The recent launch of the Huawei Mate 60 Pro, equipped with satellite calling capabilities, has generated significant excitement. At first glance, this development might suggest that satellite communication is poised to become more potent, potentially even rivaling the capabilities of traditional terrestrial mobile networks in the near future. However, this note aims to delve into the intricacies and challenges that make it extremely difficult, if not nearly impossible, to equip mobile phones with satellite calling and data capabilities that can fully replicate the functionality of conventional terrestrial networks.
GSO or NGSO?
Satellite networks can be designed to work in two different configurations of satellites – Geostationary and Non Geostationary. The former revolves around the earth at its rotational rate of 24 hours and therefore appears stationary to an observer. Whereas the latter revolves around the earth at much faster rates and therefore appears in motion. A satellite in a Geostationary Orbit (GSO) needs to be at a height of 36,000 km and those in NGSO can be anything as low as 300 km to something even higher.
