Satellite phones, unlike terrestrial mobile phones that rely on a network of cell towers, communicate directly with orbiting satellites. This fundamental difference in infrastructure also leads to a distinct way they obtain their unique phone numbers. The process involves international agreements, specific numbering plans allocated to satellite networks, and registration with the satellite service provider.
Here's a breakdown of how satellite phones get their unique phone numbers, keeping in mind the global context and potential relevance to users in Dhaka, Bangladesh:
1. International Agreements and ITU Allocation:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency that coordinates global telecom operations, plays a crucial role in allocating country codes and numbering resources.
For satellite phone networks, the ITU has assigned specific country codes or network codes that are distinct from those used for geographic landline and mobile networks. These codes identify the calls as originating from or terminating to a satellite phone within a particular satellite system.
For example, the Inmarsat system uses the country afghanistan mobile phone number list code +870. Other satellite networks like Iridium and Globalstar also have their own unique numbering prefixes or country codes allocated by the ITU. These prefixes ensure that calls to and from satellite phones can be routed correctly across the global telecommunications infrastructure.
2. Satellite Network Operator's Numbering Plan:
Each satellite phone network operator (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium, Globalstar) develops its own internal numbering plan based on the ITU-allocated codes.
These numbering plans define the structure and length of the phone numbers within their respective networks. They also manage the allocation of specific number ranges to subscribers.
The numbering plan ensures that each satellite phone activated within their system receives a globally unique identifier. This is essential because satellite phones can be used in virtually any location on Earth covered by the satellite constellation.
3. SIM Card or Terminal Identification:
Similar to terrestrial mobile phones, satellite phones often use a SIM card that contains the subscriber's unique identification information, including their assigned phone number. When the SIM is activated on the satellite network, the phone number is associated with that specific SIM and user account.
In some satellite phone systems, the phone number might be directly linked to the terminal's IMEI-like identifier (International Mobile Equipment Identity). When the terminal is activated with the service provider, a unique phone number is assigned to that specific piece of hardware.
4. Registration with the Service Provider:
To obtain a phone number for a satellite phone, a user needs to subscribe to the services of a satellite network operator or one of their authorized resellers.
During the registration process, the user provides their details, and the service provider assigns an available phone number from their allocated range to the user's SIM card or terminal.
The assigned phone number will typically include the ITU-allocated country or network code for that specific satellite system, followed by a subscriber-specific number. For instance, an Inmarsat phone number will always start with +870.
5. Global Uniqueness:
A key principle in assigning satellite phone numbers is global uniqueness. Since a satellite phone can potentially be used anywhere within the satellite's coverage area, its phone number must be unique across the entire network, regardless of the user's physical location at any given time.
In summary, satellite phones get their unique phone numbers through a process involving international allocation by the ITU, the satellite network operator's specific numbering plan, association with a SIM card or terminal identifier, and registration with the service provider. The resulting phone numbers are globally unique, reflecting the worldwide nature of satellite communication. For a user in Dhaka needing a satellite phone for remote communication, the number they receive will follow this global system, starting with the specific country or network code of the satellite service they subscribe to.
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