Iridium Satellite phone Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Solar Charger to charge both my Iridium satellite phone and my laptop computer at the same time?

No.  The solar charger is designed specifically to charge the Iridium satellite phones.

How can I display my SIM card iridium satellite phone number?

Step 1 - Press Menu until you see "Iridium Satellite Phone Book", and then press "OK" to select.

Step 2 - Press Menu untill you see "My Phone Number(s)", and then press "OK" to select.

Step 3 - Your SIM card iridium satellite phone number will be displayed.

Step 4 -  Press and hold "C" to exit the menu.

Note: If you do not see your number(s), they have not been programmed onto your SIM card.  Contact your Satellite Service Provider for more information.

How do I make calls to/from the Iridium satellite system?

Example 1 – Originating a call from a landline phone in the United States terminating to an Iridium satellite phone. It does not matter where the Iridium satellite phone is located, the dialing is the same.

From the landline phone, dial: 011 8816 XXX XXXXX

011, International Direct Dial (IDD) access code for United States/8816 XXX XXXXX, the MSISDN

Example 2 – Originating a call from a landline phone outside of the United States terminating to an Iridium satellite phone. It does not matter where the ISU is located, the dialing pattern is the same.

From the landline phone, (i.e. France) dial: 00 8816 XXX XXXXX

00, International Direct Dial (IDD) access code for France / 8816 XXX XXXXX, the MSISDN.

Example 3 – Originating a call from the Iridium satellite phone (does not matter where the Iridium satellite phone is located) to a landline phone located in the United States.

From the Iridium satellite phone, dial: 00 1 602-752-XXXX

00, for all outbound calls from the satellite phone/ 1, United States country code/ 602, area code/752-XXXX, actual phone number.

Example 4 – Originating a call from an Iridium satellite phone (does not matter where the satellite phone is located) to a landline phone located in another country.

From the satellite phone, dial: 00 CC XXXXXX

00, for all outbound calls from satellite phone/CC, country code/XXXXXX, actual number.

Example 5 – Originating a call from an Iridium satellite phone (does not matter where the satellite phone is located) to another Iridium satellite phone.

From the satellite phone, dial: 00 8816 XXX XXXXX

How do I register my 9500/9505 phone with the Iridium satellite phone network?

Step 1 - Press the "up arrow" then 8 on the phone.

Step 2 - The satellite phone screen will display "Registering".

Step 3 - When you see "Registered" and the signal strength indicator or the home signal on the Iridium satellite phone screen you are ready to make a call.

Step 4 - If you see "Rotate Antenna" extend satellite phone antenna upward and make sure you have a clear view of the sky.

Step 5 - If you see "Call Failed", "System Busy", "Restricted Area", or "Weak Signal", this means the satellite phone is unable to access the network. Try again in a few minutes.

How do I use the quick access keys on the Motorola 9500 satellite phone?

Up Arrow and 1 – Find satellite phone book entry by name.

Up Arrow and 2 – Check signal strength.

Up Arrow and 3 – Call voicemail.

Up Arrow and 4 – Show battery meter.

Up Arrow and 5 – Lock phone now.

Up Arrow and 6 – Turn vibrate alert on and off.

Up Arrow and 7 – Read messages.

Up Arrow and 8 – Register with the satellite phone network now.

Up Arrow and 9 – Turn forwarding all calls on and off.

What are the differences between the 9505 and the 9505A Iridium satellite phones?

The 9505A will continue to have the same features and functions as the 9505.  Also, the 9505A has a similar form and, therefore, has virtually the same look and feel as the 9505 satellite phone.

Two differences include:

• The IR Port has been replaced with a power jack
• The data connector on the bottom of the phone has been modified.

Changes to certain accessories were also required to accommodate component changes internal to the Iridium satellite phone.  These include:

• The battery - orientation has been changed to prevent previous versions from being installed
• The AC and DC chargers - different connector
• The RS232 adaptors - color change, modified  to prevent previous versions from being installed

What do the display messages on my Iridium satellite phone mean?

Power On Messages

Blocked - If the SIM card PIN code is incorrectly entered three times in a row, your satellite phone becomes blocked. Please contact your Satellite Service Provider.

Blocked, Contact Your Supplier - Please contact your Service Provider immediately.

Check Card - This message indicates that the SIM card is damaged or inserted incorrectly.

Enter Phone Unlock Code - Your Iridium satellite phone was locked after the last use. Enter your four-digit unlock code and press "OK".

Enter PIN - Enter the 4-8 digit SIM card PIN. If you are unsure what the PIN is, contact your Satellite Service Provider.

Enter PUK - Please contact your Satellite Service Provider.

Insert Card - Power off your phone; make sure your SIM card is inserted completely; and then power your phone on again.

Registering - Your Iridium satellite phone is registering with the network. When the process is complete, you will see "Registered".

Rotate Antenna or Orient Antenna - You also hear a tone when you see these messages. Extend the satellite antenna upward and make sure you have a clear line of sight.

Searching… - The Iridium satellite phone is attempting to establish connection to the satellite.

What do the service light indicators mean?

Alternating Red and Green:  An incoming call.

Flashing Green:  You are receiving a signal from the satellite, and can place and receive calls.

Flashing Yellow and Red:  You did not successfully register with the satellite and cannot receive any incoming calls. Your SIM card may be inserted incorrectly, may not be inserted, or you may be in a restricted area. (See message on phone)

Flashing Red:  Satellite Service is not available.

What is the function of the SIM card?

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are currently used in all GSM-based systems.  The SIM card is a removable module that contains user identity, account information, and stores phone numbers which can be used in any compatible Iridium satellite phone where your SIM card is present.  When inserted into a satellite telephone, it allows you to place or receive calls.  The SIM card may already be inserted into your Iridium satellite phone when you receive it from the dealer. If it is not, you can easily insert it into the slot provided on the handset.