Tactical Satcom
Just to add a bit more for you electronics freaks; tactical, deployable satcom units (about the size of a briefcase) are constantly used all around the world. Either for the military or in the civilian sector. Of coursse there are satellite phones, but we're talking about doing more here than just talking. Many large companies that do a lot of travelling carry satcom units with them. They are handy, easy to operate (with training), and can give you access to secure satellite calls and even data and fax. They can set up anywhere, and do not slow things down by being bulky. The military uses them everywhere, especially during wars or conflicts where they need secure lines of transmission at a moments notice, anywhere they go. They had many units to start with years ago, but were larger, overheated a lot (failed greatly in a desert environment), and didn't really work that well. Through years of upgrades and testing, especially in the desert,, they now make models that have been modified or changed completely to overcome the heat.The next step up from the small units are the larger tactical units that use dishes that can start with antennas about 4 feet wide and go up to 20 foot wide antennas. These are deployed in areas that need comm for a larger period of time, and can supply more lines to work with. They are high speed, very reliable, and of course, can also supply data and fax transmission. Full systems can be developed around these units that could include full switchboard capabilities, encryption equipment, trunk lines that can connect to buildings or tents, and even more. They are designed to run off local power (either 110v or 220v), and come with their own generators for set up if needed to run independently.
Many of these larger antennas are designed be be moved on mobilizers (frames with wheels), and can be loaded into aircraft for deployment, and with the satcom van, which is also usuallu mounted on a mobilizer. As you can see, they can be taken and set up almost anywhere in the world.