Iridium GO HotSpot ?

[robgendreau]

Bumping this; anyone with more recent experience?

My issue is in large part being able to RECEIVE messages. Unfortunately, I have some relatives who will not use text, so that kinda nixes an Inreach right now. I can get them to use a dedicated email address I assume I could check with the Go, and even if I couldn't get them to call the Go to leave voice mail (which as I understand is an intern'l call, expensive, etc) I could probably find a way for them to leave voice messages in a US voice mail box (my Google Voice mailbox?) which I could call and check via the Go. Anyone else deal with this aspect?

Also, I finally gave up on the Inreach because I still can't find an ERS (roadside towing) that will accept text. Sigh.

I understand Iridium will be putting up new sats; the old equipment compatible with that? Do they still off GEOS service with the unit (I assume you could separately subscribe, but I seem to recall there was a auto-emergency type feature on it)? Are the apps being kept up to date? I've had some bad experiences with equipment tied to iOS or Android mobile devices, in that the equipment (like camera control apps, radio control apps) don't seem to get updated promptly, and that would sorta brick the Go, right?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

Bumping this; anyone with more recent experience?

My issue is in large part being able to RECEIVE messages. Unfortunately, I have some relatives who will not use text, so that kinda nixes an Inreach right now. I can get them to use a dedicated email address I assume I could check with the Go, and even if I couldn't get them to call the Go to leave voice mail (which as I understand is an intern'l call, expensive, etc) I could probably find a way for them to leave voice messages in a US voice mail box (my Google Voice mailbox?) which I could call and check via the Go. Anyone else deal with this aspect?

Also, I finally gave up on the Inreach because I still can't find an ERS (roadside towing) that will accept text. Sigh.

I understand Iridium will be putting up new sats; the old equipment compatible with that? Do they still off GEOS service with the unit (I assume you could separately subscribe, but I seem to recall there was a auto-emergency type feature on it)? Are the apps being kept up to date? I've had some bad experiences with equipment tied to iOS or Android mobile devices, in that the equipment (like camera control apps, radio control apps) don't seem to get updated promptly, and that would sorta brick the Go, right?

Thanks for any advice.

In regards to the messaging, we developed an app, called OneMessage, that directly addresses this and is a huge step up from the messaging built into the GO app, or plain old SMS messaging over a satellite phone. It gives you private, client-to-client, secure messaging that works on any satellite phone (via a WiFi connection) as well as any other type of connection (cellular, WiFi, etc.). This means that your conversations aren't stuck on the satellite phone, rather they travel with you on any connection and are organized by contact. It is truly a universal messaging app. It is completely compatible with the GO as well as any of the handheld satellite phones when used in conjunction with the Sidekick wireless access point.

Regarding the international call, again, you can easily have a local number through the Voco service and then they are never making an international call. Alternately, you can have them just message you to call them back.

The GO is compatible with GEOS service and there is actually a physical SOS button on the GO, which is the only operation you can do without having to use a paired smartphone.

Regarding the new satellites, the current equipment will be compatible with these.

Regarding the GO app, it is supported by Iridium since it is the only way to use the GO for calling, and it works well. The email and messaging aspect of it, however, is fairly limited, which is exactly why we develop email and messaging apps for use over the GO (and other satellite phones) that greatly enhance your capabilities over this type of data connection. We are an official Value Add Developer for Iridium, so all of our apps have been highly tested with the Iridium equipment over the Iridium network.

 

[robgendreau]

Thanks for the info. The services look nice, but it can start getting spendy, I see, for some stuff above and beyond Iridium's costs. But at least it's not as much as a few years ago, so worth checking into. Thanks.

 

[Rando]

I personally think that an Iridium 9555 phone is a better option than the GO. For your (Rob's) situation you could have your relatives send emails to the email address associated with the phone (8816*******@msg.iridium.com) which are received on the phone (at no cost to you or them). They can also use the web interface: messaging.iridium.com . The phone is also a stand alone device - you don't need to rely on your cell phone to be the interface, all the functions (sending and receiving calls and texts) are directly available on the phone. I think this is a huge advantage, particularly if you are away from your vehicle, you can just throw the 9555 in your pack as opposed to multiple devices and multiple points of failure. If you need internet, you can plug the phone into your lap top via USB and get the same screaming fast 2400 bps you would get on the GO, or purchase a WIFI adapter to use a phone/tablet. The 9555 can also be found fairly cheaply (~$500) on ebay, certainly for less than the GO.

Anyway, just my $0.02 as a fairly frequent Iridium user.

 

[robgendreau]

I personally think that an Iridium 9555 phone is a better option than the GO. For your (Rob's) situation you could have your relatives send emails to the email address associated with the phone (8816*******@msg.iridium.com) which are received on the phone (at no cost to you or them). They can also use the web interface: messaging.iridium.com . The phone is also a stand alone device - you don't need to rely on your cell phone to be the interface, all the functions (sending and receiving calls and texts) are directly available on the phone. I think this is a huge advantage, particularly if you are away from your vehicle, you can just throw the 9555 in your pack as opposed to multiple devices and multiple points of failure. If you need internet, you can plug the phone into your lap top via USB and get the same screaming fast 2400 bps you would get on the GO, or purchase a WIFI adapter to use a phone/tablet. The 9555 can also be found fairly cheaply (~$500) on ebay, certainly for less than the GO.

