Why do I need a Satellite Phone?
Until a few years ago satellite based voice communication was only available to a select few industries and markets with a bottomless pocket, such as the military, mining aviation, marine and media companies reporting from hot spots around the world. Within the last few years satellite phone prices and calling rates have dropped significantly and became very affordable. Now, many people buy or rent satellite phones and taking them on fishing trips, hiking and even business travel. Today’s satellite phones can be used by anyone who is traveling in remote areas that need dependable communications worldwide.
Are you traveling in remote areas inaccessible by cell phones or land line phones?
You owe it to yourself to find out if there is adequate cell phone access before embarking on a trip that takes you into remote areas. If you are traveling to South America, Africa and Asia be prepared for limited cell phone access in well populated urban areas only. Outside of the major cities even landline phones are considered a luxury.
You need to rent or buy a satellite phone if you are:
- A hunter or fisherman traveling in remote areas in the US or anywhere in the world.
- A hiker, climber or skier who is seeking thrills in desolate parts of the world.
- An aviation enthusiast who ventures into the open waters even for a few hours.
- A business traveler who needs to maintain lines of communication anywhere in the world.
- Involved in rescues and disaster recovery.
- Working for a media company on assignments requiring constant communication with the home office.
What is the coverage area of the Iridium Service?
The Iridium system is the only communications system providing true global communications coverage including oceans, and all land areas including the Poles. The Iridium system blankets the Earth, connecting global satellite coverage with local ground-based wireless services.
Is there anywhere the Iridium Satellite Phones won't work?
Some countries apply restrictions to the use of Satellite phone services. For example the Iridium service will not complete a call to the local phone system in North Korea.
In addition it may be illegal to use a satellite phone in some countries if you do not have the appropriate license or paperwork. Some notable examples: China, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Angola, the countries of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Montenegro and Albania), Myanmar (Burma) and India
If you are traveling to one of the countries listed, please contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country prior to renting or purchasing a satellite phone for details.
A list of embassies and consulates can be found here: http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm
Why did Iridium choose low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites?
Iridium chose LEO satellites because this configuration offers a number of benefits to customers. Unlike geosynchronous satellites, which hover about the equator at an altitude of 35,900 kilometers (22,300 miles), the Iridium constellation of 66 satellites are in polar orbits at an altitude of only 780 kilometers (485 miles). This orbital configuration provides the following benefits over systems based on other orbital configurations: No significant transmission delays; small, handheld pagers and phones (versus laptop-size terminals); lower transmit power resulting in longer battery life; and complete global coverage, including all oceans and all land areas including the Poles.
Can I dial "911" on an Iridium satellite phone?
Yes. 911 Emergency Service is available in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands by dialing "911" and pressing "OK"or the green soft key. When the call is made, it is automatically routed to Iridium’s selected 911 emergency call center provider, Intrado. After determining the nature of the emergency, Intrado will route the call to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point.
How reliable is the Iridium network in the event of a natural disaster?
Space-based cross-links make Iridium impervious to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes, which can damage ground-based wireless towers. Calls are routed among Iridium satellites without touching the ground, creating a highly secure and reliable connection.
How quickly does the battery charge in the 9505a?
From a completely discharged state, the 9505a's battery will fully charge in 3 to 4 hours. From a less than completely discharged state (or after a few weeks without use), the battery will charge in 45 to 90 minutes.
How do I call a satellite phone from a landline without incurring high long-distance charges?
Anyone wishing to call an Iridium phone from a landline should use the Two-Stage Dialing platform, which will save you from paying the very high long-distance rates often charged for calls to satellite systems. Dial +1-480-768-2500 and enter their Iridium phone number (a 12-digit number beginning with 8816XXXXXXXX). Note: The Iridium subscriber will also incur an incoming charge for this call.
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