Dual-band, Tri-band And Satellite Mobile Phones, Are These All Basically The Same?

Not quite, although they all operate as both a satellite phone and as a mobile phone combined to give greater flexibility and the ability to keep running costs down.

Handsets operate automatically as normal fixed mast mobile phone until you enter an area where there is no coverage. The handset then switches automatically into satellite mode even if you are on a call at the time. The result is the convenience and security of always available communications no matter where you are.

An added bonus is that a multi-band satellite phone will operate at sea and in the air, not to mention just about anywhere you might consider going on holiday.

The dual and tri-band designations refer to the number of communications methods available: GSM and satellite, and for tri-band models, GSM, satellite and GRPS. Multi-band handsets also include GPS enables users to receive information based on their location such as their exact latitude and longitude for navigation, real time driving directions or even details of the nearest restaurant or cinema.