Those seeking off-the-grid communication will gravitate towards either ham radios or satellite phones. While, in the past, ham radios were the go-to option for those that found themselves out of range of cell service, satellite networks are expanding. Satellite phones are cheaper than ever before. But, which one is better? Is there a difference between the two?
On this page, we want to pit ham radio vs satellite phone and help you to decide which option may be the better one for your needs.
How They Work
We aren’t going to get too scientific here. Instead, we want to give you an overview of how each method of technology works. This way, you can see that there are some major differences between ham radios and satellite phones.
Ham radios use basic radio technology. When you send out an audio signal from your ham radio, it will be converted to radio signals. Any radio tuned to the same frequency in the nearby area will be able to pick up those radio signals and hear you.
Satellite phones use satellites that are circling the planet. When you make a call using your satellite phone, that signal will be sent up to a satellite. The satellite will then send it to wherever it needs to be. This will normally mean that the signal bounces around between satellites and, ultimately, ends up in the standard phone network. Honestly, a satellite phone isn’t too dissimilar from a cell phone. The only major difference is that the satellite phone uses satellites and cell phones use cell towers.
Range
The range of ham radio is just a few miles. While there are some ways to boost the signal, you shouldn’t do it. Amateur ham radio licensing prohibits signal boosting.
The range of a satellite phone is virtually unlimited. With a satellite phone, you can make calls to anywhere in the world.
Communication Method
Both radios use a two-way communication method. This means that you make a call and somebody listens in.
With ham radio, you are sending a signal out there. Anybody that is tuned into that frequency can listen in on the audio. Only people with a ham radio can listen and respond.
A satellite phone is no different from a cell phone. You make a call to somebody. You will need their phone number. Only the person that you call can speak to you.
In addition to this, a satellite phone also offers one-way communication. Just like with a cell phone, you can use a satellite phone to send SMS messages.
Licensing Requirements
You will need to be licensed to use a ham radio. In the United States, licensing is carried out by the FCC. If you transmit without a license then you will be breaking the law.
There is no need to pay for a license for a satellite phone. As long as you have a subscription to the satellite phone service, then you can make calls (more on that part in a short while).
Security
Satellite phones are much more secure than ham radios. With a satellite phone, only those that you directly call will be able to speak to you. With a ham radio, anybody can listen in as long as they are tuned to the same frequency.
That being said, in some situations, less security is better. If you are in the middle of nowhere and want to send out an SOS signal, then anybody close by with a ham radio switched on can hear you. You can’t do that will a satellite phone. You have to call a specific number, and you may not always be able to find somebody close by.
Infrastructure Requirements
Ham radios just work. As long as there is another ham radio in the nearby area, then that ham radio can pick up the audio signal. It is as simple as that. There is no middleman. Ham radio relies on good old-fashioned radio waves. If infrastructure goes down in an emergency, then you can rest assured that your ham radio will keep working.
The same cannot be said for a satellite phone. A satellite phone requires a subscription to a satellite phone service provider. If you don’t have a subscription, you can’t make calls. Since many satellite phones are tied to one provider, you best hope that this provider doesn’t go out of business. If it does, you have nothing more than an expensive paperweight.
If key infrastructure goes down e.g. phone cables, cellphone towers, etc. then your satellite phone is going to be good as useless.
Ham Radio vs Satellite Phone: Which Is Better?
Both ham radios and satellite phones do a great job. Most people looking for off-the-grid communication would do well to have both of them in their arsenal. But, what if you can only choose one?
Ham radio is going to be fantastic for those that need to communicate when critical infrastructure goes down. This is because ham radio does not rely on any external infrastructure. You will often find ham radios used extensively by survivalists for this very reason.
Satellite phones are going to be better when you want something that acts and functions in much the same way as a cell phone. This means that they may work best when you are traveling to far-flung destinations or hiking in large areas of wilderness. While they may be of some use in a survival or emergency, they will be useless if critical infrastructure goes down.
This is before you even consider the security issues. Never communicate secure information over ham radio. You should be fine communicating that information over a satellite phone.
So, which one is right for you? Think about your reasons for owning an off-the-grid communication device. Once you have worked out your reasons, it should be fairly easy to decide between the two.
