Countries Where Satellite Phones Are Banned or Restricted

[Hamartia Antidote]

Interesting that the Iranians aren't on this list

https://apollosat.com/knowledgebase/countries-where-satellite-phones-are-banned-or-restricted/

Bangladesh, China, Cuba, India, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Republic of Chad, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan


Bangladesh

Possessing a satellite phone is illegal in Bangladesh and can lead to jail time. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh with any questions.

China

It’s illegal to have a satellite phone in China, and many other GPS devices are also deemed suspicious. If you’re traveling to China, consider using your regular phone – cell phone service and Internet access are both good in China, even in remote areas, and you can easily order a China SIM card before your trip. Note that many websites you usually use may be blocked, like Google and some social media platforms. Contact the Chinese Embassy with any questions.

Cuba
Many electronics are forbidden in Cuba, including satellite phones. You cannot bring or ship a satellite phone into Cuba unless you have a permit from the Cuban Ministry of Informatics and Communications. Cuba restricts the use of satellite phones because they’re seen as tools for subversive purposes; being caught with one can lead to arrest, time in prison, or an espionage charge.

India

In India, only satellite phones using the Inmarsat network are allowed, and you must get permission before your trip from the Department of Telecommunications. If you’re caught with an unapproved satellite phone, you may be arrested.

Libya
In 2011, Libya banned satellite phones made by the Thuraya company; if you’re caught with one, you could be arrested for espionage. Currently, though, the law is unclear and subject to circumstance, so it’s best to contact the Embassy of Libya for more information.

Myanmar
Myanmar (formerly called Burma) had a long period of unrest under a military government. In order to prevent information leakage, most communication means were disabled. After the military ruling was replaced with democratically-elected leadership, many reforms were made to those restrictions. For the most current satellite phone laws, contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before traveling.

Nigeria
Satellite phones were banned in Borno after militants were found using their phones to plan attacks. Currently, the law about satellite phones throughout the rest of the country is unclear. It’s best to contact the Consulate General of Nigeria with questions.

North Korea
Satellite phones are banned in North Korea, and a number of devices are subject to monitoring and search, as there is no right to privacy in North Korea. Note that the United States government has posted a travel warning against North Korea. Find more information about traveling to North Korea here.

Republic of Chad
This landlocked country in Central Africa is undergoing a constant threat of terrorism, which has caused satellite phones to be deemed illegal. If you’re found with a satellite phone, confiscation of the phone as well as an arrest are possible. Nobody is able to get a permit for a satellite phone under any circumstances. Contact the Embassy of Chad with any questions.

Russia
While Russia allows satellite phones, you have to get approval ahead of time and you also must register your SIM card. SIM card registration will be active for six months. Contact Roskomnadzor for more information.

Sri Lanka
Journalists and other media personnel can have their equipment, including satellite phones, cleared in advance. A license from the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is required.

Sudan
A majority of electronic devices are restricted in Sudan, so it’s best to ask specifically about satellite phones when applying for your visa. Also be prepared for your devices to be taken by customs and held indefinitely for inspection. Before traveling to any foreign country, including the ones listed above, it’s important to research the most current laws regarding satellite phone usage. A country’s current political situation or a state of unrest can affect communication laws, and restrictions can change frequently.

 

[Gomig-21]

Interesting that the Iranians aren't on this list

https://apollosat.com/knowledgebase/countries-where-satellite-phones-are-banned-or-restricted/

Bangladesh, China, Cuba, India, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Republic of Chad, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan

Definitely a couple of surprises in there, as well as ones that aren't as you said. To me, the odd ones that are listed are Russia? You'd think with that crazy landscape and Siberia etc., they would allow them just so people can save lives using them. Sudan? Like, really? China I can see for sure since they need to keep tabs on everyone like Big Brother and a satellite phone gives you some form of anonymity. Cuba needs to get with the program on so many things that a sat phone should be the least of its worries. I guess it's still wicked paranoid about the US. India? Really? That one surprises me.

I'd say most of this is because of either drug smuggling or terrorism for the most part, I would think.

BTW, just FYI, I tagged you a couple of times and then realized I was tagged by some others too but never got their tags so keep that in mind. The tag system doesn't seem to be working very well lately.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

BTW, just FYI, I tagged you a couple of times .

I only see Team USA stuff. I'll look around for them.

 

[Nilgiri]

India? Really? That one surprises me.

I'd say most of this is because of either drug smuggling or terrorism for the most part, I would think.

BTW, just FYI, I tagged you a couple of times and then realized I was tagged by some others too but never got their tags so keep that in mind. The tag system doesn't seem to be working very well lately.

Restricted, not banned in India...you basically need to get checked out first by the Dept of telecoms etc.

This is due to level of insurgencies in areas...satellite phone would make it very easy for them to direct arms drops etc....in fact there was precedent for this making the policy the current one.

 

[Gomig-21]

Restricted, not banned in India...you basically need to get checked out first by the Dept of telecoms etc.

This is due to level of insurgencies in areas...satellite phone would make it very easy for them to direct arms drops etc....in fact there was precedent for this making the policy the current one.

Very understandable.

 

[PeacefulWar]

China

It’s illegal to have a satellite phone in China, and many other GPS devices are also deemed suspicious. If you’re traveling to China, consider using your regular phone – cell phone service and Internet access are both good in China, even in remote areas, and you can easily order a China SIM card before your trip. Note that many websites you usually use may be blocked, like Google and some social media platforms. Contact the Chinese Embassy with any questions.

