Yes. Iridium has planetary coverage including the oceans and poles.
Do I pay long distance when using my Iridium phone?
No, you will not be charged long distance for “outbound calls” from anywhere on the planet to virtually everywhere on the planet.
Can you transmit data or get on the Internet?
Yes with the optional data kit you can attach the satellite to your PC allowing you to browse the Internet or check email at a native speed of 2.4k or a speed of 9.6k with data compression software.
Is the Iridium phone compatible with a Macintosh computer?
No it is currently only compatible with PC applications.
Will my Iridium phone work indoors?
When using the hand held phone satellite inside a building, car, or boat, in satellite mode “without” an external antenna is not recommended. It is unlikely to function properly without an external antenna due to the fact that a satellite phone must have line of site to the satellites to establish a signal. The antenna needs an 80% view of the sky to receive good service.
What will be my Iridium phone number?
Iridium has an international phone number with its own country code of 8816. Inbound direct dial call to the phone will be FREE to the user. The originator will have international long distance charges. Another option for inbound calls is calling an Arizona domestic phone number. The originator of the call will be asked to enter the satellite phone number. The call will be forwarded to the satellite phone. The user of the satellite phone will be charged for that type of inbound call.
Will the Iridium phone work when all cellular and landline phones stop working?
Yes, the Iridium phone will work even when the local telephone infrastructure is disrupted. But it cannot call a non functioning cellular or landline phone in the area where the telephone infrastructure has been disrupted. It can call any cellular or landline phone that is an area where the telephone infrastructure has “not” been disrupted. The Iridium phone can also call most other satellite phones.
Is the Iridium 9505A phone water resistant?
Yes an Iridium phone is water resistant but is not water proof. It would be water proof if it can be submerged without causing the unit damage.
Can I activate cellular service on my Iridium phone?
No, cellular service cannot be activated on an Iridium phone.
How long does it take to receive a working phone?
Under normal conditions you can receive a working phone in 24 hours.
How many satellites does Iridium use?
Iridium uses a constellation of 68 satellites that orbit from the south pole to the north pole.
Do I need a ?dish? antenna when using an Iridium phone?
No, Iridium uses a small Omni directional antenna the size of a small hot dog that does not need calibration
Does the Iridium service work 24 hours a day?
Yes the Iridium service works 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
How do I make and receive a call?
MAKING AN OUTBOUND CALL from an IRIDIUM unit:
1.) YOU MUST BE OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM LARGE STRUCTURES OR TREE COVER. THE SATELLITE PHONE WILL NOT FUNCTION INDOORS.
2.) Always dial (00) + (Country Code) + (Phone Number) + (OK) Example: If you were dialing 1-510-923-9123 you would dial 00-1-510-923-9123 and press (OK). (please note: The country code for the United State is ALWAYS “1” ).
People calling TO YOU from a landline phone have two options:
1.) Direct Dialing. This is an International call. From the USA, please dial (011) +8816+ (the Iridium phone number). International call charges to the phone are paid by the originator, please contact your long distance carrier for specific rates). The user of the Iridium phone is not charged for this type of call.
2.) Satellite Network Two Stage Dialing. Anyone calling from a landline or cellular phone may dial the Iridium satellite network two stage dialing service at 1-480-768-2500. A recording will answer “Welcome to the Iridium Satellite Global Network”. Enter the Iridium 12 digit satellite phone number 8816-xxxx-xxxx. The call will be completed only if the Iridium Phone is powered up and locked on to the satellite signal. (Requires being outdoors and away from large structures or trees). The originator will pay a domestic long distance charge to Arizona and the Iridium Phone will be billed for this type of call.
To call another Iridium phone:
Dial: (00) + The Iridium phone number Example: (00) + 8816-3144-1049 + OK