Category Archives: Satellite Phones

Using the IsatPhone Pro in-built Twitter menu

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twitterThe IsatPhone Pro from Inmarsat is the only satellite phone with a dedicated in-built Twitter menu which makes it excellent for those on expeditions wanting to keep followers back home updated in a quick and easy manner.  Here we look at getting your Twitter account up and running.

Firstly to ensure that your IsatPhone Pro has the in-built Twitter menu make sure your handset has the latest firmware installed.  Check this by going to Menu > Settings > About > Firmware version.  You need version 5.3.0, if it is not up-to-date please first install the latest firmware by going to:

http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/Inmarsat_IsatPhone_Pro_Support.html

Once you have the correct firmware you need to link your Twitter account with your IsatPhone Pro phone number.  Do this by:

  1. Logging into your Twitter account online
  2. Go to Settings > Mobile
  3. Under Country/Region scroll to the bottom and select Inmarsat
  4. Enter your Inmarsat number (excluding the 870)
  5. Twitter will then ask you to send an SMS from the IsatPhone Pro to set-up the service.

To send a Tweet from your IsatPhone Pro

  1. Menu > Messaging > New Message > New Message > Tweet
  2. Type your message as you would a normal Tweet
  3. When you have finished press Options > Tweet
  4. Each Tweet is charged at the same rate as your SMS fee

Not only can you send tweets you can also choose whether you wish to receive updates from users chosen by you, change account settings and much more.  For a detailed guide please see:

https://support.twitter.com/groups/34-apps-sms-and-mobile/topics/153-twitter-via-sms/articles/14020-twitter-for-sms-basic-features#

 

 

Mountain guide Bruce Goodlad explains the importance of his Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone

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Our customers use their satellite phones all over the world for many different reasons such as expeditions, sailing trips or business calls in remote locations.

Whether our customers use satellite phones frequently or as an emergency back-up only we are always interested to hear of how they use satellite technology to their advantage.

GTC customer Bruce Goodlad works as an international mountain guide.  We hear how he uses his Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone to stay connected even in the most remote places.

Iridium 9575 Extreme in use“As an international mountain guide I work in the high mountains all over the world, often in remote locations so communication is important to all aspects of my work. It is easy to focus on the accident and rescue element of satellite communications and miss the importance of good communication that allows the smooth running of a trip. Access to up to date weather reports and condition reports from other teams operating in your area all contribute to the success of a trip.

This is combined with the peace of mind that having guaranteed communication with rescue services provided by the Iridium network gives.

Iridium is the only truly global satellite phone network, I have used it all around the globe, phoning my mum from the summit of highest mountain in Antarctica to calling for a weather forecast while ski touring in a remote part of Kamchatka in Eastern Russia. Iridium keeps me up to date.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

Iridium Extreme satellite phone

The Iridium Extreme is so small and light that I just leave it in the bottom of my rucksack skiing and climbing everyday. In the Alps, where I live Cell phone coverage is good but it is a long way from complete.  Having an Iridium phone with me allows to keep up to date with weather and avalanche forecasts and conditions. It also allows me to arrange logistics where those relying on a cell phone may have no coverage. The SOS facility on the Extreme gives me the peace of mind that if I am injured even if my clients don’t have the language skills to call for help they can alert the rescue services to our situation.

I first used an Iridium phone in Antarctica in 2001 where I found it a major step forward in communication and safety provision, the new generation phone takes this security and portability to a new level. In the mountains I am never with out my Iridium, why trust your security to anything else?”

Bruce Goodlad

Mountain Guide IFMGA

Technical Director British Mountain Guides

Chamonix March 2013

www.mountainadventurecompany.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/brucegoodlad

Find out more about the Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone

Bring satellite connectivity to your iPhone with Thuraya SatSleeve

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Thuraya have announced the launch of a revolutionary product which brings satellite connectivity to the Apple iPhone.

thuraya-satsleeve-iphone

Thuraya SatSleeve is the world’s first product to offer easy and affordable access to mobile satellite communications — delivered over Thuraya’s extensive satellite network. Only slightly larger than the iPhone itself, the compact adaptor provides users with the ability to turn their iPhone into a satellite phone that allows them to have reliable connectivity beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks.

Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya, said: “The launch of Thuraya SatSleeve represents a major milestone and a game-changing innovation in the satellite industry. This is the first consumer friendly mobile satellite phone ever launched, which dramatically increases the reach to satellite telephony for enterprise, government, and everyday consumers alike. It provides iPhone® users with a versatile and highly affordable means of conducting phone calls and sending SMS via satellite from the world’s most remote locations.”

While iPhones are typically supported by terrestrial networks, Thuraya SatSleeve enables users to enjoy ubiquitous coverage even in the most remote environments. The Thuraya SatSleeve also serves as an important mobile communications tool for corporate users, especially enterprises operating in remote locations, explorers, mountaineers and other outdoor enthusiasts — ideal for prolonged expeditions that take these users deep into uncharted areas that are not served by terrestrial mobile networks.

To register your interest for Thuraya SatSleeve please contact us.

Celebrate the return of Globalstar with two months free service and no activation fee!

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To celebrate the success of Globalstar’s fourth, second-generation satellite launch, all new customers who activate a GSP-1700 satellite phone or GSP-1700-MR Bundle before 31st March 2013 on our Voice & Data Plans* will receive the first two months subscription free of charge and free activation (usually €50).

GSP-1700 Portable Satellite Phone

GSP-1700 Portable Satellite Phone

With the GSP-1700 priced at just £325 ex VAT this is an excellent time to purchase a satellite phone.  At GTC we have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the new satellites and can confirm that the voice quality we are currently receiving during testing is excellent.  The GSP-1700 offers up to 4 hours of talk-time and 36 hours of standby on a single charge. The pocket-sized handset weighs just 200g.

These handsets are in stock and available for next day delivery.

GSP-1700-MR Fixed Satellite Phone suitable for boat or car use

GSP-1700-MR Fixed Satellite Phone suitable for boat or car use

If you need a fixed solution the GSP-1700-MR Bundle is brilliant for marine or vehicular use. This kit offers flexibility and additional hands-free usability to those who frequently travel in areas where cellular coverage is unavailable.  A range of cable lengths and antennas are available and we are happy to offer advice on which solutions will suit your requirements. This solution is priced at £1,300 ex VAT.

All GTC post-paid airtime customers are billed on a monthly basis and payment can be taken by Direct Debit or credit card.

If you have questions about any of the Globalstar airtime plans or hardware please contact us.

*Terms and Conditions

Long distance, roaming and overage rates will continue to apply. A minimum contract duration of 12 months applies to lines activated under this promotional offer.  Excludes Access Plan.

Keep in touch with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day

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We know many of our customers spend long periods of time away from their loved ones so here we have put together a little reminder of the most cost-effective ways to say hello to them this Valentine’s Day.

Iridium-Satellite-Network-LogoIridium

1. Send a free SMS to an Iridium phone at http://messaging.iridium.com/

2. 2 stage dialling – allows you to dial a US number and then enter the details of the Iridium number you want to reach. This means you only pay the cost of a call to the US. Call the Iridium gateway number on +1 480 768 2500 and then follow the voice prompts to enter the Iridium number.

Inmarsat-Satellite-Network-LogoInmarsat

1. Send a free SMS to an Inmarsat phone/terminal at http://connect.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/IsatPhone/SMS/sms.html

2. Skype: Did you know that Inmarsat is the only satellite network you can call from Skype? Call charges to IsatPhone @ £1.89 per min.

