Iridium Satellite Phones - Answers
What is the coverage area for the Iridium satellite phones?
The Iridium satellite phones are capable of making and receiving calls all over the world, including the North and South poles and the oceans. The only exceptions will be those areas restricted by
the U.S. Department of State. Currently, restricted areas include: Hungary, Poland, North Korea,
and North Sri Lanka.
Are there any long distance or roaming charges?
No.
Can I use the satellite phone indoors?
No. Successful use of the phone indoors will be limited without the use of a fixed mast antenna.
Can I use the satellite phone in my car?
Successful use of the phone in your car will be limited without the use of the portable auxiliary antenna that magnetically attaches to the roof of your car.
How big are the Iridium satellite phones?
The 9500 satellite phone is 7.5" H (with antenna folded down) x 2.5" W x 2.75" D (with antenna).
The 9500 antenna is 7.5" H.
The 9505 satellite phone is 6.25" H (with antenna folded down) x 2.5" W x 2.25" D (with antenna).
The 9505 antenna is 6.25" H.
How much do the Iridium satellite phones weigh?
The 9500 is about a pound (454 grams).
The 9505 is a little less than a pound (375 grams).
Who is manufacturing the Iridium satellite phones?
Motorola.
Can I purchase insurance for the satellite phones?
Not through BlueCosmo Communications. You may want to check your home owner's
insurance or business insurance coverage.
What is the approximate talk time for the batteries on the satellite phones?
Generally, the average talk time is 2 hours. This will vary based on battery type.
Does the temperature affect the life of a battery?
Yes, exposure to extreme heat or extreme cold will shorten the life of a battery.
Does the weather affect my phone?
No, not at the L-band. However, the weather can affect the transmission from the satellite to
the ground station.
Are the Iridium satellite phones water-resistant?
No. The phones should be kept out of the rain and not exposed to water.
If I already have my own satellite phone or pager, can I still get service?
Yes. BlueCosmo Communications offers service on the Iridium Satellite SeriesT 9500 and
9505 phones, the 9501 pager, and the Kyocera satellite phones. You may want to consider a .
Can I use my old SIM card?
No. In order to obtain Iridium service, it will be necessary to purchase a new SIM card from BlueCosmo Communications.
Can I keep my old phone number?
No. Your phone number is associated with your SIM card, and since you will need to obtain a
new SIM card, you will also receive a new number.
What is a phone reflash?
The phone reflash is an upgrade to the satellite phone. The reflash offers improved voice
quality, decreased dropped call rates, and allows for data transmission. The satellite phone
must be sent to BlueCosmo Communications main office for the reflash.
Would I need the reflash performed on my satellite phone?
If you purchased your phone prior to March 31, 2001, AND you are concerned about the voice quality, dropped call rates, or being able to send and receive data via your satellite phone, you would want the reflash.
Can I get the reflash on my Kyocera satellite phone?
No, we are unable to reflash the Kyocera satellite phones.
What is the function of the SIM card?
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are currently used in all GSM-based systems. The SIM
card is a removable module that contains user identity, account information, and stores phone numbers which can be used in any compatible phone where your SIM card is present. When inserted into a telephone, it allows you to place or receive calls.
What type of phone number will I receive?
The phone number is a 12-digit phone number assigned by BlueCosmo Communications that
is specific to the Iridium network.
Can I choose my Iridium satellite phone number?
No.
Are calls to the Iridium satellite phone a 'local' call?
No. Calls place to the Iridium satellite phone are considered an international phone call.
Is there an access number to reach the Iridium satellite phone?
Yes. There is an access number with a 480 area code. The caller will dial the access number
and at the prompt, enter the 12-digit Iridium phone number they are trying to reach. The call
will then be routed to the phone. Calls placed in this manner are called "Two-Stage Dialing,"
and there is a charge to the Iridium subscriber for this type of incoming call.
If I buy two phones, can they share a service plan?
No. Each phone is required to have its own SIM card to operate. Each SIM card has a unique
phone number, and each phone number would need to be set up on an individual service plan.
What service features are available on the Iridium phones?
Voice mail, short messaging service (SMS), call forwarding, and call barring are all available
on all BlueCosmo Communications service plans. Voice mail and SMS are available on all
plans, and call forwarding and call barring are included on all plans.
Can I get cellular on the Iridium satellite phones?
No. At this time, Iridium is not supporting cellular service on the satellite phones.
What is short messaging service (SMS)?
The person trying to contact you on your Iridium satellite phone can send a short text message (under 120 characters) directly to your handset. There is no charge to send or receive the SMS. Keep in mind that your handset must be on to receive the message, as the Iridium system does
not store these messages. There are two ways to send a SMS message:
- Visit Iridium.com to Send a Text Message.
- Open a new e-mail, and send to '8816314xxxxx@msg.iridium.com'. Do not include a subject
line as it will not be included in the message body. Type in a short text message (under 120 characters), and hit 'send'.
Is Emergency calling available on the Iridium network?
No, it is not available at this time.
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