How to Test Your Satellite Phone For Free

TS Andrea 2013

When it comes to hurricane season, being prepared is your best defense. A satellite phone from Iridium or Inmarsat in your home’s emergency kit will help you be prepared for any natural disaster. The early start to the 2013 hurricane season with tropical storm Andrea has many first responders, civilians and businesses checking their hurricane preparations. Backup communications play a vital role when it comes to natural disaster preparedness. It’s that time of year when you should re-familiarize yourself with your emergency communications and satellite terminal.

It is highly recommended that you locate your satellite phone and make sure the terminal is active and functional. Check that all the necessary accessories are accounted for, and fully charge the phone confirming that the battery can hold a charge. You will also want to make sure that the airtime for the terminal is active and you know how to use the phone.

Inmarsat and Iridium have a free service for testing your satellite phone. This free service was designed for customers who may not use their satellite phone regularly – such as first responders and anyone keeping a satellite phone in an emergency kit. By taking a few quick steps to ensure the operational status of your satellite phone, you will be better prepared for a sudden emergency.

Iridium’s FREE Test Call
To test the connectivity of your Iridium satellite phone, make sure you are outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. Once you have powered the phone on, extended the antenna and registered on the network you can dial the free Iridium test number. Enter 00-1-480-752-5105 then press send. If your phone is working you will hear a recorded confirmation message. This call is free and works for all Iridium units: Iridium 9505A, Iridium 9555 and the Iridium 9575 Extreme.

Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro FREE Test call
When testing your IsatPhone Pro satellite phone, make sure you are outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. Power on the IsatPhone Pro and rotate the antenna so it is pointing toward the sky. Let the phone acquire a GPS and register on the network. Dial the free Inmarsat test number: +870-776-999-999 then press the green send button. You will hear a recording to confirm your phone is working properly.

If your free test call is unsuccessful then you may not have active airtime or service on your satellite phone. Please call a GMPCS representative for assistance with service for your satellite phone at +1-954-973-3100. Our role is to provide communications and support in extreme remote environments and when the terrestrial services fail. GMPCS has a choice of satellite solutions to keep you connected.