Operation Archives | Globalcom Satellite Phones

Do satellite phones work exactly the same way as cell phones?

Not quite. The major difference is the antenna on your satellite phone must have a clear line of sight to the sky. Satellite phones work best when used outside without obstructions like tall buildings, mountains or trees. For optimal results, take a 360 degree view of your surroundings, if there is anything between you andRead More

Is there anywhere in the world my Iridium satellite phone won’t work?

The Iridium network provides global coverage however; Iridium complies with U.S. embargo restrictions and as such is prohibited from providing products and service to the following countries: Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran and North Korea.

Will it work on a Cruise Ship? Should I rent a satellite phone to stay in touch while on board?

A satellite phone is a good way to stay connected with family and co-workers while you’re away. Just make sure you’re at the farthest point away from the ship’s antenna and you’re on the top deck with a clear line of sight to the sky.

Can I call 911 from my Iridium satellite phone?

If you are traveling within Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can connect to emergency services by dialing 911 or 112 from your Iridium satellite phone. 911 services are only available in the continental USA; so it’s a good idea to pre-program one or more emergency numbers into your phoneRead More

How do I get reception on a satellite phone?

You must be outside, with a clear view of the sky. Anything solid will interrupt the signal (i.e. buildings or other obstructions). Once you turn the phone on, it will start looking for service. The phone will register once it has connected to the satellite and then the phone is ready to make and receiveRead More

Will it work in a car?

YES…Successful use of the phone in your car will be limited without the use of the portable auxiliary antenna (which can be rented on the additional accessory section of the rental form) which magnetically attaches to the roof of your car.

How does the Auxiliary antenna work?

The portable auxiliary antenna attaches to your phone via the Iridium antenna adapter with a magnetic mount on the end which is attached to the top of your car to give you line-of-sight to the Iridium satellites. Tech Specs: 2.2 in. magnetic mount antenna 5 feet cable TNC male connector Diameter of mag-mount: 5.5 cmRead More

What kind of reception will I have?

As long as you are outside in the open view of the sky with your phone ON the antenna extended up and receiving a satellite signal you will have a great reception and connection.

If I am in the brush or trees will it work?

You might receive a satellite connection but the signal would probably be weak and you will not have good reception because you do not have a good line-of–sight to the satellite.

Does the antenna have to be extended up to get signal?

No. In fact, we recommend not extending it, and using the phone in hands free mode. The antenna is the week spot on the Iridium phones. It is very easily broken, and expense to fix. It is not even possible to fix the antenna on an Iridium 9575. Also, raising and lower the antenna willRead More

What data service does the Iridium software work with?

To use Direct Internet Data Service, you must connect a PC to your data-capable Iridium satellite phone, and install the modem driver on your computer. Then you’ll be able to use standard software applications like Microsoft Dial-Up Networking or Direct Internet 2.0 software to access the Internet.

What is Two-Stage Calling To Iridium Phone?

Two-Stage Calling allows to call an Iridium phone without incurring high charges of calling to satellite phones. The cost of the call is charged to the Iridium subscriber. – Dial 1-480-768-2500 from your landline or cell phone*, you should hear the following message: "Welcome to the Iridium Satellite Global Network". – Enter the Iridium 12Read More

How to test my Iridium phone and service for FREE

By dialing 00-1-480-752-5105 from the satellite phone, Iridium subscribers can verify that their phone is working properly and familiarize themselves with the phone’s operation – all free of charge. Callers will hear a recorded message confirming that their call was completed and offering quick tips on proper handset usage. This automated service allows subscribers toRead More

How does a satellite phone work?

Satellite phones must have “line-of-sight” to the satellites in order to operate. This means the antenna on the phone must be outdoors with nothing solid obstructing it’s view to the sky. Anything solid can block the phone to satellite signal. e.g. Trees, buildings, hills or mountains, vehicles, etc

How do I make a call with my Iridium satellite phone?

Take the following steps to ensure the proper functioning of your Iridium phone: Fully charge the phone’s battery. Go outside with a clear view of the sky. Turn the phone on and ensure that the antenna is extended and pointing straight up toward the sky. Wait for the phone to register on the network –Read More

How should I dial in order to call Iridium phones?

There are two ways that calls can be placed to your Iridium phone. Direct Dialing – Caller places international long distance call directly to the Iridium phone. Start with the international dialing prefix for the country where the caller is located followed by your Iridium phone number. The international prefix for the US is 011.Read More

Bob

Dear GlobalCom,

I want to take this time to thank you for your assistance in obtaining this phone and service. It has been a seamless transaction and your professionalism as well as your personal attention to our needs especially in making this so easy for my wife is worthy of recognition.

My son received the phone in Baghdad yesterday and was able to talk to his wife for more than just a few minutes for the first time in over 7 months when he deployed to the gulf. In fact they talked for nearly an hour. He called me this morning and he was so upbeat, this alone made every penny we have and will spend a value that will not be surpassed for a long, long time.

