VERY IMPORTANT--Iridium Direct data 2.0
Iridium will turn off service for the Apollo Data Service in May, Iridium has
released the new Iridium Direct Data v2.0. This is a free software upgrade. It
is an easy install and the software includes compression features for email,
ftp, and has a meter so you can see how much traffic has actually been passed.
Please read the documentation and remove the Apollo software before installing
the new Iridium Direct Data software. The software can be downloaded for free
from skyhelp.net or the Iridium.com web sites. I can also send you a CD if
necessary.
www.iridium.com
Globalstar Voice Mail
Globalstar has a new voice mail system. PLEASE NOTE-- the admin code, the number
you hit during the greeting to access the admin functions and to retrieve your
voice mail, is now “5”, previously it was “1”.
Globalstar Emergency Plan E-Star
Globalstar has announced a new service plan, the Emergency Plan, it costs $29.95
per month or $350/year with no bundled minutes and no voice mail is required,
domestic service is billed at $1.49/min. They do require that you have at least
two phones on your account before any phones are allowed on this plan. A
one-year contract is required; see the complete details on the website.
Inmarsat BGAN
BGAN Service is scheduled to start in North and South America on 17 April. These
laptop size units will give 144 kbps service for less than $8/MB. The Hughes
Model 9101 data only unit is only $500. It is a laptop size unit with Ethernet,
USB and BlueTooth connections. Other units are available with faster data speed
and voice service.
Globalstar Alaska
The Globalstar Alaska station is still under construction and slated for opening
in summer 2006. The Alaskan phones will have a 907 area code. The handset will
allow for mobile use and the fixed FAU will be able to attach to existing analog
telephone in homes, lodges and businesses. As a pre-opening offer, Globalstar is
giving a half-off service for a one-year contract.
