Iridium Communications Inc. announces that OOO Iridium Communications (“Iridium Russia”) has received authorization from Russian authorities for commercial operations in the country. Iridium Russia expects to launch service in the second quarter of 2012, once all technical licensing requirements are complete.

Iridium anticipates expanded demand for its products and services in Russia as a result of this authorization for commercial operations. In 2009, Iridium formed Iridium Russia to conduct business in the country due to strong regional interest in its innovative voice and data communications capabilities. Iridium is making a significant, multi-year investment as part of its commitment to the Russian market. The company is actively engaging new and existing distribution relationships in the country to support customer demand.

“Our partners are expressing great enthusiasm for our entry into the Russian market,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “We expect Iridium Russia and partners to capture at least 40 percent of the mobile satellite services market in Russia by 2015 — which we think could be a $70-100 million market by then. Our network is uniquely suited to serve the Russian market with its ability to provide 100 percent global coverage for organizations, businesses and individuals for voice, data, tracking or other critical connectivity. Through cost-effective satellite communications services, Iridium extends the connectivity available beyond that of local telecom and technology companies serving diverse Russian markets. Iridium enables voice and data connections where traditional commercial networks cannot reach, including many remote parts of Russia and within the Arctic Region. Around the world, our service has become essential to important sectors such as maritime, aviation, emergency response, civil government, oil and gas, mining and transportation. And, Iridium Russia will be able to serve these markets within the country both this year and well into the future thanks to our planned launch of our second generation network, Iridium NEXT.”

“Blue Sky Network is proud to be an Iridium partner,” said Jon Gilbert, president and CEO, Blue Sky Network. “We believe that Iridium’s expansion into Russia will be a tremendous opportunity for both Iridium and our organization, as we seek development and growth into this high-potential and untapped market. With vast and remote regions, the Russian markets present ideal application environments for our combined technologies in aviation and land-based mobile tracking.”

Victor Chernov, acting chief of the State Emergency and Rescue Marine Service of the Russian Federation and head of the State Marine Rescue Coordination Center, said, “Iridium services will allow our operations to remain connected during critical search and rescue missions throughout the whole territory of Russia, and its exclusive economic zone, including such important regions as the Arctic. We are excited to know that Russia is now authorized to offer these services throughout the Russian Federation — this is good news for our country.”

According to Victor Glushko, general director, Iridium Russia, the country will be a strategic growth area for in-region and international service providers able to deliver Iridium products and services to Russian businesses and, specifically, transportation organizations across land, sea and air. In particular, he said, maritime and energy-related services are showing strong demand throughout the region.

Globalstar, Inc., yesterday announced its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. Key highlights include:

• Globalstar reports positive Adjusted EBITDA for the second consecutive quarter and a substantial increase over the same period in 2011.
• SPOT service revenue increases approximately 27 percent from the first quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2012.
• Globalstar continues deployment of new satellites and expects call connection rates for key markets to reach more than 80 percent this summer as four additional second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service from May through July.

Revenue

Globalstar reported revenue of $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $18.3 million in the first quarter of 2011. Excluding one-time nonrecurring revenue of $2.0 million from the termination of the Company’s Open Range partnership recognized in the first quarter of 2011, revenue increased by $0.5 million, or 3 percent, in the first quarter of 2012.

The primary driver of the revenue increase in 2012 was SPOT service revenue, which grew by $1.1 million, or 27 percent, in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 2011. As expected, Duplex service revenue was lower in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, but was in line with revenue in the last quarter of 2011. The Company anticipates Duplex revenue growth later this year as additional second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service.

The Company expects call connection rates in key markets to increase substantially in the near-term as four new second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service over the next three months. With these additional satellites in operation, call connection rates are anticipated to increase to over 80 percent by August. The Company projects further increases as additional satellites are placed into service throughout the remainder of the year. The Company expects increasing service levels to drive both usage and new subscriber additions.

Revenue from subscriber equipment sales in the first quarter of 2012 was $4.1 million, substantially unchanged from the same period in 2011.

