Iridium Phonebook Tips for this Holiday Season

Whether your holiday season takes you over the river or through the woods, remember your satellite phone in case of emergency. Here are some quick phonebook tips to keep you connected on your Iridium handheld.

So you don't remember the phone number you need to call? No problem, the Iridium phone has a large phonebook memory and two options to store the contact information. The phone itself allows for 100 entries and the mini-SIM card (155 entries). Perfect for such entries as emergency services or even grandma's house to let her know you are running late and to save a slice of pumpkin pie.

9505A satellite model
To add entries to the phone memory or SIM memory, go to Phonebook > Personal Numbers > Add New Entry > and then follow the prompts. Both phone and SIM card entry is limited to 16 character name and one phone number.

9555 satellite model
Iridium 9555 phone has a bit more funtionality and allows for entries with multiple phone numbers and an email address. To store entries, go to Menu > My Phonebook > New > and follow the prompts. If you'd like to store entries in the SIM card, use the Iridium Phonebook Tool Software instead of the phone itself. See our post on Iridium Phonebook Tool Software for more information. Like the 9505A, SIM card entry is limited to 16 character name and one phone number.

Benefits of SIM Card Memory
What's great about SIM card memory is that you can simply pop-out the SIM chip and take the entries with you. So if your phone gets damaged or you upgrade to a new one, you won't lose your contact information.

Happy holidays everyone! WCC customers can contact our support team anytime 24/7/365 free of charge at 877.223.5075 or helpdesk@satcomgroup.com.

How to Repair Out of Warranty Iridium Satellite Phones

Do you have an old Iridium satellite phone that is stashed away collecting dust because it doesn’t work? WCC’s repair department can help get it back running and ready for use.

You don’t want to be shocked or disappointed by hidden repair fees, right? So, we start with an estimated repair quote over the phone to avoid miscommunication in the repair costs.

When ready, send in your phone for a formal evaluation and exact RMA quote. Depending on the needed fix, out of warranty repairs can range from $130 - $720 depending on the component that needs repair.

There’s never been a better time than now to get your old phone in for repair. Our trained staff has the ability, supplies, and knowhow to restore your satellite handheld quicker than ever, especially for current production models like the 9505A and 9555 phones. Unfortunately older Kyocera, 9500, and 9505 models are no longer in active production for electronic parts, so there are limited repairs options.

Standard turnaround time for an out of warranty repair is 6 to 8 weeks, but in most cases we can now get a refurbished replacement within 2 weeks. Plus, we’re so proud of our work; all repairs include 90 day warranty!

So, clear off those dust bunnies and make sure your satellite phone works when you need it. Contact us at 877.223.5075, helpdesk@satcomgroup.com, or www.wcclp.com/support.asp.

Permanently disabling the SIM PIN on Iridium sat phones

The SIM PIN is a great security feature to prevent unauthorized access on your Iridium satellite phone. However, if your phone used for emergencies and you don't know your PIN code, this can be a liability preventing you from making a call for help.

Did you know that you can permanently disable the SIM PIN?

For the 9505 series:
Go to Menu > Phone Setup > Require SIM card PIN > Select "Off" then enter current PIN > Done

For the 9555 series:
Go to Menu > Security > SIM PIN > Disable SIM PIN > enter current PIN > Done

If you are concerned that someone has compromised access using your pre-paid minutes or running up your bill, contact your service provider. WCC customers may call 877.223.5075 or e-mail helpdesk@satcomgroup.com.