Not true for China.
Just did a quick check, satellite phones seems not restricted at all in China.
You can just buy a satellite phone in shopping mall e.g.
https://product.suning.com/0070793765/11397806601.html?adtype=5&union_place=un

Suning is one of biggest offline and online shopping mall brands in China.
You can even choose which SIM card to use, the EU number directly or the one coaptated with China Telco.

Can't say for other countries, this list seems not accurate

 

[PeacefulWar]

Can find all kinds of satellite phones from international to China's own
https://search.suning.com/07bxf.html
https://list.tmall.com/search_produ...B.a2227oh.d100&from=mallfp..pc_1_searchbutton

Even for rent at a 20 yuan per day rate https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?s...=2&is_b=1&rn=a27d01f2fd9a6be1e5b31706dfb81c7d


I must admit I'm surprised to find this fact.

 

[Globenim]

Takes 1 minute to debunk their "facts".

Makes you wonder why a California, USA based company connected to the US weapons industry would perpetuate such blatant misinformation?

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Can find all kinds of satellite phones from international to China's own
https://search.suning.com/07bxf.html
https://list.tmall.com/search_produ...B.a2227oh.d100&from=mallfp..pc_1_searchbutton

Even for rent at a 20 yuan per day rate https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?s...=2&is_b=1&rn=a27d01f2fd9a6be1e5b31706dfb81c7d


I must admit I'm surprised to find this fact.

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/13/WS5e1be137a310cf3e3558426d.html
Self-made 5,999-yuan sat phones hit Chinese market
2020-01-13
After the country's first mobile communication satellite started offering services to domestic users on Saturday, the self-made satellite phones have also become available on the market......

 

[PeacefulWar]

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/13/WS5e1be137a310cf3e3558426d.html
Self-made 5,999-yuan sat phones hit Chinese market
2020-01-13
After the country's first mobile communication satellite started offering services to domestic users on Saturday, the self-made satellite phones have also become available on the market......

Yes, Chinese satellite phones (own satellites) are available since Jan 2020.
But as I listed, there are international satellite phones and services for sale in shopping malls.

 

[Nan Yang]

Errr no. You can use the "Roaming Man" to lock-on to a satellite.

 

[My-Analogous]

View attachment 657524

Interesting that the Iranians aren't on this list

https://apollosat.com/knowledgebase/countries-where-satellite-phones-are-banned-or-restricted/

Bangladesh, China, Cuba, India, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Republic of Chad, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan


Bangladesh

Possessing a satellite phone is illegal in Bangladesh and can lead to jail time. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh with any questions.

China

It’s illegal to have a satellite phone in China, and many other GPS devices are also deemed suspicious. If you’re traveling to China, consider using your regular phone – cell phone service and Internet access are both good in China, even in remote areas, and you can easily order a China SIM card before your trip. Note that many websites you usually use may be blocked, like Google and some social media platforms. Contact the Chinese Embassy with any questions.

Cuba
Many electronics are forbidden in Cuba, including satellite phones. You cannot bring or ship a satellite phone into Cuba unless you have a permit from the Cuban Ministry of Informatics and Communications. Cuba restricts the use of satellite phones because they’re seen as tools for subversive purposes; being caught with one can lead to arrest, time in prison, or an espionage charge.

India

In India, only satellite phones using the Inmarsat network are allowed, and you must get permission before your trip from the Department of Telecommunications. If you’re caught with an unapproved satellite phone, you may be arrested.

Libya
In 2011, Libya banned satellite phones made by the Thuraya company; if you’re caught with one, you could be arrested for espionage. Currently, though, the law is unclear and subject to circumstance, so it’s best to contact the Embassy of Libya for more information.

Myanmar
Myanmar (formerly called Burma) had a long period of unrest under a military government. In order to prevent information leakage, most communication means were disabled. After the military ruling was replaced with democratically-elected leadership, many reforms were made to those restrictions. For the most current satellite phone laws, contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before traveling.

Nigeria
Satellite phones were banned in Borno after militants were found using their phones to plan attacks. Currently, the law about satellite phones throughout the rest of the country is unclear. It’s best to contact the Consulate General of Nigeria with questions.

North Korea
Satellite phones are banned in North Korea, and a number of devices are subject to monitoring and search, as there is no right to privacy in North Korea. Note that the United States government has posted a travel warning against North Korea. Find more information about traveling to North Korea here.

Republic of Chad
This landlocked country in Central Africa is undergoing a constant threat of terrorism, which has caused satellite phones to be deemed illegal. If you’re found with a satellite phone, confiscation of the phone as well as an arrest are possible. Nobody is able to get a permit for a satellite phone under any circumstances. Contact the Embassy of Chad with any questions.

Russia
While Russia allows satellite phones, you have to get approval ahead of time and you also must register your SIM card. SIM card registration will be active for six months. Contact Roskomnadzor for more information.

Sri Lanka
Journalists and other media personnel can have their equipment, including satellite phones, cleared in advance. A license from the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is required.

Sudan
A majority of electronic devices are restricted in Sudan, so it’s best to ask specifically about satellite phones when applying for your visa. Also be prepared for your devices to be taken by customs and held indefinitely for inspection. Before traveling to any foreign country, including the ones listed above, it’s important to research the most current laws regarding satellite phone usage. A country’s current political situation or a state of unrest can affect communication laws, and restrictions can change frequently.

Pakistan must restrict this because it is a security risk for Pakistan till terrorism end