Adjusted EBITDA

Globalstar reported positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to negative Adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million in the same period in 2011. This represented an increase of $3.9 million over the first quarter of 2011. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA resulted from an increase in revenue of $0.5 million (excluding the one-time nonrecurring revenue from the termination of the Company’s Open Range partnership) and a decrease in operating expenses of $3.4 million (excluding EBITDA adjustments). The decrease of approximately 21 percent in operating expenses was due largely to the implementation of a more focused business strategy, as well as the continuation of operational improvements and streamlining initiatives introduced in late 2011. The Company reported expense reductions in the quarter throughout its major operating areas.

Net Loss

The Company reported a net loss of $24.5 million for the current quarter, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to an increase of $4.1 million in depreciation expense and a noncash derivative loss of $6.5 million compared to a derivative gain of $6.4 million in the same period in 2011. The higher depreciation charges resulted from the Company placing additional second-generation satellites into service over the last 12 months. The derivative loss resulted primarily from an increase in the Company’s stock price in the first quarter of 2012. Interest expense was also higher in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due to a reduction in capitalized interest.

“Overall we are pleased with the results for the quarter. Revenue for the quarter was in line with our expectations, while Adjusted EBITDA exceeded our internal forecasted results” said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. “We are working hard to translate our significantly improved service quality into Duplex sales growth and improved margins, while maintaining the cost discipline we put in place in late 2011. We continue to believe that we will experience positive revenue growth in the second half of the year.”

Operations and Other Matters

Other items of interest in the quarter include the following:

• SPOT service revenue during the first quarter was approximately $5.3 million, an increase of approximately 27 percent compared to the same period in 2011. Due to the continued success of Globalstar’s SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™and related consumer products since their introduction in November 2007, Globalstar has received orders to ship over 370,000 SPOT retail devices to over 10,000 points of distribution in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Southeast Asia. The award-winning devices have also been responsible for the initiation of more than 1,800 rescues around the world.
• During the quarter Globalstar solidified its long-term supply chain for its SPOT and Simplex data-based asset tracking devices by completing the transition to new contract manufacturers. Previously announced shipment delays of SPOT devices, which negatively impacted hardware revenue early in the quarter, were largely resolved by the end of March.
• During the first quarter, Globalstar continued to deploy its second-generation satellites and witnessed increased voice and data traffic on the network. Subscribers can expect further significant improvements in network coverage and service reliability throughout the remainder of 2012 as additional satellites are placed into service. The Company anticipates the fourth launch of the last six satellites for the second half of 2012, as Globalstar remains on track to become the first MSS provider to launch, deploy and utilize a second-generation constellation of LEO satellites to service new and existing customers around the world.
• As announced in March 2012, Globalstar obtained an amendment to its COFACE Facility Agreement which, among other things, deferred the beginning of the repayment period by approximately one year to the second quarter of 2013. This amendment significantly improves the Company’s liquidity position in 2012 and beyond.
• During the quarter, ADS-B Technologies, LLC (ADS-B Tech) continued development of its ALAS Next Generation Air Traffic Surveillance product (ALAS). ALAS utilizes the Globalstar satellite network to provide real-time aircraft surveillance data from remote areas where a conventional line of sight connection to a terrestrial ADS-B ground station is not possible or impractical. In April, ADS-B Tech successfully demonstrated the capability of the system verifying the feasibility of space-based air traffic surveillance using Globalstar’s constellation of LEO satellites. Globalstar is pleased with the recent test results and the global revenue opportunity such an air traffic management system represents. Globalstar’s unique “bent-pipe” architecture and global network of ground stations provides the only satellite network that can handle the air traffic surveillance data both reliably and with no latency concerns.
• Globalstar enthusiastically supported recommended actions by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the proposed development of terrestrial broadband services utilizing the MSS 2 GHz band. The FCC further stated that it intends to address issues pertaining to the ATC rules for Globalstar’s Big LEO band in a separate proceeding at a later date. Mr. Monroe added, “As Globalstar completes the launch and deployment of its second-generation constellation, we look forward to participating in that future proceeding and anticipate receiving similar flexibility to offer terrestrial services within the Big LEO spectrum band.”

Smaller, Lighter, Global M2M Device Extends Even Further the Ways People and Assets Can Connect Everywhere

The Iridium 9603 is 70 percent smaller by volume, and half the board footprint of the Iridium 9602.

