SatWest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

About Globalstar

Globalstar has 48 satellites in low earth orbit covering much of the planet. Globalstar provides exceptional service all across North America and the Caribbean for very reasonable rates. Globalstar phones are built by Qualcomm. SatWest offers Globalstar products such as mobile handheld phones, phones for remote houses or buildings, and Globalstar phones for aircraft and land-based vehicles.

About Iridium

Does Iridium really work all over the planet?
Yes. Iridium works on land, sea, and in the air.

Can Iridium be used on aircraft?
SatWest offers FAA-approved Iridium-based phones that can be used on certain types of aircraft. SatWest has many customers that have installed our phones on multiple types of aircraft, working with their local FAA officials. IMPORTANT NOTE: this unit must be professionally installed on the aircraft and safety is the first call! Click here for details:Satellite Aviation Kits.


Iridium Technical Info

What is the power requirement of Iridium/Motorola phones?
.45 to .60 watts average

What is the operating frequency of the Iridium system?
616-1626.5 MHz, L-Band

What is the operational temperature range of the Motorola phones?
-30/+60 degrees Celsius using external power source; -20/+60 degrees Celsius using Lithium Ion battery.


Customer Service

Does SatWest provide customer service?
Providing excellent service to its customers is very important to SatWest. Our partners INFOSAT for Iridium customers, and Globalstar provide excellent customer service.

SatWest's Iridium customers receive technical support through our partner INFOSAT by calling toll free from North America, 1.800.207.5759 or by dialing 8111 -OK, from your Iridium phone, from any where on the planet. Globalstar customers receive customer support directly from Globalstar at 1-877-452-5782.


Iridium Airtime Rates

What are the Iridium Airtime Rates?
There is a one-time activation charge of $50.00 to activate an Iridium phone (includes an Iridium SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card). In addition there is a monthly access fee of $29.95. The normal contract period is 12 months. SatWest does not sell satellite phones without service.

Airtime rates for Iridium range from $.89 to $1.39 (US) per minute worldwide. These rates are applicable for calling anywhere in the world from an Iridium phone. Prepaid card options are also available, although the toll-free and 2-way messaging are not available with the prepaid option. Two-way messaging service is now available with certain Iridium phones for $.40 per outgoing message. Incoming messages continue to be FREE!.

SatWest also has toll free calling from a regular phone in North America to an Iridium phone. SatWest has a number of airtime packages available such as pre-paid calling cards. Please contact us or call 1-888-955-2499 or 505-255-2499 or email info@satwest.com to ask us about our different packages.

Iridium Two Stage Dialing

What is two stage Dialing?
The Two-Stage Dialing Platform (PSTN originated dialing) was developed to allow callers the ability to call an Iridium subscriber. The calling party dials an Arizona USA number (+1.480.768.2500) This connects the caller to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing platform located in Tempe, Arizona.

Using automated voice prompts, the calling party enters the Iridium subscriber's phone number (8816……) The system will identity the IRIDIUM subscriber and through voice prompts the caller will have the option to leave either a numeric or voice mail message. The voice prompts on this platform are in the English language only.

How is the two-stage platform priced?
The calling party is charged long distance rates from their origination point to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing Platform in the Tempe Gateway through their own LD carrier.

How does this appear on my invoice?
The calling party will receive an invoice from their long distance company reflecting a long distance call to Tempe, Arizona.

Can an Iridium subscriber receive calls under this platform?
Yes. The subscriber dials their phone number (*8816….) The Iridium subscriber is then connected to their personal mailbox to collect voice mail messages. The Iridium Subscriber is charged an ISU-ISU call on their prepaid card (call rates at approximately 50%).

Iridium Pager - Two Stage Dialing

What is two stage Dialing?
The Two-Stage Dialing Platform (PSTN originated dialing) was developed to allow callers the ability to call an Iridium subscriber. The calling party dials an Arizona USA number (+1.480.768.2500) This connects the caller to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing platform located in Tempe, Arizona.

