Globalstar GSP-1700 | The smallest satellite phone

Thursday, November 23, 2006

When someone mentions satellite phone you immediately think about a big and coarse phone? In the past you would be right but as the technology evolves it’s time to rethink our idea about satellite phones. Do you want a proof? Then let me introduce you the Globalstar latest satellite phone: the GSP-1700.

According to the manufacturer it is the smallest and lightest satellite handset. Certainly it’s lighter than Globalstar current offering with only 200 grams of weight (including the battery). And always compared with its predecessor it is half the size (135x55x37 mm).

It is a big step toward making, externally, satellite phone similar to their cell counterpart. The only difference will obviously be the bigger antenna needed to communicate with orbiting satellites rather than with closer cells. Luckily the antenna is retractable so it will not be an hindrance when carrying the satellite phone.

Speaking of antenna the GSP-1700 is able to connect to the Globalstar satellite network from almost everywhere (more than 120 countries and six continents). According to the specifications the GSP-1700 is also quite resistant to severe weather conditions because it is operations from -4 to +131 degrees Fahrenheit.

In every condition and in every world region you are almost certain to be able to use the satellite phone to call, receive or send faxes, e-mails or any other available service.

The GSP-1700 has a four hours of talk time and ten hours of standby time. Other features include an address book capable of holding up to 99 entries and the always useful option to hide those numbers making them private.