Iridium Communications Inc., today unveiled the world’s smallest, commercial, two-way satellite data transceiver – the Iridium 9603. Announced at International CTIA Wireless 2012, the Iridium 9603 is a data module designed for embedding into machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for remote asset tracking, monitoring and alarming in defense, government, enterprise and consumer markets where existing larger transceivers could not fit.  

“With the 9603, Iridium is disrupting the global M2M market by becoming relevant to new customer segments such as personnel tracking for consumers and governments as well as fleet, vehicle and heavy equipment tracking and monitoring,” said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. “Through this product evolution, Iridium continues to drive forward its Iridium Force strategy of facilitating personal portable communications through our innovative approaches to reduce the size of our data and voice/data modules. The 9603 opens up a whole new set of ways for people and assets to make vital, two-way connections reliably, in near real-time. This device, which is smaller than a matchbook, further enables Iridium’s vital communications service with the same rich feature set in a terrific value proposition. And of course, Iridium is the only telecommunications carrier in the world that can offer 100 percent pole-to-pole coverage through its meshed network of 66 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites.”

The Iridium 9603 is 70 percent smaller by volume, and half the board footprint of the Iridium 9602. The Iridium 9603 breaks down design barriers and enables Iridium’s 275 partners to embed global connectivity in hand-held personal tracking devices and even smaller vehicles, containers, devices for field monitoring, command and control applications, and unattended sensors.

“With the terrestrial M2M market now growing faster than ever, Iridium and its partners are dramatically increasing the prospects for satellite M2M along a similar path with this new development,” said Robin Duke-Woolley, chief executive officer of Beecham Research. “The major reduction in size of the 9603 transceiver will encourage smaller end user devices with embedded satellite connectivity. This type of technology innovation moves satellite M2M into application areas traditionally considered to be the preserve of terrestrial wireless and will further accelerate Iridium’s fast growth in the Mobile Satellite Services market.”

In its recent first-quarter earnings release for 2012, Iridium announced its sixth consecutive quarter of approximately 50 percent M2M subscriber growth. The company now draws nearly one-fifth of commercial service revenue from this fast-growing market segment and reported a 29 percent year-over-year increase in M2M unit sales volumes.

The Iridium 9603 is a single board transceiver that offers low latency and duplex data connectivity, permitting reliable two-way communications to and from remote devices. This not only allows users to reliably transfer location and status information, but also to remotely adjust device parameters such as reporting intervals. For example, two-way data communications enables first responders to stay in constant touch during emergency situations with personal location and tracking devices that support two way messages as well as tracking and location updates.

The Iridium 9603 complements the Iridium 9602 in a portfolio of available Short Burst Data (SBD) devices, offering development partners multiple hardware options for enabling customer solutions via the Iridium global network. This board-mounted “black box” provides the device interface through a single multi-pin interface connector and an antenna connector.

Five long-standing Iridium partners served as beta partners in the early testing and integration of the Iridium 9603. These companies are actively incorporating the device into their products, some of which are scheduled to launch as early as June 2012.

In response to recent changes brought in by Inmarsat there will be adjustments to both IsatPhone Pro and FleetBroadband airtime plans in the coming months.  Please note these changes apply to existing and new customers and we advise customers to read the following information carefully to get the best value from their Inmarsat equipment in the future.

If you have any questions at all about how these changes affect you please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro Pre-Paid Airtime
• Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro Post-Paid Airtime
• Inmarsat FleetBroadband Airtime

IsatPhone Pro Pre-Paid Airtime with effect from 1 June 2012

Inmarsat are changing the validity and pricing of pre-paid vouchers for the IsatPhone Pro as shown in the table below.

GTC advice to existing customers: Top-up before 1 June 2012 to extend your entire balance for another two years.

GTC advice to new customers: Purchase and activate your SIM before 1 June 2012 to take advantage of the highest validity possible.

Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro Post-Paid Airtime with effect from 1 June 2012

Although there is still a great range of plans available for the IsatPhone Pro pricing and inclusive minutes have changed.  Please note that exisiting customers will be moved on to these plans and therefore those on the Standard Plan will see increases in their monthly fee – however, they will also now receive 10 inclusive minutes per month and keep their flexible 1 month minimum term.

