Using the IsatPhone Pro in-built Twitter menu

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#

 

 

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

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/

Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro firmware version 5.1.0 and 5.2.0 charging issues identified

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.

New Year Offer – 10% off satellite phone rentals!

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.

IsatPhone Pro Hints & Tips

We share our hints and tips on using the IsatPhone Pro satellite phone from Inmarsat.

Inmarsat IsatPhone ProTop Tips

When you turn your handset on and deploy the antenna always let the handset finish its satellite search for it to successfully connect to the Inmarsat network. Only press hide if you don’t need the phone to connect to the network.

Please ensure you leave plenty of time to test your equipment and ask us any questions before leaving for remote locations. This allows us to help you more easily and gives you confidence in your equipment!

Making a Call

To dial out of the IsatPhone Pro first of all make sure you have adequate signal then use the following format + OR 00 (country code) – number. For example 00 44 1202 607486. To dial the satellite phone dial 00 87077 and then the rest of your satellite phone number.

Messaging

On the IsatPhone Pro you have the option to either send a normal SMS message or alternatively you can send an email message, which will be charged at the same rate as a SMS but it saves the person replying being charged. Texting between satellite phones and mobile phones is not 100% reliable as the satellite networks do not have agreements with all mobile operators.  Please test before you go.  Email Messaging tends to be more reliable as it avoids GSM networks.

To send a text use the following instructions:

Text Message:

  1. Go to Menu > Messaging > New Message >Text Message
  2. Enter the recipient’s number: + (country code) + mobile number.
  3. Enter the body of the text
  4. Select Options > Send

Email Message:

  1. Go to Menu > Messaging > New Message > Email Message
  2. Enter the email address you wish to send to.
  3. Enter the body of the text
  4. Select Options > Send

Send a free message to your IsatPhone from http://connect.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/IsatPhone/SMS/sms.html

Checking your Pre‐Paid Balance

There are two ways to check you balance on the IsatPhone Pro for pre‐paid users. You can either simply dial *106# or alternatively you can go to Menu > Settings > Prepay > Balance Enquiry.

Adding credit to your Pre‐Paid SIM

If you wish to add further credit to your SIM please call us on +44 1202 607486. We can add credit remotely for you – we just need to to take a card payment and know how much credit you want added. If you prefer we can use your original payment card without having to retake the details to speed things up. Credit is usually added within 30 minutes.

GPS Position

On the IsatPhone Pro you are able to view your GPS location and then send it on via text message or email message. To do this use the following steps:

  1. Go to Menu > GPS Location, and then wait for the phone to get its location.
  2. Once received, press the left soft key to select Options and go to Send GPS Location.
  3. Here you can either select to send the information to a mobile phone number or an email address.

Battery Storage

When in storage the battery should be recharged regularly. We recommend recharging once a month to be safe. Inmarsat recommends you charge the battery to around 60% charge, and store the battery in a dry environment separate from the handset. This gives the best shelf life, because fully charged batteries degrade quicker than part charged batteries, and humidity affects charge life in storage. If a battery is left to go completely flat, then it may not be possible to recharge it again with the normal charger. Therefore never store batteries with a low charge level.

Emergency SOS Personal Alert

The personal alert feature enables a user to send their GPS position, along with a short pre‐configured message, as an email or text message, to a maximum of 10 recipients.

To set up and activate a personal alert:

  1. Go to Menu > Extras > Personal alert > Edit personal alert.
  2. Select Configure personal alert, and edit the recipients and the message.

The quickest way to send a personal alert is to press * and # simultaneously for at least 2 seconds from the main screen.

Alternatively, select Menu > Extras > Personal alert > Send personal alert. A pop‐up will appear asking you to confirm the action.

Twitter

Twitter is available on IsatPhone Pro via its SMS functionality. Firstly, link your existing twitter account by logging into your Twitter account.

  1. Go to Settings > Mobile
  2. Under Country/Region scroll to the bottom and select Inmarsat
  3. Enter your Inmarsat number (excluding the 870)
  4. Twitter will then ask you to send an SMS from the IsatPhone Pro to set-up the service.
  5. Once the service has been set-up Select message > sms and in the ‘to’ field, type 898, and tweet away!
  6. Alternatively if you have installed firmware V5.2.0 you can tweet more easily by going to Menu > Messaging > New message > Tweet. (You still need to set-up the shortcode first).

Satellite communications for yachting enthusiasts

With the ARC Rally less than 6 weeks away we take a look at the requirements of yachting enthusiasts who want to keep in touch at sea.

One of the most popular requests we receive from sailors is for a satellite phone which not only has the capability to make voice calls but also to send and receive emails and GRIB files. As a result we have put together two sat comms packages for sailors offering a great discount on everything you need to stay in touch at sea with the Iridium 9555 and IsatPhone Pro.

As well as the basic voice capability here are some of the things our customers take into account when choosing a sat phone for use at sea:

 

GRIB Files

Our SpeedMail software (free with our marine packages) gives you access to free GRIB files (requires GRIB viewer). Simply send an email with the area you need the update for and an automatic email will be sent back to you with the GRIB file.

