Why Satellite Devices Need a Clear View of the Sky

One of the most important things to understand about satellite communication is also one of the simplest:

Your device needs to be able to “see” the sky.

If you have ever switched on a satellite phone or communicator and wondered why it was taking longer than expected to connect, the device itself may not be the problem. Where you are standing can make a huge difference.

Unlike a regular cell phone, which connects to nearby towers on the ground, a satellite device communicates with satellites above the Earth. Buildings, mountains, dense tree cover and other obstacles can get in the way of that connection.

Understanding this simple principle can make satellite equipment much easier to use, particularly when you need it most.

How Does a Satellite Device Connect?

A cell phone normally communicates with terrestrial cell towers positioned around towns, cities and along transportation routes. Satellite equipment works differently. When you make a satellite phone call, send a message from a satellite communicator or transmit a tracking point, your device sends a signal toward satellites overhead.

That means there needs to be a sufficiently clear path between the antenna on your device and the satellite. This is commonly referred to as line of sight.

You don't literally need to be able to see a satellite. You simply need to give your device as unobstructed a view of the sky as possible.

What Can Block a Satellite Signal?

Anything positioned between your device and the sky has the potential to make satellite communication more difficult.

Buildings

Trying to use a handheld satellite device from deep inside a building is unlikely to give it the view of the sky it needs. Even outdoors, standing immediately beside a large building can restrict how much of the sky is visible to your device. If you're struggling to connect, moving into a more open area may help.

Dense Trees

A few branches overhead don't necessarily mean your device will stop working, but heavy tree cover can make satellite reception more difficult. If you're in dense woodland, look for a clearing or another location with a wider view of the sky.

Mountains and Canyons

Mountainous terrain can be particularly challenging. If you're at the bottom of a steep valley or canyon, a significant portion of the sky may be blocked by the terrain surrounding you.

Garmin, for example, advises that an inReach device located in a canyon with a very restricted view of the sky can experience poor or even unavailable GPS and satellite reception, and recommends moving somewhere with a more open view where possible.

Vehicles

The body and roof of a vehicle can also obstruct satellite signals. Some satellite equipment can be used with external antennas designed for vehicle installations, but handheld devices generally perform best when their antenna has a clear view outside.

If you're using a portable satellite phone or communicator, always follow the manufacturer's guidance for your particular device.

Does This Mean Satellite Devices Only Work in Perfectly Open Areas?

You don't necessarily need to be standing in the middle of a completely empty field every time you want to send a message. Satellite devices are used every day in forests, mountains, at sea and in other challenging environments.

The important thing is to understand that the more sky your device can see, the better chance it has of establishing and maintaining a connection.

If you're experiencing difficulty, changing your position by even a relatively short distance can sometimes give your device a much clearer view.

What About Different Satellite Networks?

Not every satellite network operates in exactly the same way.

Some networks use constellations of satellites moving across the sky, while others use satellites that appear fixed in a particular part of the sky.

That means the ideal antenna position and operating procedure can vary between devices and networks.

For example, Garmin confirms that its inReach devices require a clear view of the sky to transmit messages and tracking points over the Iridium satellite network.

The safest approach is always to familiarize yourself with your particular device before relying on it remotely.

How to Get the Best Satellite Connection

If your satellite phone or communicator is struggling to connect, start with the basics:

• Go outside where your device has access to the sky.

• Move away from buildings and other large structures where possible.

• Look for open ground if you're beneath dense tree cover.

• Move away from steep terrain or canyon walls if it is safe to do so.

• Position the antenna correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Keep the device properly oriented while it is attempting to communicate.

• Give it time to acquire the satellite network.

• Test your equipment before your trip, rather than learning how to use it when you urgently need it.

For satellite communicators in particular, keeping the device somewhere exposed rather than buried deep inside a backpack can also improve its opportunity to communicate with satellites.

Test Before You Need It

Satellite equipment is often bought for situations where conventional communications may not be available.

That could mean:

• Remote travel

• Hiking and expeditions

• Maritime use

• Emergency preparedness

• Field operations

• Lone working

• Areas affected by natural disasters or cellular outages

Those aren't situations where you want to be reading the instruction manual for the first time.

Before heading somewhere remote, switch the device on, go outside and make sure you know how to establish a connection, make a call or send a message.

If you use a satellite communicator such as an inReach, testing the satellite service beforehand is particularly worthwhile. Garmin itself instructs users performing an inReach service test to take the device outside with a clear view of the sky.

Need Reliable Communication Beyond Cellular Coverage?

OSAT supplies satellite phones, communicators and tracking devices for remote travel, outdoor adventure, professional operations and emergency preparedness.

Whether you need voice communications, two-way messaging, tracking or SOS functionality, our range includes equipment designed to keep you connected beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks.