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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Iridium Network:

  • What is the coverage of the Iridium network?
    The Iridium Satellite System is the only provider of truly global, truly mobile satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and polar regions), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites operated by Boeing, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where terrestrial communications are not available.

About Iridium Communication Units:

  • I am unable to unlock my phone:
    Enter your unlock code when the display flashes Enter Phone Unlock Code. If you inadvertently locked your phone, enter the default phone unlock code, 1111 or new PIN code you set up. If problem persists, please contact Fastwave.
  • My SIM card is locked: "Enter PUK" message is displayed.
    When the wrong PIN Code is entered three times, the SIM card will lock up. If you cannot remember what the PIN Code is, do not keep attempting different combinations. This can cause the SIM card to become inactive, the display will flash Contact Supplier, and the SIM card will then need to be replaced.

    Contact Fastwave to get the phone unlock code. Enter **05* Enter your unlock code when the display flashes Enter Phone Unlock Code. Enter a new PIN Code that is easy to remember.(We generally suggest 1111) Note: You can disable the PIN Code if you wish. If problem persists, please contact Fastwave.

  • Can I use my iridium phone to make a call inside a building?
    No, in order to make an Iridium call you must be outside, with a clear view of the sky and have the antenna rotated to point vertically up at the sky. However the 9570 Docking Station does allow a user to make calls from their Iridium phone inside a building when connected to an external antenna.
  • Can I connect an Iridium unit to a PABX system? Yes, with the ECI Skanti unit you are able to connect your existing PABX system to the RJ-11 port in the side of the unit and make satellite calls from your desk.

About Iridium Data Services:

  • Direct internet software
    In order to connect to the internet using your Iridium Mobile phone you must download and install the latest version of the Iridium Direct internet software. This can be found here. Please right click and "save as"
  • Data Services and Iridium, What can it do?
    All iridium telephones contain a hayes compatible modem. This allows them to be connected via a 9 Pin serial cable to a PC and used to transmit and receive data for a variety of applications. Typically, subscribers can use this facility to send and receive email, browse the internet and transfer files from one Iridium telephone to another. Provided of course that they are connected to appropriate computer systems and connected with suitable data cables. Take me to the Data kit info page.
  • Does Iridium Dial-Up Data Service work in a MacIntosh environment?
    Iridium Dial-Up Data may function in a Macintosh environment, but Iridium does not guarantee any level of compatibility or functionality. At this time, Iridium only supports its Data software within Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0 or 2000 Operating Systems. Here is a document that instructs you on how to set up your Iridium unit as a dial up modem on a Mac platform PDF
  • Does Iridium Direct Internet Data Service and Apollo Software work in a MacIntosh environment?
    No. Iridium Direct Internet Data requires software that is compatible with Microsoft Windows Operating Systems only. See above to configure your dial up connection for Mac.
  • Why does my Internet connection keep dropping while I am using Direct Internet Data?
    Direct Internet Data Service uses software that assists you in managing your airtime by seamlessly connecting and disconnecting you through the Iridium system. When data is not sent over the connection for a period of time, the connection "spoofs." When a connection spoofs, the phone connection is dropped and a placeholder is reserved in the server. Once the user sends data (e.g. click on a hyperlink or send an email), the phone automatically dials back into the system and the connection is reestablished almost immediately. This feature reduces airtime and improves the phone's battery life.
  • What is the difference between Dial-Up Data and Direct Internet Data connections?
    Dial-Up Data allows a user to connect directly to their Internet Service Provider or a Corporate Network. Direct Internet Data connects the user directly to the Internet through the Iridium Gateway.
  • Can I dial into my Internet Service Provider using an Iridium phone?
    Yes, you can. Just install your ISU as a dial up modem (ie: the dial-up data method.) and then set up your PC internet connection as you would using a normal dial-up modem.

About Iridium Messaging Services:

  • How do I access my personal mailbox?
    Dial Iridium handset number or 8816-629-90000. Wait for voice prompt. Enter the number you are trying to reach (ex. 8816-314-XXXXX) if you dialed the access number. Interrupt voicemail greeting by pressing * . (Start here if calling phone directly) Wait for prompt to enter password. Download the Personal Mailbox Quick Reference Guide pdf
  • What is the Mailbox Default Phone Password?
    For the Iridium Satellite Phone only account: last 7 digits of satellite phone number.
  • Can a Skanti unit send and receive SMS messages?
    No, the Skanti Marine units cannot send or receive SMS messages at this time.