Emails

Some customers need email at sea whether it be for work commitments or just to stay in touch with family at home.  SpeedMail allows you to send and receive emails at minimal cost from your sat phone by compressing data sent and received.

Social media from your sat phone at the click of a button

Social Media

For simple Twitter and Facebook updates our SpeedMail software allows you to keep your followers up-to-date at a minimal cost. Logging onto social networks via the usual website method can cause a lot of data to be wasted because pointless graphics and ads will be downloaded. Once you have set-up your accounts with SpeedMail you can post updates directly from the software at the click of a button. Furthermore, the updates can be queued along with your emails and sent all at one time to enable maximum data compression.

Tracking*

Let your family and friends back home know where you are with the SPOT Satellite Messenger. For an amazing £200 ex VAT GTC offers SPOT with an annual all-inclusive subscription + Track Progress which allows you to send out a message every 10 minutes for 24 hours. SPOT gives you a unique website for your followers to visit and track your movements.

*Not included in GTC IsatPhone Pro Fixed Solution or GTC Iridium 9555 Marine Solution.

GTC IsatPhone Pro Fixed Solution£600 ex VAT GTC Iridium 9555 Marine Solution£1,235 ex VAT
Includes

  • IsatPhone Pro Satellite Phone
  • Pre-Paid SIM with 100 minutes
  • Magnetic External Antenna
  • SpeedMail Email & Web Compression Software
Includes

  • Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone
  • Pre-Paid SIM with 200 minutes
  • Fixed Mast Antenna with 10m Cable
  • SpeedMail Email & Web Compression Software

Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro Achieves 100,000 Order Milestone

  • Inmarsat achieves milestone of 100,000 ordered units of the market-leading IsatPhone Pro handset
  • Popular with consumers and professional users across the globe, IsatPhone Pro offers reliable global coverage, clear voice quality, affordability and ease of use
  • Strong uptake validates Inmarsat’s strategy in the global handheld satellite phone market with IsatPhone Pro

Inmarsat IsatPhone ProInmarsat, (the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has secured 100,000 confirmed orders from distributors for its global handheld satellite phone, IsatPhone Pro.

Inmarsat has achieved this remarkable milestone with IsatPhone Pro by providing a robust, easy-to-use handheld satellite phone which delivers market-leading reliable global coverage, clear voice quality and unrivalled battery life.

Introduced in June 2010, IsatPhone Pro is Inmarsat’s first handheld satellite phone.

Ronald Spithout, President of the Enterprise business unit at Inmarsat, said: “Inmarsat recognised the need for a highly reliable, voice-centric service and developed the IsatPhone Pro to meet that need. It is ideal for both personal and corporate users, regardless of their location. Securing our 100,000th confirmed order and capturing a significant share of a competitive global market from a standing start just two years ago has exceeded our ambitions for IsatPhone Pro.”

IsatPhone Pro appeals to a diverse user base. The phone is popular with humanitarian workers providing aid during rescue operations; with workers and residents in remote areas; and with explorers and leisure users who want to stay in contact when travelling in areas with no cellular coverage. IsatPhone Pro is a low-cost handset that offers superior voice quality, SMS and data, and is offered with a broad range of pricing packages to suit all requirements.

At the end of June 2012, Inmarsat reported having a base of over 65,000 active IsatPhone Pro terminals. When distributors place orders for IsatPhone Pro terminals, these terminals are only recorded as active terminals later, usually at the point when sold by the distributor to an end customer.

This is the latest milestone in the IsatPhone Pro success story. In August 2012, Inmarsat announced that it can now offer global pre-paid satellite services for both voice and data via the Inmarsat pre-pay platform with the introduction of support for voice calls originating in the US and its territories. IsatPhone Pro users can now be contacted using a single phone number wherever they are located and use just one device, with the option of pre-pay, for their global communications.

Inmarsat Now Offers Global Pre-Paid Satellite Voice and Data Services including United States

  • Pre-Paid satellite voice and data services available in the US for the first time
  • Inmarsat can now offer pre-paid voice and data services globally
  • Pre-Paid IsatPhone Pro, BGAN, FleetBroadband and FleetPhone customers can now use a single device for voice and data across the globe
  • Existing customers will automatically be able to access the service from 1st September

LONDON – 21 August 2012 – Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced that it now offers global pre-paid satellite services for both voice and data with the introduction of support for voice calls originating in the US and its territories.

Through an agreement with Freedom Wireless Holdings Inc., Inmarsat is now the first mobile satellite provider in the world licensed to offer pre-paid services from the US. These services will be available from 1st September 2012 for all existing Inmarsat land and maritime services including IsatPhone Pro, BGAN, FleetBroadband and FleetPhone.

Pre-paid services are popular with people who work on short term or seasonal projects and prefer not to commit to a contract. “Many customers use satellite services across multiple markets and have been frustrated by being unable to use pre-paid services while in the US and its territorial waters. We are proud to be the first company to deliver a global service. This announcement exemplifies our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs,” said Jim Parm, President of Inmarsat Solutions.

