The Iridium System is a satellite-based, wireless personal communications network providing a robust suite of voice and data services to virtually any destination anywhere on earth. The Iridium Satellite System enables remote communication solutions for vertical markets that include: Maritime, Construction, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Mining, Government, Leisure Travel, and Disaster Relief Organizations.
Iridium is the world's only truly global mobile satellite telephone and paging service. Featuring handheld phones weighing less than one pound, global coverage is provided by 66 low-earth-orbiting satellites, which allows users to make and receive calls virtually anywhere in the world, all you need is a clear line of site to the sky.
The Iridium system is comprised of three principal components: the satellite network, the ground network and the Iridium subscriber products. The design of the Iridium network allows voice and data communication to be routed virtually anywhere in the world. Voice calls and data transmissions are relayed from one satellite to another until they reach the satellite above the Iridium Subscriber Unit (handset) and the signal is relayed back to Earth.
All Iridium portable phones are shipped data ready. Iridium mobile handsets enable data connectivity with a PC through a standard serial cable connection and a custom handset connector (custom connector sold as part of data kit).
Upon activation, all Iridium units are assigned an International phone number. The country code 8816 is reserved for Iridium, and each Iridium unit is assigned an 8816-xxxx-xxxx phone number. You may call an Iridium unit by placing an international long distance call to country 8816 followed by the eight digit phone number assigned to the unit by Iridium. The caller pays for the international call to country 8816. The incoming call to the Iridium subscriber is free. However, most long distance carriers charge a very high per minute rate for calls to country code 8816. A more cost effective option is called Two Stage Dialing. With Two Stage Dialing, a the caller places a call to a U.S. telephone number, and then provides the international phone number. The call is then routed to the Iridium phone. The caller pays long distance for the U.S. call and the Iridium user pays the per minute rate for the incoming call. Two Stage Dialing is typically less expensive than a direct call to country code 8816.
The currently manufactured handset is an Iridium model 9505A. This model is identical in features, size and function to the previous 9505 model. The 9505A has a different type connector for some accessories. The older 9500 model is significantly larger than the 9505/A unit, but has a similar functionality.
Iridium is the world's only truly global mobile satellite telephone and paging service. Featuring handheld phones weighing less than one pound, global coverage is provided by 66 low-earth-orbiting satellites, which allows users to make and receive calls virtually anywhere in the world, all you need is a clear line of site to the sky. |