 

Thuraya-Satellite-Network-LogoThuraya

1. Send a free SMS to a Thuraya phone at https://sms.thuraya.com/

Mission Accomplished! Globalstar Announces Successful Fourth Launch of Six Second-Generation Satellites

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gtcltd-globalstar-hplogo

24 New Satellites to Restore Industry Leading Mobile Satellite Voice and Data Services

COVINGTON, La., Feb. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Globalstar, Inc. (OTCBB:GSAT) today announced that six new second-generation Globalstar satellites were successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Globalstar satellites lifted off aboard the Soyuz launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage at 10:04 p.m. local Baikonur time (16:04 p.m. UTC and 11:04 a.m. EST) on Wednesday February 6, 2013.

Launch services provider Arianespace confirmed that the upper stage accurately injected the six second-generation satellites into their targeted low earth orbit of approximately 920 km. Globalstar reports that all six satellites have been successfully acquired following separation from the Dispenser and Fregat Upper Stage. Globalstar has begun initial satellite in-orbit testing and all six spacecraft are operating normally at this time.

“I am pleased to announce the successful final launch of our second-generation constellation,” said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc. “In 2006, we set out to be the first mobile satellite services company to successfully deploy a second-generation constellation of LEO satellites. This extraordinary undertaking took years of dedicated effort and a singularly focused mindset to complete the mission.”

Jay Monroe, CEO of Globalstar, Inc., added, “We fully expect Duplex service to be restored to the high level of quality that Globalstar customers historically enjoyed. We thank all of our employees and partners who were able to make this successful launch possible, including launch services provider Arianespace and satellite contractor Thales Alenia Space.”

Globalstar expects to place these final six second-generation satellites into commercial service by this summer, with the first two being raised and placed into service by the end of February. These new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar’s first-generation satellites.

The Globalstar second-generation satellite constellation is designed to support the Company’s current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products and services, including its SPOT-branded consumer products which have initiated over 2,000 rescues worldwide. Globalstar has always been known for its crystal clear, “land-line quality” voice service and for a limited time, is offering service plans for as little as $39.99 per month.

Please visit our website to learn more: http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/Globalstar_Satellite_Phone_Airtime.html

Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro firmware version 5.1.0 and 5.2.0 charging issues identified

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IsatPhone-Pro-Battery-thumbGlobal Telesat Communications have been contacted by Inmarsat with regard to the latest firmware version supplied for the IsatPhone Pro.

In recent days, a problem has been identified with units manufactured since 07 September 2012 running either firmware version 5.1.0, or 5.2.0 (the latest). Inmarsat has discovered that these two versions of firmware contain an error causing the battery not to charge whilst the phone is switched off. If the battery is allowed to run flat, then it becomes impossible to charge the phone unless a new, pre-charged battery is fitted.

Inmarsat engineers are producing a new version of firmware which will resolve this problem. We anticipate that this will be fully tested and available for release by 8th February 2013.

Up until this date, it is recommended that you do not allow the phone to go below a half charge before charging. Please make sure you switch your phone on before charging, or it will not charge.

If you are unsure of what firmware version you are running you can find out by going to Menu > Settings > About > Firmware version on your handset.

Globalstar Confirms February 5th for Deployment of Final Satellites

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Final Launch Will Complete Deployment of World’s First Second-Generation Constellation of LEO Satellites

COVINGTON, La., Jan. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Globalstar, Inc. (OTCBB:GSAT) today announced that its fourth launch of six second generation satellites has been confirmed for February 5, 2013 at the following time:

10:20 p.m. Baikonur time
08:20 p.m. Moscow time
05:20 p.m. Paris time
11:20 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
10:20 a.m. Central Standard Time
08:20 a.m. Pacific Standard Time

This will be the fourth and final launch from the Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, completing Globalstar’s plan to orbit 24 second-generation satellites. Globalstar has previously launched 18 second-generation satellites in launches that occurred on October 19, 2010, July 13, 2011 and December 28, 2011. Globalstar has placed into commercial service all of the previously launched second-generation satellites.

The February 5th launch is the last launch necessary to fully restore Globalstar’s Duplex service to the high level of quality that Globalstar’s customers have historically enjoyed. Globalstar’s second-generation satellites were designed and manufactured by Thales Alenia Space with a service life of fifteen years, twice that of Globalstar’s first-generation satellites.