Using automated voice prompts, the calling party enters the Iridium subscriber's phone number (8816……). The system will identity the IRIDIUM subscriber and through voice prompts the caller will have the option to leave either a numeric or voice mail message. The voice prompts on this platform are in the English language only.

How is the two-stage platform priced?
The calling party is charged long distance rates from their origination point to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing Platform in the Tempe Gateway through their own LD carrier. There are no charges to a paging subscriber for voice or numeric messages left on this platform.

How does this appear on my invoice?
The calling party will receive an invoice from their long distance company reflecting a long distance call to Tempe, Arizona.

Can a paging subscriber receive calls under this platform?
Yes. The paging subscriber dials the same Arizona USA number (+1.480.768.2500) to connect them to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing platform. Using the same automated voice prompts, the Iridium subscriber enters their phone number (*8816….). The Iridium subscriber is then connected to their personal mailbox to collect either text or voice mail messages. Again, the calling party is charged long distance rates from their origination point to Iridium's Two-Stage Dialing Platform in the Tempe Gateway through their own LD carrier.


Shipping & Returns

What is SatWest's shipping policy?
Most orders are shipped within five business days. (Add time for custom orders.) We reserve the right to use common carrier or other shippers and services, depending on the size of the order and its destination. Shipping costs for each order will be determined during order fulfillment.


Can SatWest send me my product via overnight express?
Usually, depending on the time the order is placed and the freight carrier's ability to make that happen, and that the items are in stock. If you wish to have a product sent via expedited delivery service, please contact SatWest and we will arrange for that. Unfortunately, we cannot ship products transacted over the Web site via overnight express.


Return Policy

What is SatWest's return policy?
If you should encounter a problem with one of our products please contact us so we can work to resolve the problem. If a return is necessary, we will replace the product or refund its purchase price in the payment method tendered minus a 15% restocking fee. All claims must be made within a 30-day period of delivery and include the receipt; material must be returned or arrive at our warehouse in resalable condition. Refunds do not include any freight charges; we will not accept freight collect or COD shipments on returned materials. In the case of a non-defective product, the customer is responsible for paying for airtime and activation incurred. For non-defective product that is returned, a 15% restocking fee will apply.


Warranty Information

What are the warranties on the products that SatWest sells?
The sole warranty associated with a product is the warranty provided by the manufacturer. We are happy to work with you to resolve any problem that you may have with any product that we sell. SatWest cannot be liable for any consequential damages, incidental damages, for loss of use, property or profits or any other damages of whatever kind or however rising.


Payment & Account Access

What type of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, & Discover. We do not accept checks, purchase orders or other means of payment through our online system. SatWest will accept payment via wire transfer. If you would like to pay using an alternative method, please contact us.

When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged after your order has been received and processed, and your credit card has been approved.

What will show up on my credit card account?
Your credit card account will be billed by SatWest for the hardware portion of your order. Subsequent monthly service bills will appear on your credit card as INFOSAT for Iridium orders and Globalstar for Globalstar service.

Can I place my order by e-mail?
We designed our site's ordering system to protect the security of your personal information, including your credit card number. For your security, please do not include your credit card information in any e-mail you send us. You can order by phone by calling 1-888-955-2499 or 505-255-2499.

Can I place my order by FAX?
You can also choose the fax option. Simply choose the fax option during the checkout process and then print and fax us the completed order (including your credit information) to 505-243-6355.

What sort of order confirmation will I get?
If you've given us your e-mail address, we'll send you an order confirmation by e-mail, to be followed in by a shipping notification e-mail from SatWest, INFOSAT, or Globalstar. For most orders, the shipping notification will include information on how to track your shipment.


How can I check on my past orders?
For your added security, we do not store your past order information or credit card information in our Web site database. But we do keep a record of your past purchases in our accounting system, so if you have any questions about this, please contact us.


Miscellaneous FAQs

Do I have to order through the website?
If you have any questions or prefer to order over the phone, please contact us at:


SatWest LLC
2017 Yale Boulevard SE, Suite D
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
USA Phone: 1-888-955-2499 or
505 255-2499

Fax: 505-243-6355

E-mail: info@satwest.com