To compare the latest IsatPhone contracts please visit our website.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband Airtime with effect from 1 May 2012

For basic occasional use on FleetBroadband terminals we are now recommending the Fishing & Leisure plans starting from $50/month.  This gives you 5 MB, 30 mins and 20 SMS per month and still has the flexible 1 month minimum.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Fishing & Leisure plans and our other FleetBroadband plans.

Make phone calls using your smartphone with the 3CXPhone App

Thrane & Thrane has successfully tested the popular 3CXPhone app with its Explorer 700 BGAN terminal.

It is the only land-mobile terminal with built-in SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and a wireless access point – allowing users to make calls over BGAN without adding extra hardware.

The 3CXPhone app can be used with Windows, iPhone and Android-based smartphones.

Callers can use the app to:

• Make local calls between mobile phones – or any other handset connected to the terminal
• Transfer calls to and from other phones

To start making calls, download the app, register it on the Explorer’s SIP server, and get dialling any BGAN, VoIP, mobile or landline number.

The app is easy to deploy and manage, and supports standard USB and Jabra headsets.

The solution will also work on Explorer vehicular terminals with the addition of an external wireless access point that supports power over Ethernet (PoE), such as the long-range EnGenius EAP-3660.

Download 3CXPhone: www.3cx.com/VOIP/voip-phone.html

Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) announced yesterday its financial results for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2011. For the first time in four years, the Company reported positive quarterly Adjusted EBITDA.

Globalstar revenue increased 5 percent to $17.4 million in the fourth quarter 2011 compared to $16.5 million in the fourth quarter 2010. Revenue for 2011 increased 7 percent to $72.8 million compared to $67.9 million in 2010. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Adjusted EBITDA was $1.6 million compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 million during the same period in 2010.

Globalstar launched 12 second-generation satellites during 2011. This year, the Company is expected to become the world’s first LEO-based MSS provider with a second-generation constellation. Globalstar’s fourth satellite launch is planned to take place in the second half of 2012.

Globalstar customers responded to the improved coverage afforded by the launched satellites by increasing usage of the network and purchases of new airtime plans. With data speeds that are 3- 4 times faster than other satellite providers and the purest voice quality possible, Globlastar is poised for continued growth and profitability.

“With the fourth launch expected later this year, 2012 represents an inflection point for Globalstar’s business,” said Jay Monroe, C.E.O. of Globalstar. “We know it will take some time to regain the growth and momentum we enjoyed historically, but by later in 2012 we expect to be solidly on our way to becoming the world’s premier provider of high quality, reliable mobile satellite voice and data services to commercial, government and retail consumers.”

Since 2007, Globalstar has developed a successful line of consumer products targeting outdoor enthusiasts under the SPOT brand name. The award-winning Spot device has been responsible for the initiation of more than 1,700 rescues around the world.

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, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and flexible service packages. 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.

The new Thuraya XT Dual Satellite Phone

• GSM and satellite capabilities
• Fastest sat phone data capability at 60 kbps
• Built-in web browser
• Longest battery life of any sat phone – up to 11 hours talktime and up to 160 hours standby time
• GPS functionality that allows waypoint navigation, tracking capabilities to send automatic location updates by SMS and an emergency function.

Thuraya, the leading international mobile satellite operator with a record of over 600,000 phones sold to date, has launched today the most advanced dual mode handheld phone that features both GSM and satellite capabilities. The introduction of this unique phone, branded XT-DUAL, makes Thuraya the only satellite operator to offer seamless communications as the phone provides consumers the flexibility and freedom to switch between GSM and satellite modes wherever they may be located.

With a growing subscriber base of voice consumers, one of the world’s most powerful networks and a robust reputation for high-performance and compact handhelds, Thuraya continues to present an unprecedented consumer experience through the new, state-of-the-art XT-DUAL phone. 

As the XT-DUAL operates efficiently as a standard GSM phone within the reach of terrestrial networks, and when out of terrestrial network reach operates as a satellite phone supported by Thuraya’s powerful network, consumers from all sectors and groups can enjoy the reliability and convenience of handheld voice communications from a device that has high call stability and full walk-and-talk capabilities.

“Today marks yet another milestone for Thuraya as a leader and innovator in the mobile satellite industry. The XT DUAL is certainly a step ahead in satellite telephony and a solution that will transform mobile communications for years to come. The new phone ensures reliable and seamless communications in one very sleek unit, enabling consumers to benefit from the best of the two worlds of GSM and satellite,” said Thuraya’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samer Halawi.