The quality of our conversation also far surpassed my expectations, there was no delay what so ever and he might as well have been next door the quality was so good. I want you to know that your efforts have had such a huge and positive impact on people you don’t even know and we are grateful that you were put in our path to help us during this most difficult time of separation.

My son is very much my hero but I would have you stand next to him any day of the week, you to have become a hero in the lives of so many people that you will never meet but you should feel good about yourself and proud of yourself for being an honest, hard working and enjoyable American. Thank you, I hope some day I have the opportunity to give you some portion of what you have given me, my son, my family and his family.

If you ever plan to come to the greater Sacramento area please do not hesitate to call me, I would be more than happy to arrange a comp stay for you here. Thank you Hobert, thank you!!

Bob
Doubletree Hotel

Sarah

Dear GlobalCom,

I was sure you would like the original paperwork on the purchase we made. I also wanted to thank you for all the time you took giving me the information on the services you offer. It really made a big difference to me that you were able to give me such personal and attentive service. I appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Sarah
Beaty Construction

Karen

Dear GlobalCom,

Enclosed is the satellite phone we recently rented. The phone worked great and I appreciate all the help you provided in getting it to me on short notice.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Thanks again,
Karen
Champion Elevators

Larry N.

Last week, I was in an isolated location, quite far from any people or means to communicate with the outside world should an accident occur. I am a fly fishing enthusiast who takes a number of trips during the year to very remote locations where no cellular service is available. I decided to purchase your Globalstar Satellite Phone to take with me on these trips in case of an emergency. Last week, I was in an isolated location, quite far from any people or means to communicate with the outside world should and accident occur. I tested the Globalstar Satellite Phone and wanted you to know how well it works. It has remarkable clarity, and the weight of the phone is quite satisfactory for my fly vest. Your company should find a way to spread the message out to other fly fishermen so that they can get the same protection.

Sincerely,
Larry N.

Michael L.

Just flip up the antenna and talk…from anywhere! As an experienced user of satellite telephone services, I can say one thing about GlobalStar. It is not a satellite phone, it’s cellular on steroids! The new “GStar” works just like my cellular phone. No setup required! Just flip up the antenna and talk…from anywhere! Also, the service provides clear connections without the onerous delay associated with most satellite services and no echoes. Just like cellular. The price is reasonable, too!

Michael L.

Mike B.

I recently went fly-fishing in Ascension Bay Mexico and brought along my Globalstar phone. I recently went fly-fishing in Ascension Bay Mexico and brought along my Globalstar phone. Cameras should have been there to see the smiles on everyone who used it, able to talk to their families and friends with crystal clear sound from a remote area of the world. Several of the folks who used the phone said they were going to go out and buy them. Just wanted to cheer you folks on – it’s a great system and hope that it takes off soon!

Mike B.

Tohber

Dear Sir

A word about the missing battery. Presently it is at the bottom of the Little Current Lake north of Nabina Ontario, Canada. Above it, in the log-pile is my pinned canoe. While making the call with your satellite phone to arrange for helicopter pick-up, the water-proof phone box started to roll off the log-pile, dumping some of its contents which included the spare battery. Without the satellite phone I would still be in the bush in Ontario.

Yours
Tohber
Birmingham

Eric L.

There was no paging or cellular service, so I used the Globalstar phone to call the marina and lake patrol to ask if there were any reported incidents. My Globalstar phone came in handy last weekend while on a houseboat on Lake Mojave, NV. First, my friend’s wife was debating whether or not to go on the trip because she would be leaving their 15 month old daughter with her parents for three days and they would have no way to contact each other should their be a problem. I reminded them that I would have my Globalstar phone with me and they could use it to check in with her parents whenever they wanted to. She agreed to go and used the phone several times (she now wants one). The second incident came when a friend, who took a jet ski to the marina for “provisions,” was an hour overdue. Many of the 16 people on the houseboat became worried and debated whether or not we should pack up and go on a search and rescue. There was no paging or cellular service, so I used the Globalstar phone to call the marina and lake patrol to ask if there were any reported incidents. There were none, but they notified the patrol to be on the lookout for our wayward friend. Fifteen minutes later, he showed up and all was well. Just a couple of “real world” situations where Globalstar service proved its worth.

Eric L.

Mick

Dear GlobalCom,

Enclosed is the Iridium satellite phone, data kit and solar panel we leased from you. I’ll be faxing the paperwork for purchase of the RBGAN unit today.

I really appreciate your help throughout our Iraq adventure and will certainly call you again if we need any other equipment.

