Do satellite phones work exactly the same way as cell phones?
The major difference between using a satellite phone and using a cell phone is that the antenna of your satellite phone must have a clear line of sight to the sky. Satellite phones work best when used outside without obstructions (tall buildings, mountains, trees etc). In towns and cities, inside buildings or around built up areas, it can be difficult to get a clear line of sight to the satellite, and signal strength may weaken.