Iridium Open Port - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the values of Iridium Open Port?
2. What are the advantages of Iridium Open Port over other satellite maritime services?
3. How do I make a call using an Iridium Open Port voice line?
4. How do I call an Iridium Open Port phone?
5. How do I access the internet on the Iridium Open Port?
6. Can I use any PC to access the internet?
7. Where should I install the Iridium Open Port antenna?

1. What are the values of Iridium Open Port?
Iridium Open Port is intended for marine users. It provides cost effective and reliable communications for merchant, fishing, yachting and shipping vessels. It supports up to 3 voice lines that can be used simultaneously, and always-on internet access up to 128Kbps over an Ethernet interface.

2. What are the advantages of Iridium Open Port over other satellite maritime services?
Operating on the Iridium satellite constellation with its 66 satellites in polar orbit, Open Port provides true global coverage. Its smaller omni-directional antenna requires no stabilization platform and has no moving parts making it virtually maintenance free.

3. How do I make a call using an Iridium Open Port voice line?
The Iridium Open Port voice lines can be one of three types -
- Captain's line (may be configured to require a PIN before use)
- Crew line (individual prepaid cards can be used to limit usage)
- Normal line (unrestricted calling)

Once the line constraints have been met, if any, the user will enter the number to be called using the standard Iridium format: 00+country code+area code+phone number. The number must be followed by the # to initiate the call.

4. How do I call an Iridium Open Port phone?
The most economical way to call an Iridium phone is to use two-stage dialing. If the person calling your Iridium phone, is dialing from a U.S. landline or cell phone, he/she dials 1-480-768-2500. When the auto-attendant answers, the caller needs to enter your 12-digit Iridium mobile number. The inbound call to your Iridium is charged to your Iridium account.

Alternatively, the person calling you can dial the Iridium phone directly. From the U.S., they would dial 011 followed by the 12-digit Iridium mobile number. This type of call will not be billed to your Iridium account. Instead, the caller will be billed by their long distance carrier. Be warned that the cost of direct dialing is usually many times the expense of using two-stage dialing.

5. How do I access the internet on the Iridium Open Port?
The data port on the Iridium Open Port is always on if the Open Port system has power and is registered with the satellite network. The data port supports either a single directly connected PC or multiple PCs can be connected using a router or hub. When connected to the data port, the PC user simply opens their web browser to connect to the internet. Please note that because the Open Port data port is "always-on" it is important to protect your PC or internal LAN with proper firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software.

6. Can I use any PC to access the internet?
The Iridium Open Port supports internet access using any PC that supports standard TCP/IP over Ethernet. However, a Windows PC running Windows 2003, Windows XP or Vista must be used to configure and administer the Open Port system.

7. Where should I install the Iridium Open Port antenna?
The Iridium Open Port antenna must be mounted in an area free of obstructions with a clear unobstructed view of the sky in all directions and horizon to horizon. The antenna must be mounted above the radar and outside the beam path. The antenna should be mounted above areas accessible to passengers to avoid passenger exposure to antenna radiation. It is recommended that the antenna be mounted at least 20 ft. (6 meters) above the water line.