Portable satellite internet terminals enable multiple devices around them, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, and can be case based; turn the device on, close the case, and you’ll have high-speed internet for as long as the battery holds out, or indefinitely when connected to a power source. Handheld satellite phones are smaller and lighter weight, but facilitate communication through that single device, and, often only when in active use.
Another key feature of portable connectivity is that it needs to continue to send and receive data while on the move, so these terminals benefit from being auto-pointing – i.e. you do not have to re-point the device at a new satellite when you move position, the device does this automatically.