Anyway, just my $0.02 as a fairly frequent Iridium user.

Yeah, I was wondering. OTOH, if I am contemplating communications, I would have my phone. I always try cell first, and sometimes get connections when I shouldn't (geez, right near Ballarat had cell and either Trona or Panamint Springs didn't...go figure).

I assume both have about the same reception capabilities? same pricing for prepaid?

Talking with my relatives, seems the most foolproof way they could reach me would be to my Google Voice mailbox (already dedicated to that) which I could then call to retrieve messages. We set it up as a family contact point for earthquake, zombapocalypse, post US election disasters.

 

[Rando]

I don't know about the cost, as I haven't used the Go, but I assume the reception would be the same. The only issue with GV mailbox would be that you have to actively check it in order to know if you have a message. This would get old quickly, and could lead to a significant delay in you getting the message. A third option would be be for the relatives just to call your Iridium number and leave a message. Sure it would be expensive for them, but if it really is an emergency, do you think they would care about a ~$5 charge to leave a voicemail? This then triggers a message waiting indicator on your handset, so you know to check your messages.

As far as service, on my personal Iridium phone I use a MENA card, it gives you 200 minutes worldwide (or 500 in the Middle East or N. Africa) and a years service for ~$380. I mostly use my personal phone for texts and an occasional short call, so there are plenty of minutes for the year (equivalent to 400 outgoing texts). When I am really remote (Antarctic and Arctic) I have a work phone, which has unlimited service.

Yeah, I was wondering. OTOH, if I am contemplating communications, I would have my phone. I always try cell first, and sometimes get connections when I shouldn't (geez, right near Ballarat had cell and either Trona or Panamint Springs didn't...go figure).

I assume both have about the same reception capabilities? same pricing for prepaid?

Talking with my relatives, seems the most foolproof way they could reach me would be to my Google Voice mailbox (already dedicated to that) which I could then call to retrieve messages. We set it up as a family contact point for earthquake, zombapocalypse, post US election disasters.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

Yeah, I was wondering. OTOH, if I am contemplating communications, I would have my phone. I always try cell first, and sometimes get connections when I shouldn't (geez, right near Ballarat had cell and either Trona or Panamint Springs didn't...go figure).

I assume both have about the same reception capabilities? same pricing for prepaid?

Talking with my relatives, seems the most foolproof way they could reach me would be to my Google Voice mailbox (already dedicated to that) which I could then call to retrieve messages. We set it up as a family contact point for earthquake, zombapocalypse, post US election disasters.

The GO and the handheld phones have the same relative reception. The GO can tend to be more stable, because you are typically setting it down and not holding it to your head like a handheld. Also, the antenna is stubbier, so it is less likely to get damaged like the long slender ones on the handheld.

The GO plans are different from the handheld phone plans. On average, the voice rate is a bit less than on a handheld, and the data call rate is always half that of a voice call. So, if you are using more data than voice, you are automatically saving. People using the GO more for data gravitate to it rather than the handheld for this reason, and also when they are comparing equipment costs for new equipment since the GO is cheaper. Also, the GO is the only Iridium device that offers unlimited plans.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

I personally think that an Iridium 9555 phone is a better option than the GO. For your (Rob's) situation you could have your relatives send emails to the email address associated with the phone (8816*******@msg.iridium.com) which are received on the phone (at no cost to you or them). They can also use the web interface: messaging.iridium.com . The phone is also a stand alone device - you don't need to rely on your cell phone to be the interface, all the functions (sending and receiving calls and texts) are directly available on the phone. I think this is a huge advantage, particularly if you are away from your vehicle, you can just throw the 9555 in your pack as opposed to multiple devices and multiple points of failure. If you need internet, you can plug the phone into your lap top via USB and get the same screaming fast 2400 bps you would get on the GO, or purchase a WIFI adapter to use a phone/tablet. The 9555 can also be found fairly cheaply (~$500) on ebay, certainly for less than the GO.

Anyway, just my $0.02 as a fairly frequent Iridium user.

I can agree with most of this. However, the email to text option you mention was shut down by Iridium a while ago. You can still use the web interface, or we developed a smartphone app, called SatMS, that messages to any satellite phone number from your smartphone for free.