Best Wishes,
Mick
The Providence Journal Company

Sgt. Steve Jones

Dear GlobalCom,

I just wanted to drop a line about your products and service. I was recently deployed overseas to a remote area. I needed a reliable way to keep in touch with my family so I purchased a Globalstar phone from your company. I was impressed with the great service you provided in getting the item to me in a timely manner. This was extremely important due to the rapid deployment I was facing. After I arrived in theatre a family medical emergency arose stateside. Through the use of your product I was able to coordinate a rapid extraction from the remote area and expedite my travel arrangements back to the States.

>Thank you for providing such outstanding products and service, without it I wouldn’t have been there when my family needed me most.

Sincerely,
Sgt. Steve Jones
United States Air Force

Donna Quinn

Dear Globalcom,

Your equipment was just wonderful. Dr. Bujnoski had no problems, and your are now in receipt of the returned phone. Today I called your office just to verify that, and asked to be sure and send the itemized bill to us as another doctor used the phone on this trip to Tanzania, and we will need his portion of the calls separated out so that he can reimburse Dr. B. Your office was very polite and we were told that the bill will not be received to your office until the middle of next month. This is fine by us, just as long as we do get a copy of the itemization after you have received it. Thank you again for the assistance and the great service and equipment, and we will recommend your company to other clients we have going to Africa with us.

Most sincerely,
Donna Quinn

James

Dear GlobalCom,

The telephone was very useful in the middle of Neirgian Bay, Canada! It sure worked well and we’re very pleased. It’s nice to know technology can be at your finger tips in remote areas!

Thank you for the use!

James

T. Herndon

This is T. Herndon and I wanted to let you know how your phone worked for me and my hunting trip.The phone was used marginally during the first part of our trip to Alaska but when the bush pilot company didn’t pick us up it was used a lot more. Imagine being us, out there 300 miles from civilization and not knowing if we were going to be picked up! Well, without the sat phone that is exactly where we would have been. The pilot finally got us on Monday afternoon (we were supposed to be picked up on the Saturday before at 11 am and we were picked up on Mon. at 2 pm!)With your phone we kept in contact with all four of our more than upset wives, and children.
Summer, tell all of your people thanks for a job well done!

T. Herndon
Arizona Outfitter

Katy

To Whom it May Concern:

Enclosed please find the returned international satellite phone. He informed me that it worked perfectly in Argentina. Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely
Katy
Roger Engemann Company

susan

Dear GlobalCom,

Enclosed is the satellite phone I rented for John. Thank you for your assistance with this rental, we were very happy with the service you have provided.

Sincerely,
Susan
The Pepsi Bottling Group

John Madden

There’s a lot of land between California and New York, and cell phones just don’t work everywhere. I’ve tried Globalstar in the middle of nowhere, and it sounds great – like a regular phone. This phone works when I need it.

John Madden,
NFL football analyst

E. Moore

The captain has decades of experience in Alaskan waters and can navigate even the most remote areas. And that’s exactly where we headed–> remote, remote, remote. We set off for Alaska, the Juneau area, & boarded an 85′ charter boat. We brought our Globalstar phone and from anywhere, at anytime, the phone was used for a variety of purposes (mostly for daily business decisions, family contact, etc). The clarity of the phone was outstanding. We have ZERO complaints. Absolutely a wonderful service. Regardless of movement or speed, there was no hesitation in the service, nor did we (at any time) say “Hello! Hello! Can you hear me?” as is commonplace with cell phones. But the most immediately rewarding benefit of the phone was provided by life’s circumstances. It happened that we anchored in a “no one will ever find it” cove for the night. The captain lowered the anchor via remote switches & we set our sights on harvesting shrimp. Yes, we pulled up shrimp the next day… but what wouldn’t come up was the anchor. Somehow, it had wrenched itself in the depths below & no amount of strain, backing up, or re-positioning, could loosen the grip. The tremendous force placed upon the pulley strained the heavy chain… so strained that it busted and snapped the pulley at the bow… also damaged the bow. The only solution was to saw the chain, place a bouy on it, & hope for recovery on the next trip out. Enter: Globalstar phone. The tooling of a new pulley, housing, and bow re-enforcement would take approximately four days, which was two days beyond our re-docking and the entry of a new group which had chartered the boat. That is a situation no Captain or boarding guest takes pleasure in greeting. Several calls were made (to & fro) to tool replacements… sizing questions… measurements…a trek in finding the right man, with the right talent (with the time on his hands) to fix the problem. The task, however, was accomplished. The unit was overnighted by air from California to Alaska… it awaited the Captain as we pulled into harbor. Granted, it took some sweat to switch out the units & do the repairs, but the oncoming new guests were never the wiser. There was no lost time, no lost income, no alternate accommodation costs. In general conversation, it was decided that the phone would clearly have paid for itself resolving just that one instance. Additionally, the business use of the phone (owner-to-business site) reaped substantial rewards. And for the ladies? Constant contact with house & children sitters was an absolute comfort. I will never fret over a dropped call. Just a story about life, and about how Globalstar made it better. The benefits of remote communication cannot be undervalued. It certainly has proved its value to me.

E. Moore