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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.

Iridium Satellite Operating Frequencies

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.

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.