A smart and professional phone, the XT-DUAL responds to the vital needs of frequent travelers, businessmen, VIPs and consumers from diverse industries as it has a built-in web browser for internet access directly on the phone and it offers the fastest data service on any satellite enabled handheld at 60 kbit/s. It is also cased in a sleek, rugged, and modern design.

“In a time where there’s a high demand for a rapid exchange of information from smart handhelds (broadband mobility), Thuraya is proud to introduce a phone that is very much in line with today’s needs of telecom consumers. Consumers who require GSM for their daily life, and satellite functionality whenever they are out of coverage or for backup in emergency situations, now have a superior phone that meets all of their communication needs,” added Mr. Halawi.

The Thuraya XT-DUAL is an extension of the successful Thuraya XT phone which is renowned for being the world’s toughest satellite phone. As such, the XT-DUAL is also splash water, dust and impact protected due to its IP64/IK03 rating, making it a rugged handheld that endures tough conditions.

The new phone offers the comfort of free mobility without consumers having to worry about the direction of the satellite. Additionally, and like the XT phone, if the antenna of the handheld is stowed, satellite calls can still be received due to a High-Penetration-Alerting function.

In addition to the built-in web browser, the phone can be connected to a laptop/PC for internet access and can be synchronized with a laptop/PC.

As Thuraya is the only satellite operator to offer satellite roaming capabilities for GSM consumers, people on the move can choose either to use a Thuraya SIM card or access Thuraya’s robust network by simply inserting their GSM SIM card into the XT-DUAL. Thuraya has roaming agreements with 324 operators covering 154 countries.

The phone also has a battery saving technology to support a long lasting talk time of up to 11 hours and standby time of up to 160 hours contributing to the high attractiveness of the phone.

Weighing a mere 211g, the XT-DUAL has an advanced outdoor display with a brightness sensor for perfect readability even in bright sunlight.

The XT-DUAL offers a GPS functionality that allows waypoint navigation, tracking capabilities to send automatic location updates by SMS as well as an emergency function.

The phone supports twelve languages, has messaging via SMS, MMS, e-mail and fax, Bluetooth, an organizer, media center, and it supports Java, allowing external programs to be installed on the phone.

Global Telesat Communications will soon have pricing available for this new model, please contact us for more information.

• New online ordering system
• New daily rates
• Lower rental deposits
• New airtime bundles

New online ordering system
We are pleased to announce that you can now order your satellite phone rental online at www.globaltelesat.co.uk.  We aim to make your experience of hiring a sat phone as easy as possible and our new system means no more scanning or faxing applications back to us, simply choose your rental period and start date, tick to agree to our terms and conditions, make a card payment and leave the rest to us!

New daily rates
To complement the new online rental service we are now offering satellite phone rental rates of just £5 per day with a minimum rental of just 7 days.

Lower rental deposits
To cut your costs even further our refundable rental deposits have also been dropped to £500 per phone for the Iridium 9555 and Thuraya XT, and just £250 per phone for the IsatPhone Pro.

New airtime bundles

We now give you the option to pre-paid minutes to your satellite phone rental which reduces call costs down to just £1 per minute.  Bundles range from 25 to 100 minutes all working out to £1 per minute.

If you have any questions about which satellite phone is best for you please do not hesitate to contact us.

Iridium Communications Inc. announces the launch of its second-generation maritime broadband platform, Iridium Pilot. Iridium Pilot will utilize the Iridium OpenPort service – the world’s first when it comes to fully global maritime broadband.

Iridium Pilot is engineered for enhanced durability to withstand the harshest maritime conditions, all the while packaged in a small, lightweight antenna. It has a fixed, electronically-steerable, phased-array antenna, designed to maintain connectivity in rough seas. Iridium Pilot offers broadband connectivity in addition to three independent phone lines, all of which work simultaneously, with data speeds up to 134 kbps. The platform offers a suite of new capabilities for vessel telecommunications optimization. These capabilities include a built-in firewall for traffic management and a bulk configuration capability to assist in efficiently managing large volumes of units. Its small form factor, enhanced capabilities and flexible service packages make Iridium Pilot an optimal solution for vessels large and small. In addition, Iridium Pilot maintains the best service program in the industry, the Iridium Global Service Program, and the industry’s only standard five-year limited warranty.

