SatCollect vs Iridium 2 Stage Dialing vs +1 Access
SatCollect is a unique solution for satellite phone subscribers that redefines how satellite calls are made. It simplifies the process and adds a multitude of valued options to the calling experience resulting in a cost savings system that is easy to use.
A traditional phone call to a satellite terminal requires the caller to dial a long satellite number and pay extremely high fees charged by their phone company. If that same caller were to use SatCollect, he/she would be able to dial a normal local phone number that forwards to a satellite terminal resulting in a free phone call for the caller.* The satellite subscriber then receives the call and accepts the ‘collect charges’ from the caller. This ‘collect charge’ is handled by GSE servers instead of the caller’s phone company. This allows GSE to cut the cost of calling a satellite phone by up to 90% resulting in massive savings for the caller and subscriber.
What is Iridium 2 Stage Dialing?
Iridium 2 Stage Dialing is a dialing process that requires a caller to dial the Iridium Gateway (a single US local number). Once connected, the caller follows the instructions and then dials the satellite number they wish to connect to. This process circumvents the phone companies as well and results in a reduced rate for the caller and subscriber.
What is Iridium +1 Access Service?
Iridium +1 Access Service is similar to 2 Stage Dialing except that it gives the subscriber their own custom US based local phone number instead of requiring the caller to use the Iridium Gateway. In addition, there is no need to dial the satellite number, as the transfer happens automatically. The service costs more than 2 Stage and is only accessible to post-paid subscribers.
So how is SatCollect different?
SatCollect offers many value added options that improve the calling process. Read below to see how you can benefit from using SatCollect!
Capability | SatCollect | Iridium 2 Stage | Iridium +1 Access |
Unique local phone number directly connects to satellite phone | Yes - Local phone numbers (in over 50 different countries) for each satellite phone | No - Dial an Arizona base number (+1-480-768-2500), listen to the prompts, and then enter 12 digit Iridium satellite number | Limited - US only number |
International Local Numbers | |||
Available Satellite Network | Inmarsat, Iridium, Globalstar, Thuraya | Iridium only | Iridium only |
SMS | |||
SMS Messaging | Yes - Iridium & Inmarsat - Automatic when choosing SMS enabled local number | Limited - SMS messaging is only available through https://messaging.iridium.com/ and/or via email | Limited - SMS messaging is only available through https://messaging.iridium.com/ and/or via email |
SMS Automatic Activation | Yes - Automatic when choosing SMS enabled local number | N/A | |
SMS Automatic Forwarding | Yes - Automatic when choosing SMS enabled local number | N/A | |
Management | |||
Account Availability | Prepaid & Postpaid | Prepaid & Postpaid | Postpaid |
Real-time Bill Management | Yes - Real-time billing with online access to call records and account balances | No - Call records for Postpaid & Prepaid accounts are available thru your service provider. | No - Call records for Postpaid accounts are available thru your service provider. |
Satellite Phone Number Management | Yes - Multiple SatCollect numbers with individual or grouped billing | N/A | |
Flexible Billing | Yes - Multiple SatCollect numbers with individual or grouped billing | N/A | |
Billing Responsibility | SatCollect subscriber is responsible for the cost | Iridium subscriber is responsible for the cost of the incoming call | Iridium subscriber is responsible for the cost of the incoming call |
Instant Local Number Activation | N/A | ||
Fees | Activation fee & Monthly fee | Monthly fees | Monthly fees |
Security | |||
PIN Code Protection | Yes - PIN code restrictions for unwanted callers (optional) | ||
Blacklisting | Yes - Blacklisting of callers to block calls (optional) | ||
Whitelisting | Yes - Whitelisting of callers to bypass pin codes (optional) |
* Long distance charges may apply, depending on your phone plan.
About the Author
Tunde Findikoglu has experienced and managed all parts of the sales cycle in the satellite industry for over 19 years. She has extensive knowledge in providing clients with solution-based products and services; ranging from end-users to government entities. Tunde joined GSE in 2015 to assist customers with finding the best possible solution to fit their needs.
More Information
For general inquiries, please contact sales@gsat.us. For more technical information, please contact support@gsat.us. You may also call us at +1.954.459.4000