“With this breakthrough announcement we are simplifying communications for our users. IsatPhone Pro users can now be contacted using a single phone number wherever they are located and use just one device for their global communications, while FleetBroadband customers can now travel in and out of US territorial waters on pre-paid plans” added Parm.

Inmarsat plc Reports Interim Results 2012

London, UK: 3 August 2012. Inmarsat plc the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services,today provided the following information for the six months ended 30 June 2012.

Inmarsat plc – Highlights

  • Total revenue $684m (2011: $683m)
  • Inmarsat Global MSS revenue $367m up 1.4% (2011: 362m)
  • EBITDA $381m (2011: $427m)
  • EBITDA excluding LightSquared $332m (2011: $336m)
  • Profit before tax $223m (2011: $255m)
  • Interim dividend of 16.94 cents (US$), up 10%
  • Strong growth in Maritime revenue, up 13%
  • Over 30,000 FleetBroadband terminals installed
  • Over 65,000 active IsatPhone Pro terminals

Inmarsat Group Limited – Second Quarter Highlights

  • Total revenue $329m (2011: $359m)
  • Inmarsat Global MSS revenue $189m up 4.2% (2011: $181m)
  • Inmarsat Solutions revenue $205m (2011: $189m)
  • Total EBITDA $176m (2011: $223m)
  • MSS active terminals up 13%

Rupert Pearce, Inmarsat’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “The results for the first half and second quarter show that we have returned our core MSS business to growth, fuelled by continuing strong subscriber take up and the benefits of pricing initiatives. In light of on-going momentum in subscriber additions, we are making further progress towards meeting our expectations for the full year.”

Growth in our maritime data revenue resulted primarily from the impact of pricing initiatives, in particular as a result of the elimination (with effect from January) of volume discounts previously available for older services and the implementation of certain price changes (with effect from May) in relation to our FleetBroadband service. We continue to see strong take up of our FleetBroadband service. During the half year 2012, we added 4,305 FleetBroadband terminals, of which 2,295 were added during the second quarter. At the end of the half year we had more than 30,000 active FleetBroadband terminals. In addition, the migration of certain leasing business to our maritime sector also contributed to our maritime revenue growth.

Although customer migration from older maritime services continues to have a negative impact on our rate of revenue growth in the maritime sector, we believe that this effect is now more than offset by usage increases we have seen from our FleetBroadband subscribers and by the impact of the price changes we have implemented. Although maritime voice revenue was down year over year, this is largely due to the impact of voice price reductions implemented in April 2011 and the on-going effect of voice to email substitution that we record as data revenues.

Interest in our XpressLink service has continued to gain momentum following the appointment of a number of leading maritime communications specialists as dealers which has increased market awareness. XpressLink is now a highly competitive alternative to traditional VSAT services and we continue to believe that XpressLink will gain meaningful market traction during 2012.

In our land mobile sector, while our BGAN and IsatPhone Pro services continue to attract new customer revenue to our network, this growth has been more than offset by the on-going decline in revenue from government users in Afghanistan. Lower revenue from Afghanistan, in connection with reduced military activity, remains a material headwind to our overall rate of growth in 2012. We estimate that Afghanistan and events in North Africa and Japan in the first half of 2011 contributed $18.2m more revenue year-over-year, compared to the first half of 2012. While revenue from North Africa and Japan has now largely normalised, our annualised land mobile revenue from Afghanistan remains material, but is expected to decline further in the remainder of the year.

Our IsatPhone Pro service continues to see strong subscriber take up. At the end of the quarter we had over 65,000 IsatPhone Pro subscribers, being the primary contributor to growth in our land voice revenues.

Aviation revenue growth for the first half was driven by the combination of strong take up and growth in revenue from our SwiftBroadband service, offset by lower usage from Swift 64 mainly due to lower military and government usage. In July, we announced the deployment of SwiftBroadband by two leading airlines in the Asia Pacific region to support in-flight passenger services. Leasing for the first half was in line with expectations.

Lower revenue recorded as Other Income was primarily driven by lower revenue from LightSquared partially offset by increased equipment sales in relation to our IsatPhone Pro service.

Growth in our Inmarsat Solutions division was primarily driven by recognition of new VSAT service revenues resulting from the acquisition of Ship Equip completed in April 2011, and by growth in our Inmarsat Government business unit, both primarily reported within Broadband and other MSS. Lower Inmarsat MSS revenue at the Inmarsat Solutions level was driven primarily by lower revenue from Afghanistan and lower event-related revenue year-over-year.

 

Changes to Inmarsat airtime plans including IsatPhone Pro & FleetBroadband

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.


 

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.

Voucher Current Validity Validity from 1 June Price
25 units 2 years 30 days TBC
50 units 2 years 90 days TBC
100 units 2 years 180 days TBC
250 units 2 years 180 days TBC
500 units 2 years 365 days TBC
1,000 units 2 years 365 days TBC
2,500 units 2 years 365 days TBC
5,000 units 2 years 365 days TBC

 


 

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.