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Iridium FAQs

Iridium products offer flexible mobile satellite solutions for voice, paging and data. For additional support, please call the Mobile VSAT support line at 1.800.207.5759.

What information will the NOC be asking for?

You will need to provide one of the following:

SIM card number (preferred)
Iridium phone number (MSISDN)

IRIDIUM VOICE

Where is my SIM card located?

There is a button on the side of the handset that slides down towards the bottom of the phone. Slide the button to push the SIM card out.

Where is my SIM card located?

The SIM card is located behind the battery.

Where is my SIM card located?

There is a small panel on the top of the base. Flip the compartment open you should see your SIM card.

My phone’s display currently shows “LOCKED”.

The PIN function is enabled on your SIM card and you will need to enter a PIN to unlock the phone.

My phone’s display currently shows “BLOCKED”.

The PIN has been entered incorrectly too many times and the SIM card is now blocked. Here's what to do:

Call Mobile VSAT support to obtain your PUK code to unblock the SIM card.
Ensure that the phone is powered on.
Enter the following sequence:

**05* [PUK Code]
Press OK
Enter the new PIN associated with PUK code
Press OK
Re-enter the new PIN
Press OK
Screen should display “Completed” and the phone is ready to use.

DIALING PATTERNS

I’m having trouble placing outgoing calls.

Please use the reference section below to determine which dialing pattern you need to use. This is for outgoing calls using an Iridium 9500, 9505 or 9505A handset.

Iridium to PSTN (regular landline or cell phone): 00 (Country code)- (area code) XXX-XXXX
Iridium to Iridium: 00-8816-31X-XXXXX
Iridium to MSAT: 00-1-613-742-7827 wait for dial tone then enter 600-70X-XXXX
Iridium to Inmarsat: 00 (Satellite Location area code) XX-XXX-XXXX

I’m having problems receiving incoming calls.

The dialing pattern for calling from a landline (PSTN) to Iridium is: (International access code) 8816 314 XXXXX

Note: The same conditions for placing calls apply to receiving calls. Refer to the next section for more details.

Still having problems placing or receiving calls? Ensure that:

You have an unobstructed 360 degree line of sight to the sky.
The battery is fully charged.
There are at least four bars of signal showing on the display.
The antenna is fully extended and rotated toward the sky.

IRIDIUM PAGING

Dialing the 12-digit Iridium pager number directly:

Use the same dialing pattern for an Iridium pager as for dialing an Iridium handset.

Enter 1 to leave a numeric page.
Enter 7 or wait for the tone to leave a voice message.

Dialing the pager using two-stage dialing:

Dial 1.480.768.2500.

At the prompt, enter the 12-digit Iridium pager number.
Enter 1 to leave a numeric page.
Enter 7 or wait for the tone to leave a voice message.

How can I check or change my Message Delivery Area (MDA)? Use one of the following three options:

Option One

Go to http://www.iridium.com and click on the link to “Change your MDA”
Enter your 12-digit Iridium pager number and PIN and click on “LOGIN”.
Your current settings will be displayed.
Click on “Change current settings” to update your MDA (maximum of three).
Once you are finished, click “Save changes”.
Click on “Message Delivery Area summary page” to view the summary.
When you are finished, be sure to click “LOGOUT”.

Option Two

From a landline, dial the 12-digit Iridium pager number.
Press “*” to interrupt the greeting and enter your PIN.
Press “4” to access the Personal Options menu.
Press “3” to access the Message Notification menu.
Press “2” to add a new MDA.

Option Three

If you have subscribed to the “Follow Me Paging” service that links an Iridium phone to an Iridium pager, the MDA will update automatically when a call is placed from the Iridium phone.

IRIDIUM DATA

Data kits are available so your Iridium phone can be used to gain access to the Internet. Please contact your Dealer or Sales Representative to get more information.

I have good signal and am able to make voice calls but cannot make a data connection.

Verify that the PIN function for the SIM card has been disabled.

Iridium - General FAQ

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 U.S. Department of State. Currently, restricted areas include: Hungary, Poland, North Korea, and North Sri Lanka.

Are there any roaming charges when using the Iridium phone abroad?

Can I use the satellite phone indoors?

Yes. Successful use of the phone indoors can be attained with the use of a fixed mast antenna.

Can I use the satellite phone in my car?

Successful use of the phone in your car can be attained with the use of the portable auxiliary antenna that magnetically attaches to the roof of your car.

How big is the Iridium 9505A satellite phones?

The 9505A satellite phone is 6.25" H (with antenna folded down) x 2.5" W x 2.25" D (with antenna). The 9505A antenna is 6.25" H.

How much does the Iridium satellite phone weigh?

The 9505A is a little less than a pound (375 grams).

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 may 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.

What type of phone number will I receive?

The phone number is a 12-digit phone number assigned by Infosat Communications that is specific to the Iridium network.

Can I choose my Iridium satellite phone number?

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.

Can I get cellular on the Iridium satellite phones?

No. At this time, Iridium is not supporting cellular service on the satellite phones.

Iridium Prepad Cards FAQ

Is Voicemail included ?

Yes, Voicemail is included with all Iridium prepaid cards – Please follow the Set-up instructions.

When can the Cards be replenished?

Prepaid Cards must be replenished prior to expiration date in order to retain any unused airtime minutes.

However, the cards may be replenished after expiry within 90 days, but any unused airtime will be lost.

If not replenished within the 90 days after expiration, it can no longer be used.

How can the Cards be replenished?

Cards can be replenished through your authorized Infosat dealer

By dialing 8111 from the handset

By dialing our toll free number 866-249-1559

What are the time lengths of the cards?

Prepaid card plans range from 30 days – 24 months and will remain active from the date of activation.

Are there monthly access fees?

Absolutely no monthly fees for Iridium Prepaid Cards! All fees are included when a card is purchased.

Do the prepaid cards support SMS?

Yes, SMS is supported.

Equipment permitting
Mobile terminated is included at no charge

When I receive incoming calls, do my minutes go against it?

There are no charges for Inbound voice calls to the subscriber’s 8816 number
Two-stage dialing of subscriber’s 8816 number via +1-480-768-2500

Can I use custom building blocks on prepaid cards?

Yes, but only on Global Plans

30 day extension
50 additional minutes

How can I track the amount of minutes remaining on my phone?

By dialing 2888 from the handset (no charge). You will get an announcement in English indicating the number of remaining ISU-PSTN minutes on your prepaid card and the expiry date.

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