15 Minutes to Set-Up Your Satellite Phone

We often have customers come to us with last minute requirements or those who are worried that setting up their satellite phone will be complicated but it needn’t be. Once your SIM is active here’s how to get started. GTC customers will receive an email once the SIM is active with their phone number details. If you’re not sure on the status give us a call on +44 1202 801290.

1. Make sure the SIM card is inserted into the satellite phone

Remove the battery and insert the SIM card with gold PINs facing down. The exception is modern Globalstar phones which do not require a SIM card.

2. Take the phone outside and find a clear line of sight to the sky

For best performance, move away from tall obstacles such as buildings or trees. Make sure the antenna is fully extended and pointing to its optimal position (straight up to the sky). For Inmarsat and Thuraya handsets face towards the equator.

3. Make a test call from the satellite phone

When dialling make sure you dial in international format: e.g. to call GTC dial 00 44 1202 801290. Use a + or 00 in front of all numbers. Calling into the phone Use the same method to call into the phone i.e. a + or 00 in front of the number. Having problems? Check with your operator that they support calls to satellite phones. Try dialling from a different network. Did you know…Inmarsat & Iridium customers can call these test numbers for free ? Inmarsat: +870776999999 Iridium: +1-480-752-5105

4. Send a test message*

Enter the recipient’s phone number in international format. Sending an SMS to the phone Use the same method to send a text into the phone i.e. a + or 00 in front of the number. *Excludes Globalstar which does not have SMS capability. Did you know…You can send a free SMS to some satellite phones? Visit: http://msg.iridium.com/ http://connect.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/IsatPhone/SMS/sms.html https://sms.thuraya.com/

Do you have any other tips for getting started with a satellite phone? Post a comment and let us know!