Dialing To and From an Iridium Satellite Phone
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This article explains how to make and receive calls using an Iridium satellite phone, a crucial piece of technology for communication in areas where traditional phone services are unavailable.
Introduction to Iridium Satellite Phones
Iridium satellite phones are incredibly useful in locations lacking cellular mobile, fixed mobile, landline, or other communication services. They’re commonly used for maritime communications, defense, hospitals, emergency services, and airline communications. The upcoming Iridium Next generation aims to expand these services for commercial use, enabling text messaging, voice calls, and internet browsing.
Figure 1: Sketch of Iridium satellite phone system.
The following sections detail various scenarios for using an Iridium satellite phone system.
Making Calls To and From the Iridium Satellite Phone System
For an Iridium phone to work, it needs a clear line of sight (LOS) to an Iridium satellite. This means it should be used in open areas with unobstructed skies, avoiding buildings or areas with significant obstructions.
Here are the different dialing scenarios:
Case 1: From a Landline (USA) to an Iridium Phone
- Dial the number:
011-8816-XXX-XXXXX
011
is the International Direct Dial (IDD) code for the USA.8816 XXX XXXXX
is the Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN).
Case 2: From a Landline (Outside the USA) to an Iridium Satellite Phone
- Dial the number:
00 8816 XXX XXXXX
(example: France)00
is the IDD code for France.8816 XXX XXXXX
is the MSISDN.
Case 3: From an Iridium Satellite Phone to a Landline (USA)
- Dial the number:
00 1 602-752-XXXX
- Use
00
for all outbound calls from the Iridium satellite phone. 1
is the country code for the USA.602
is the area code.752-XXXX
is the landline phone number.
- Use
Case 4: From an Iridium Satellite Phone to a Landline (Other Countries)
- Dial:
00 CC XXXXXX
00
is used for all outbound calls from the Iridium satellite phone.CC
is the country code where the landline is located.XXXXXX
is the landline phone number.
Case 5: Iridium Phone to Another Iridium Phone
- Dial
00 8816 XXX XXXXX
from the Iridium satellite phone.