PSN Patent Awarded
PSN has been awarded patent 6,581,825 "Telephone Modem to Satellite
Data Converter for Mobile Financial Transactions". This effort has
taken a number of years and looks like it will come to being with the
Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD), see below. Although it has been
possible to use this device over any satellite system, it is only
affordable and timely with a protocol like SBD.
Globalstar offers $1.35/minute to Iraq
You can now take your US registered Globalstar satellite telephone to
Iraq and it can call to the US for $1.35/min. This is a
special arrangement. It is a good deal for deployed folks calling
home. Please note this is only for Iraq and it will not work outside
those borders where roaming fees apply if service is available.
Iridium Modems with Short Burst Data
Iridium black box modems, model 9522, are available; these have
option voice service with an analog telephone interface. They
operate with the Hayes command set and are available with and without
built-in GPS. The new Short Burst Data protocol will allow the
transmitting and receiving of about 2k byte messages. The
incremental billing unit size is 30 bytes. The SBD uses the Iridium
overhead channel and not a circuit switched, so it is faster and less
expensive that a satellite telephone phone call. An FAQ will be
posted on the web site on SBD.
Globalstar antenna service bulletin
This is a service notice on exposure of the Globalstar car kit
antenna, the GCK1250, to salt water. The antenna unit and connector
will rapidly corrode without special protection. See web site for
details.
Iridium 9505 has Two-Way SMS
Iridium 9505 telephone has 2-way Short Message Service. SMS to the
phone has been in service for awhile now, with SMS from the phone you
can now answer those messages without making a call. The service
will likely be free for a couple months before they begin charging.
The cost for the return service has announced at $0.75/message
beginning in September.
Iridium releases 9500 units
Iridium is releasing the last of its 9500 units in a package deal
with prepaid cards. You must buy 400 minutes of pre-paid service
with the unit. The cost is under $1200.
For Sale-
Globalstar phones only $495 new, $395 used
Iridium 9500 phones only $799
Iridium 9505 phones only $1395
Kyrocera Single mode hand set, with extra battery and case only $399
(limited availability on used equipment, prices subject to change)
