Satellite Phone Frequently Asked Questions

Globastar Frequently Asked Questions – Iridium Frequently Asked Questions

Globalstar FAQ’s

Q. Will my Globalstar phone work everywhere?
A. The Globalstar phone will work everywhere in the U.S. and the Caribbean as well as 120 other countries. For more information on the Globalstar coverage go to this link https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/https://globalcomsatphone.com/support6/

Q. Do I pay long distance while using my Globalstar phone in the U.S. or eastern Caribbean?
A. No, you will not be charged long distance if you are in the U.S. or eastern Caribbean and making a outbound call to anywhere within the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico

Q. How do I make and receive a call?
A. You must have your power on and satellite antenna rose. The antenna must have 80 % view of the sky. Dial the number you wish to call (if number is in the US simply dial (1) area code and phone number and press send). If you are traveling outside the U.S., hold the “0” key down till you see a “+” symbol appear in the display then enter the country code and phone number and press send. To receive a call the phone must be powered on and satellite antenna raised and when it rings simply press send and answer.

Q. Can you transmit data or access the internet?
A. Yes, with a data kit which includes a cable and CD you can simply plug your phone into your PC load the software and your surfing the net or checking email at 9.6k or at 56k using the optional Express Data Service.

Q. Is the Globalstar phone compatible with a Mac?
A. Yes you may need a USB to serial adapter

Q. Will there be voice delay with Globalstar phone?
A. There is no voice delay. The voice quality is equal or better than most cellular phones

Q. Will my phone work indoors, in my car, or on any boat?
A. Using the hand held phone inside a building, car, or boat requires an external antenna. The antenna needs an 80% view of the sky to receive good service.

Q. What will be my Globalstar phone number?
A. You will receive a U.S. phone number normally either a Florida or Texas number.

Q. Will the Globalstar phone work when all cellular and landline phones stop working?
A. Yes, the Globalstar phone will work even when the local telephone infrastructure is disrupted.

Q. Can I use the cellular portion of the Globalstar phone?
A. The compatible cellular providers are no longer able to activate the cellular portion of the Globalstar phone.

Q. How does the Globalstar phone work?
A. Go to this link https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/info

Q. Does GlobalCom rent the Globalstar phone?
A. Yes go to this link for more information: https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/satellite/phone_rentals_https://globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/

Q. How much do Globalstar Phones cost to purchase?
A. Phones pricing go to this link: https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/https://globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/

Q. How much does the Globalstar Service cost when you purchase a phone?
A. Airtime Rates go to this link: https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/satellite/services/https://globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/

Q. Do Globalstar satellite phones work just like cell phones?
A. Globalstar satellite phones offer many of the same characteristics as cellular phones, including a similar user interface and design. One of the main differences between satellite and cell phones is that the user must put up a larger satellite antenna in order to receive satellite signals. Globalstar features one of the smallest and lightest handsets in the satellite industry. Satellite phones are slightly larger in size than cellular phones because the antenna system required to communicate on the satellite frequencies must be larger than a cellular phone antenna. Another fundamental difference between traditional wireless phones and Globalstar satellite phones, is that when the phone is in satellite mode, as with all satellite mobile handheld phones, it must be within satellite line-of-sight in order to complete calls. Therefore the mobile handset cannot be used indoors without an external antenna. If satellite phone services are required indoors, Globalstar offers two options. The GSP 2900 fixed satellite phone and the FAU 200 fixed satellite phone. Either can be used indoors in satellite mode as they have external remote antennas to create line of sight with the Globalstar Satellite Network.

Q. If I need a phone to work in a building which product do I use?
A. We recommend one of the Globalstar fixed site phones which will give you an external antenna and will allow you to use a standard off the shelf desk top or cordless phone. Go to this link for more information: https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/https://globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/

Q. What are the differences between the FAU-200 and the GSP-2900 Fixed Satellite Phones?
A. The following chart outlines the differences between the FAU-200 and the GSP-2900 fixed satellite phones.

