Free Texts
Free SMS
Most networks offer the possibility to receive free texts through an online portal. To do so, please select your network below:
Free e-mails
Alternatively to the above links you can send a max. 160 characters e-mail with an empty subject line to:
- Iridium: ‘ 88<rest-of-phone-number-here>@msg.iridium.com ‘
- Inmarsat: ‘ 87<rest-of-phone-number-here>@message.inmarsat.com ‘
- Thuraya: ‘ 88<rest-of-phone-number-here>@sms.thuraya.com ‘
- Globalstar: ‘ <phone-number-here>@msg.globalstar.com ‘
Before you Leave
Always prepare and test your satellite equipment at home:
Emergency Services
Please note that satellite phones have their own prefix (+88), meaning that local emergency numbers (112 or 911) do not always work. Please familiarise yourself with the local direct-call emergency numbers for your trip: i.e. +31 22 354 2300 for the Dutch Coastguard or +31 34 357 8844 for the Dutch Police. You can save these numbers in the Contacts list on your phone.
Test SMS
Not all GSM-operators redirect text-messages sent from a satellite phone correctly (most do). Always send a test-SMS from your satellite device to your loved ones before leaving, to make sure they receive your messages correctly.
Test Call (free)
Before making a call in distress you should be familiar with the way your satphone functions. You can use the below phone numbers to make a free test call:
- Iridium: 00 1 480 752 5105
- Inmarsat: 00 87 077 699 9999
- For pointing at the satellite – see here
- Inmarsat BGAN: 00 87 077 210 9000
- For pointing at the satellite – see here
- Thuraya: 11112
- For pointing at the satellite – see here
- Globalstar: #TEST
- For pointing at the satellite – see here
Check pre-paid Balance:
Dial the following number to check your pre-paid balance:
- Iridium: 2888
- Inmarsat: 591
- Inmarsat BGAN: 00 87 077 200 0591
- Thuraya: *151#
- Globalstar: *888
User Guides
- Iridium
- 9575: quick start / manual
- 9555: quick start / manual
- Go: quick start / manual / Mail & web iOS / Mail & web Android
- AxcessPoint: manual / Mail & web iOS / Mail & web Android
- RST-100: manual
- Inmarsat
- iSatphone 2: quick start / manual
- iSatphone Pro: quick start / manual
- Thuraya
- Globalstar
- Please contact us
- For other models please contact us
Iridium Go! & Mail app
To use the Iridium Go! you need the Go! app and (optionally) the Iridium Mail app.
- Click here to download the Iridium Go! app (or check the iOS / Android appstore):
- WiFi: no password required
- App username: guest
- App password: guest
- Click here to download the Iridium Mail app (or check the iOS / Android appstore):
- Click here to register your phone number with Iridium – required to use the Mail app.
- Download the manual for: Mail & web iOS / Mail & web Android
- Troubleshooting:
- Please turn your device into Airplane Mode, then turn on Wi-Fi only
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned off
- Apple devices specific troubleshooting:
- Go to your iOS settings > Wi-Fi > Click on Iridium-XXXXX. At the bottom, select HTTP Proxy and click on the “Off” button
- Go to your device Settings > Scroll down the page until you see the Iridium GO! App/ Iridium Mail App and Offshore App > Open each App Settings > Turn ON Local Network
- Go to your device Settings > Apple ID > Tap on ‘iCloud + Feature Updates’ > Ensure Private Relay is toggled OFF
Firmware & Personal Support
For personal support and firmware updates, please contact us.