1 Plus Access Option

Iridium phones are normally given 12 digit international phone numbers starting with 8816. 1 plus access numbers link a US phone number to the phone. With this option callers will only pay for long distance to the US area code assigned and the user would pay $1.39 per minute to receive the call. Without this option the caller could pay up to $10.00 per minute. The other option is 2 stage dialing.

Two Stage Dialing Option

This option also saves the caller the internationalcharges, but is done by dialing an Iridium gateway first. The caller will dial an Arizona exchange 480-768-2500 and will then get a voice prompt asking them to enter the 12 digit Iridium phone number. This process can take up to a minute so be patient. There is no monthly fee for this option.

Rates do not include any government mandated service fees or taxes. There is a $150.00 early cancellation fee if customer opts for a 1 year service agreement.

12 months

* 3.4% tax recovery on all post paid Iridium air time.

Globalstar:Advantages

1. Equipment Price: Portables from$499.99. Base stations just $1499.00
2. Airtime price: From $65.00 per month with 10 minutes included and there is an unlimited plan for $99.99 per month for unlimited use to US, Canada, Europe the eastern Caribbean and Puerto Ricoand has free text messaging.
3. Globalstar uses a conventional 10 digit US phone number.

4. Phone calls sound clearer due to lower earth orbit satellites.
5. Globalstar has replaced all of their satellites with next generation satellites.  The satellites have a capability of data speeds up to 256K.  There will be lots of new features in next generation phones when they are available.

Globalstar: Disadvantages

1. Not as much coverage worldwide as Iridium. Little coverage in China and Southern Africa and none at the North or South poles.  Temporary loss of coverage in Peru until a gateway issue is resolved.

Iridium: Advantages

1. Coverage better than Globalstar. Works in most areas of the world.
2. Portables are more expensive than Globalstar, but can work with an included magnetic mount antenna. Globalstar requires a car kit or transportable option for in vehicle use.

Iridium: Disadvantages

1. Equipment cost 2-3 times the cost of Globalstar
2. Airtime is $59.95 per month for 10 minutes and $1.49 per additional minute. Iridium uses an international phone number so inbound calls could cost the calling party $10.-12.00 per month without going through a 2 stage dialing process requiring 22 digits. An alternative is to pay $8.95 per month additional for 1 plus dialing giving you a conventional phone number or to buy prepaid incoming minutes.
3. Iridium’s system is over 15 years old and is projected to start failing in 2015. They have replaced many of their satelites and expect to finish their new constellation in 2019.