A caller can always use the 2-stage dialing method to reach an Iridium phone which would eliminate the long distance charge since they are calling a U.S. number. This service is built into any Iridium plan. Just keep in mind that those calls come off of your plan minutes. For a monthly fee, you can also get your own dedicated number that forwards directly to your sat phone

Having to rely on multiple working devices to use the GO as a safety contingency is the one reason some people choose a handheld over the GO. I guess a second reason is if they don't use a smartphone anyway. If you don't carry a smartphone anyway, then a 9555 or 9575 is an overall lighter option. The alternate argument is that most people always carry a smartphone anyway as a multi-tool, so you may as well get use out of it via your sat phone as well. In my experience, it boils down to personal preference.

As you mention, you can add WiFi to any handheld, which eliminates the need for connecting via USB and is the only way to use a smartphone or tablet with the handheld. This is our version of this type of WAP. This is kind of the best of both worlds, because for voice, you have a standard handheld, and for data, your handheld acts like a GO.

 

[Rando]

This is inexcusable that Iridium shut down the email to sms capability without notifying their user base! While I clearly haven't used this in the past couple of months, it is something that I have used extensively in the past. It is also still listed as an option on the iridium website, and most worryingly it doesn't cause the email to bounce, so someone emailing you an SMS will never know that you can't have received the message! Poor job all around for something most would consider to be a mission critical system.

I can agree with most of this. However, the email to text option you mention was shut down by Iridium a while ago. You can still use the web interface, or we developed a smartphone app, called SatMS, that messages to any satellite phone number from your smartphone for free.

A caller can always use the 2-stage dialing method to reach an Iridium phone which would eliminate the long distance charge since they are calling a U.S. number. This service is built into any Iridium plan. Just keep in mind that those calls come off of your plan minutes. For a monthly fee, you can also get your own dedicated number that forwards directly to your sat phone

Having to rely on multiple working devices to use the GO as a safety contingency is the one reason some people choose a handheld over the GO. I guess a second reason is if they don't use a smartphone anyway. If you don't carry a smartphone anyway, then a 9555 or 9575 is an overall lighter option. The alternate argument is that most people always carry a smartphone anyway as a multi-tool, so you may as well get use out of it via your sat phone as well. In my experience, it boils down to personal preference.

As you mention, you can add WiFi to any handheld, which eliminates the need for connecting via USB and is the only way to use a smartphone or tablet with the handheld. This is our version of this type of WAP. This is kind of the best of both worlds, because for voice, you have a standard handheld, and for data, your handheld acts like a GO.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

This is inexcusable that Iridium shut down the email to sms capability without notifying their user base! While I clearly haven't used this in the past couple of months, it is something that I have used extensively in the past. It is also still listed as an option on the iridium website, and most worryingly it doesn't cause the email to bounce, so someone emailing you an SMS will never know that you can't have received the message! Poor job all around for something most would consider to be a mission critical system.

I know what you mean. It also disrupted some of our services for a while, so it even caught us by surprise. That said, in my experience, very few people use the email to text, so that's probably why it didn't cause much of a ripple.

 

[LeishaShannon]

I wouldn't be too concerned about Iridium not updating/supporting the Android/IOS apps in the future, the GO uses industry standard protocols (eg. SIP and HTTP API) so interfacing with other devices/software is trivial. I have mine working with my Mac and onboard PBX (asterisk)

 

[Thoreau]

Bumping this; anyone with more recent experience?

My issue is in large part being able to RECEIVE messages. Unfortunately, I have some relatives who will not use text, so that kinda nixes an Inreach right now. I can get them to use a dedicated email address I assume I could check with the Go, and even if I couldn't get them to call the Go to leave voice mail (which as I understand is an intern'l call, expensive, etc) I could probably find a way for them to leave voice messages in a US voice mail box (my Google Voice mailbox?) which I could call and check via the Go. Anyone else deal with this aspect?

Also, I finally gave up on the Inreach because I still can't find an ERS (roadside towing) that will accept text. Sigh.

Inreach supports email (more or less.) I deal with quite a few recipients who also aren't texters. Slap them into the device contacts with an email address, and your messages go to... their email =) They can reply directly to that email, or go to the link and track you on the inreach site, send messages from the inreach site, etc.

Email communication has to be device-initiated the first time so just shoot them a message from the inreach before taking off and tell them to reply to that if they need to reach you. Alternatively, you can give them the link to your inreach page and enable message sending from there and they can initiate communications that way.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

I wouldn't be too concerned about Iridium not updating/supporting the Android/IOS apps in the future, the GO uses industry standard protocols (eg. SIP and HTTP API) so interfacing with other devices/software is trivial. I have mine working with my Mac and onboard PBX (asterisk)

You are absolutely right. Can you tell me more about how you've integrated your GO with your onboard PBX?

 

[LeishaShannon]

You are absolutely right. Can you tell me more about how you've integrated your GO with your onboard PBX?

The onboard router (net gear r8000 running openwrt) connects to the GO as a client using one of its virtual wifi interfaces, PBX then acts as a SIP client to the GO.

 

[Matt_OCENS]

The onboard router (net gear r8000 running openwrt) connects to the GO as a client using one of its virtual wifi interfaces, PBX then acts as a SIP client to the GO.

That's really clever. I like your application! :bigok: