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Would 2 factor authentication SMS messages or other kinds of internet security notifications work with satellite phones? E.g. companies like Google, Paypal, Facebook, banking institutions and others would still send/recognize phone numbers associated with satellite carriers? Any experience?

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  • Originally posted here
    – Burgi
    Jan 19, 2016 at 9:51
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    I don't see why not, from a technical standpoint. Some sat phones have a second virtual terrestrial number with a local area code, but I don't know if they interoperate with SMS Jan 19, 2016 at 10:34
  • I just had a thought, if you are somewhere which requires a sat phone, you are going to struggle with internet connectivity. Just curious as to the use case in this instance.
    – Burgi
    Jan 19, 2016 at 10:46
  • @Burgi the sat phone itself is the solution for very light Internet use.
    – Ulkoma
    Jan 19, 2016 at 11:21
  • What about using TOTP or HOTP which do not depend on any network connection and as a bonus are more secure since there is no middleman handling the OTP (as opposed to a phone where the carrier can intercept the OTP) ? Mar 23, 2016 at 1:39

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As mentioned in the comments, there should not be a technical problem using satellite phones for 2 factor auth, but there is a cost aspect for the service provider that might stop it. As the service provider normally pays for the texts used for 2 factor authentication, there may be limitations set up.

On this site you will see how the supplier mentions the fact that satellite phones would be a huge expense for the business.

Maximum call rate : Since you are paying for the outbound calls , you also have the option to limit the cost per minute associated with these calls. You probably do not want your end-users authenticating themselves using Satellite phones (that would be very expensive, ouch!)

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