What are Satellite Phones?
Sat phones rely on a network of satellites that are either fixed above the Equator (Geostationary), or in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) anywhere from 500 to 1,000 miles above the earth. Sat phones are rarely affected by violent storms and, depending upon their system architecture, work virtually anywhere in the world.
Who uses Satellite Phones?
A satellite telephone, satellite phone, or satphone is a type of mobile phone that connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites. They provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones; voice, short messaging service and low-bandwidth internet access are supported through most systems.. It is designed for those who have to operate from places where normal cellular or phone services are not available.Questions about the Satellite Phones & its Services
Q. Where can I purchase pre-paid airtime for my satellite phone?
A. Amberon Sdn Bhd shall be pleased to supply you with pre-paid airtime for your satellite phone, however, due to network restrictions we are unable to offer prepaid airtime on a sim card that has not been provided by us. If you do have a satellite sim card from another provider we can send you a new one – your phone number would however change. The network restrictions do not cover the Thuraya service. Thuraya users are free to purchase airtime vouchers from us.
Q. Where do satellite phones work in terms of coverage?
A. The different satellite networks have different coverage footprints: Iridium is truly global, Inmarsat is worldwide (do not cover the North & South Poles), while Thuraya is regional (mostly Asia, Europe & Most of Africa). Both Inmarsat and Thuraya uses the geostationary satellite network architecture. Their satellites are always located along the Equator.
Q. Can I use my satellite phone on any network?
A. No. Satellite phones are only able to operate on the network they have been manufactured for. You cannot use a product from one satellite network on another satellite network.
Q. Which satellite phone is most suitable for my requirement?
A. Important criteria for selecting a satellite phone are the network’s coverage and your own requirements. Please contact us with your requirement and we can advise.
Q. What do I dial to call a landline or cell phone from my satellite phone?
A. All calls from a Satellite phone must start with the International Prefix, followed by Country Code, Area Code and then the number. For example, to dial a Landline number in Malaysia, 00603XXXXXXXX. Similarly to dial mobile numbers : 006019XXXXXXXX (Celcom) or 006012XXXXXXX (maxis). The international prefix 00 can be substituted with “+”.
Q. What do I dial to call a satellite phone from my landline or cell phone?
A. As a satellite phone has its own “international” number you need to dial the number of the phone you are calling as if you were dialling an international number e.g. +88….., +87…… depending on the network. For example to dial a Inmarsat phone: 0087077xxxxxxx, 00 being the international code, 87077 is the prefix for Inmarsat and xxxxxxx is the number . Kindly ensure the call is made from a IDD line or if using a mobile line, ensure that it has sufficient credit. Calling to a Satellite Phone is very expensive.
Q. If I am phoned on my satellite phone, do I pay for the call?
A. No, the caller would pay.
Q. What rates would the caller pay to phone me on my satellite phone?
A. The rates are set by the network the caller is phoning from (e.g. local Telco or cellphone service provider), the caller would need to contact his/her network and ask for the rates to Iridium, Inmarsat or Thuraya, depending on the satellite network being called.
Q. Can I use my satellite phone indoors?
A. It is always important to maintain Line of Sight to the satellite for the best reception and call quality. While satellite phones may work under certain types of roofing and near windows they are not designed to be used indoors, and are very often not reliable indoors as they cannot “see” the satellites. There are accessories available which allow for them to be used while indoors.
Q. How do I check the balance on my Isatphone prepaid sim card?
1. On the Isatphone Dial *106# from your Isatphone You will receive a message on your display with your current airtime credit balance and expiry date.A. To obtain the prepaid airtime balance on your Isatphone:
There are two ways to obtain the prepaid airtime balance on your Iridium satellite phone – the easier option is the first one:
Q. How do I check the balance on my Iridium satellite phone prepaid sim card?
1. Send a blank sms (text message) from the phone to +2888
2. Dial +2888 from your Iridium satellite phone
Q. How do I check the balance on my Thuraya satellite phone prepaid sim card?
Please dial from the Thuraya Satellite Phone : 150
You will hear a voice prompt to announce to your airtime credit and expiry date.
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