	FAU 200 Fixed Phone	GSP 2900 Fixed Phone
Price:	$599.00	$2395.00
Voice:
High Quality Voice Transmissions	Yes	Yes
Dependable CDMA-Digital Service	Yes	Yes
Enhanced Services:
Data Services:	Voice Only	Voice, Data, Fax
Call Forwarding Access:	Not Available	Available
Antenna Set-up:
Fixed Omni directional Antennas, no aiming or Calibration required:	Available	Available
Standard Telephone Equipment:
Works with standard phone Equipment i.e.: cordless and answering machines:	Available	Available
Number of extensions off one phone line	3	3
Battery:
Extra Battery Included	No	Yes
Fax Service:	Not Available	Available
Data Service:	No	Yes

For more information on the fixed site units go to Globalstar Products

Q. What is the size of the hand held Globalstar GSP 1600?
A. 177mm high, 57mm wide, 48mm thick and 384 grams or 11oz

Q. How long will the battery last?
A. 3.75 hours talk time 19 hours standby

Q. When is the Globalstar service available?
A. The Globalstar service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The service is always on and always ready.

Q. Do I need to do anything concerning the phone when traveling outside the U.S.?
A. No. Simply follow the instructions. If are traveling outside the U.S., hold the “0” key down till you see a “+” symbol appear in the display then enter the country code and phone number and press send.

Q. Can I send a short text message to a Globalstar phone?
A. Yes you can send a message to the phone for FREE no charge to the person sending the message and no charge to the user of the Globalstar phone. Here is a link to the page on how to send the message https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/globalstar/text

Q. How long does it take to receive a working phone?
A. Under normal conditions you can receive a working phone in 24 hours.

If you have anymore questions, please email us at hp@globalcom-usa.com

This information is subject to change without notice.

Iridium FAQ’s

Q. Will the Iridium phone work everywhere?
A. Yes. Iridium has planetary coverage including the oceans and poles.

Q. Do I pay long distance when using my Iridium phone?
A. No, you will not be charged long distance for “outbound calls” from anywhere on the planet to virtually everywhere on the planet.

Q. Can you transmit data or get on the Internet?
A. 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.

Q. Is the Iridium phone compatible with a Macintosh computer?
A. No it is currently only compatible with PC applications.

Q. Will my Iridium phone work indoors?
A. 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.

Q. What will be my Iridium phone number?
A. 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.

Q. Can I subscribe to Globalstar service using an Iridium phone?
A. No. You can only use Iridium service with an Iridium phone. Go to this link for more information on the monthly service: Iriduim Services

Go to this link for more information on the Iridium prepaid service

Q. Can I send short text messages to an Iridium phone?
A. Yes, you can send text messages to the phone for FREE up to 160 characters long. There is no charge to the person sending the message and no charge to the Iridium user.

Q. Will the Iridium phone work when all cellular and landline phones stop working?
A. 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.

Q. What is the size and weight of the Iridium 9505A phone?
A. size is 158mm x 62mm x 59mm, weight is 13.2 oz

Q. What is the battery life on an Iridium 9505A phone?
A. 30 hours standby and 3.5 hours talk time

Q. Is the Iridium 9505A phone water resistant?
A. 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.

Q. Can I activate cellular service on my Iridium phone?
A. No, cellular service cannot be activated on an Iridium phone.

Q. How long does it take to receive a working phone?
A. Under normal conditions you can receive a working phone in 24 hours.

Q. How many satellites does Iridium use?
A. Iridium uses a constellation of 66 satellites that orbit from the south pole to the north pole.

Q. Do I need a “dish” antenna when using an Iridium phone?
A. No, Iridium uses a small Omni directional antenna the size of a small hot dog that does not need calibration

Q. Does the Iridium service work 24 hours a day?
A. Yes the Iridium service works 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Q. How does the Iridium phone service work?
A. Go to this link https://www.globalcomsatphone.com/iridium/info

Q. How do I make and receive a call?
A. 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” ). Country code list attached.

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

If you have any questions email us at hp@globalcom-usa.com

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.