where there is either no cable or cellular connection, or where the device needs to travel frequently and cannot change networks with every new location.
For information on what LEO satellites are and the advantages that they offer, see our article “LEO vs. MEO vs. GEO Satellites: What's the Difference?”
Let’s look at some of Globalstar’s satellite hotspots and compare the different features they offer.
Sat-Fi
Globalstar’s original satellite hotspot. Designed for fixed installations, it uses an external cable mount satellite antenna.
- Crystal-clear voice quality. No “tunnel sound” or voice delay.
- Utilizes Globalstar’s fastest data speeds. 4 times faster than any other mobile satellite company
- US-based phone number. Direct dialling of 911 services right out the box
- Connect up to 8 devices to Sat-Fi at one time
Sat-Fi2
Mobile version of the Sat-Fi, featuring an onboard satellite antenna and built-in lithium battery. The wall adapter gives you the option of using it as a fixed installation.
- Sat-Browse, powered by Yippy, gives you compressed data for faster web browsing with speeds up to 72 kbps
- Dust, water and shock resistant
- Built-in rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 28 hours on standby and up to 2 hours of talk time
- Connect up to 8 devices to your own private satellite network
- The antenna is attached to the device which makes it portable, mobile and lightweight
- U.S. based 10 digit phone number with direct dialing to 911 services
Globalstar 9600
For customers who already have a Globalstar satellite phone and want to turn it into a satellite hotspot.
- Productivity - Uses the industry's fastest data speeds, allowing you to send more in less time, saving airtime costs
- Portability - Light weight and small enough to fit in your pocket, with 4 hours of battery life
- Affordable - No additional cost, uses your existing Globalstar airtime plan minutes
- Easily send and receive emails and post to social media from any Wi-Fi enabled device
- Conveniently use existing device contacts via the Sat-Fi App
- Works With GSP-1700, GSP-1600 (additional cables required) and GSP-2900 (additional cables required)
| Sat-Fi | Sat-Fi2 | 9600 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi range | 100 ft | 100 ft | 30 ft |
| Battery life: usage | - | 2 hours | 4 hours |
| Battery life: standby | - | 28 hours | 36 hours |
| Satellite antenna | External | Built-in | - |
| Number of WiFi connections | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| SatFi App for Android and iOS | X | X | X |
| Portable | X | X | |
| US based 10 digit phone number | X | X | |
| Dust, water and shock resistant | |||
| Voice calls | X | X | X |
| Data | X | X | X |
| Use with existing satellite phone | X |