Globalstar’s launch services provider, Arianespace, will utilize the highly reliable Soyuz Fregat launch vehicle. Globalstar, in association with Arianespace, has previously completed eleven launches utilizing the Soyuz, which is credited with more than 1795 successful launches to date.

All six second-generation satellites for the fourth launch have been fueled and mated to the Dispenser, and the Upper Composite has been transferred to the assembly facility near the launch pad where it will be mated to the Soyuz.

Members of Globalstar’s executive management team, including Anthony Navarra, President of the Space Program, and L. Barbee Ponder, General Counsel and Vice President Regulatory Affairs, will attend the launch.

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd Signs Distributor Agreement with Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTCL)

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gtcltd-globalstar-hplogoGTCL will offer Globalstar products and services to it’s diverse customer base, including defense, government, maritime and recreational sectors.

Poole, UK , January 24 2013 – Globalstar Inc. (OTC:GSAT) announced today that Global Telesat Communications Ltd. (GTCL), one of the UK’s leading suppliers of satellite mobile voice, data and tracking services, has signed an updated Distributor Agreement with Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc.

Under the terms of the Agreement, GTCL will expand its product range to include Globalstar’s unique line-up of high quality satellite voice and duplex data solutions, including satellite phones, airtime plans and accessories.  GTCL will offer these products to its diverse customer base, including defense, government, maritime and recreational sectors.

“We are very pleased to expand our association with Globalstar at this exciting stage in the development of their second-generation satellite constellation.  With inclusive plans offering voice and data calls for as little as €0.15 per minute and the lowest handset prices in the market, we look forward to being able to confidently recommend Globalstar to customers demanding the best satellite voice quality and fastest low-band data speeds at an affordable and highly competitive price” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTCL.

“As we approach the fourth and final launch of our second-generation satellites, we look forward to providing satellite customers around the globe with industy-leading voice quality and the fastest data speeds. We are delighted that GTCL has chosen to recommend Globalstar’s satellite communications solutions and look forward to their assistance as we continue to broaden our customer base,” said Mark O’Connell, Director of European Sales & Business Operations at Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd.

Globalstar is currently planning to launch six satellites in early February 2013.  Once deployed, the six satellites will restore full service to Globalstar’s customers and position the Company as the first mobile satellite service provider to deploy a second-generation constellation of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites.  The new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar’s first-generation satellites.

Combined with the Company’s affordable and award-winning suite of consumer retail SPOT products, Globalstar will be uniquely positioned to offer the world’s most extensive lineup of highly reliable and lowest priced mobile satellite services to the broadest range of customers around the globe.

About Global Telesat Communications Ltd.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTC) is a supplier of mobile voice and data communications services via satellite.  GTC provides equipment and airtime for use on all the major satellite networks including Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya allowing users in remote locations to make phone calls, connect to the internet and track assets or personnel anywhere in the world.  GTC also offers a rental service for customers requiring equipment on a short-term basis.   For more information regarding GTC, please visit www.globaltelesat.co.uk

About Globalstar, Inc.

Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to commercial customers and recreational consumers in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company’s products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems, flexible airtime service packages and the SPOT family of mobile satellite consumer products including the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of Spot LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia.

For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit www.globalstar.com

New Year Offer – 10% off satellite phone rentals!

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IRDM_9555_Usage_09To wish our customers a Happy New Year we are pleased to announce a 10% discount on all satellite phone rentals ordered before 31 January 2013*.  Simply enter discount code JAN2013RENTAL at the checkout!

GTC is pleased to offer Iridium, Inmarsat & Thuraya satellite phone rentals for a minimum of just 7 days.  All phones come in a rugged Peli case with wall charger, car charger, data cable and spare battery all for just £5 per day.

*Please bear in mind that your debit/credit card will be charged for the full amount when you place the order online.