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From: David Skinner on 16 Jan 2010 06:56
Okay, so I've long been able to use my Voda contract SIM in a Globalstar
sat-phone - last tested working Sept 09. But, since there's almost no
mention online these days about this facility, I wonder whether it's not
something that they still offer.

So I think, perhaps, I've messed-up by changing my contract (because I
got an iPhone). I tried connecting to GS this morning and, although I
got a signal lock, I didn't get the "GSTAR-EU1" notification on the
handset, and when I tried to dial a number I got a "request rejected"
message and a "rising three beeps" tone.

However, I *did* get a txt a few minutes later, welcoming me to the
France Telecom network, which is what usually happens when I haven't
used the service for a while.

So I tested again and, again, got a rejected message again.

When I've called customer support in the past, I have encountered folks
who know nothing about this stuff, but occasionally someone who does.
One guy mentioned that it depends on them enabling "premium services".

So... errrr... am I flogging a dead horse here, or can I get GS re-
enabled on my account?

Cheers!



From: Chris on 16 Jan 2010 08:39
David Skinner <drskinner(a)ntlworlderasethis.com> wrote:
> Okay, so I've long been able to use my Voda contract SIM in a Globalstar
> sat-phone - last tested working Sept 09. But, since there's almost no
> mention online these days about this facility, I wonder whether it's not
> something that they still offer.
>
> So I think, perhaps, I've messed-up by changing my contract (because I
> got an iPhone). I tried connecting to GS this morning and, although I
> got a signal lock, I didn't get the "GSTAR-EU1" notification on the
> handset, and when I tried to dial a number I got a "request rejected"
> message and a "rising three beeps" tone.
>
> However, I *did* get a txt a few minutes later, welcoming me to the
> France Telecom network, which is what usually happens when I haven't
> used the service for a while.
>
> So I tested again and, again, got a rejected message again.
>
> When I've called customer support in the past, I have encountered folks
> who know nothing about this stuff, but occasionally someone who does.
> One guy mentioned that it depends on them enabling "premium services".
>
> So... errrr... am I flogging a dead horse here, or can I get GS re-
> enabled on my account?
>
Even if roaming was still possible you won't have much fun with G* for
several reasons:

- First of all, the G* network is broken since more and more satellites
are failing, and, even though G* is insisting that they will continue
offering Voice service by replacing the satellites, I would not really
bet on that:
http://www.globalstar.com/en/news/update.php

- GSM-handsets are not in production any longer, and Globalstar is
focusing on CDMA-handsets (such as the GSP-1600 and GSP-1700).
Wide parts of the Middle and South American and Honkong network can already
only be accessed with CDMA-authentification, and I would expect Globalstar
to shut down GSM-based authentification for their whole network on the
long run due to the lack of GSM-capable handsets.

- Last but not least, G* seems to be focussing on Simplex Data services
which are unaffect by the current network problems.
They are really pushing products for assest tracking and the Spot
messenger (www.findmespot.com) which do not rely on duplex service.

It might be possbile that G* roaming is still possible with Vodafone
simcards, but the time you get stable reception is just not enough
to run through the whole authentification process. It might also be
possible that the roaming was shut down since Vodafone left the
Globalstar group and there is not much profit to earn out of a few
roaming customers compared to administrative expense anyways.
If you really want to continue using Globalstar you could get a G*
sim on the starter plan which does have no monthly cost.
I would, however, rather suggest you change to Thuraya (if they cover
the region you intend to travel to) since their network is stable and
GSM roaming is well established. Another option would be AcES
(www.acesinternational.com), which covers wide parts of Asia, Africa
and southern Europe and also offers GSM roaming in some parts.
Iridium does not offer Roaming (except for Australian customers) but
would give you worldwide coverage.
Regards,
Chris

--
Linux is great for calculating how much hemp-based tofu it might take to fill
your bio-gas-powered eco-dome, but for all serious jobs you need a serious
operating system such as Microsoft Windows.
<http://shelleytherepublican.com>
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