The new Iridium Pilot works through the global Iridium OpenPort system

“We currently see a rapid migration from legacy narrowband services to new generation broadband solutions in the maritime satellite communications market,” said Richard Roithner, Senior Consultant at Euroconsult. “MSS broadband solutions, in particular those positioned in the lower price ranges, have seen significant growth over the last two years increasing at around 120 percent per year. Euroconsult projects growth to continue in the coming years as these systems provide an attractive value proposition for low- and medium-end markets, including fishing, shipping and leisure vessels, to provide safety communications, enhance ship operations, improve crew welfare as well as provide complementary services for VSAT. Our research has found that data rates of around 128kbps are sufficient for the majority of applications used onboard vessels today.”

Iridium Pilot is the latest example of Iridium’s long-term commitment to investment and innovation focused on satisfying communications needs around the globe. The company’s goal is to continually improve the customer experience in new and existing markets in the farthest reaches of the world now and into the future.

“Importantly, Iridium Pilot will be compatible with Iridium’s next generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT,” said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. “Iridium NEXT, scheduled for deployment starting in 2015, is the largest commercial space program underway today. Ship operators installing Iridium Pilot can have the confidence that their equipment will be supported well beyond 2020.”

Here at Global Telesat Communications we have helped many customers who are new to satellite phones and want to know all the facts before making their purchase.  Here we have listed the most frequently asked questions and more importantly the answers!

1. Which satellite phone is best for me?

Network coverage is important when deciding which sat phone is best for you

Firstly you need to check the network coverage maps to find out which networks cover the areas you are travelling to.

Secondly you need to compare the features of each handset.  This can be done easily with our sat phone comparison guide.

2. Are you charged for receiving calls on a sat phone?

No, you are not charged for receiving calls or text messages on the sat phone.

3. How much does it cost to call a satellite phone?

Charges for calling a satellite phone do vary greatly depending on what type of phone you are calling from and who the operator is.  As some providers can charge up to £5 per minute to call a satellite phone we recommend that where possible the sat phone user makes the calls as it almost always works out cheaper than calling to the sat phone.

IsatPhone Pro users may want to consider informing colleagues, friends and family that you can call the Inmarsat network from Skype: Read our article “Did you know you can use Skype to call Inmarsat phones and terminals?”

Iridium users may want to consider informing colleagues, friends and family of the 2 stage dialling option.  This involves the caller ringing a US number (charged at their usual international rates).  However, it does mean that the Iridium user will incur a charge.  Further information is available at our website.

4. How do I top-up my satellite phone?

You can top-up your satellite phone SIM card by purchasing online at www.globaltelesat.co.uk or by calling us on +44 1202 607486.  In most cases if you originally bought your SIM card from us we can top-up your SIM card remotely and within one hour of the top-up request.

5. How will I activate the phone SIM card?

At the time of purchase you can either give us a specified date that you want us to activate the SIM card for you or you can let us know by sending an email or phoning us nearer the time.  The activation is done remotely by us and once completed you can simply pop the SIM card in the sat phone and away you go!

6. How do I check the balance of my satellite phone?

Iridium - Dial 2888 from the sat phone.

Thuraya – Dial 151 from the sat phone.

Inmarsat – Select Menu > Settings > Prepay>Balance enquiry from the sat phone.

7. Do your satellite phones come with a warranty?

All satellite phones supplied by GTC come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

8. Can I use a satellite phone for sending emails?

Satellite phones do have a data capability but in all honesty it isn’t particularly quick and only suited for sending and receiving short plain text emails.  For larger emails and data transfer consider a portable satellite terminal.

All satellite phones have the ability to send and receive short messages to and from an email address directly from the handset using the SMS editor.  Sending via this method will be charged at the usual text rate, receiving is free of charge.

9. How quickly can you deliver my sat phone?

We hold most handsets in stock and offer next day delivery within the UK and most of Europe.  International shipments are usually delivered within 5 business days.  If you have urgent delivery requirements please call us on +44 1202 607486 to discuss.

10. Can you do me a deal?!

We have some offers available on our website which are great for new customers: http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/GTC-Offers.html