| Question |
Answer |
| How can I identify the free minutes on my monthly statement? |
Most calls with free minutes are indicated by a
zero amount, as well as an F (for free) adjacent to the number called.
Any remaining free minutes for your monthly plan may be included in one
other call that is charged less than the normal amount. |
| How can I activate my phone? |
See the Tips page on this Web site. |
| How come cellular phones sometimes cannot reach an aircraft's Iridium phone? |
Personal cell phone services often have
limitations. These limitations affect regular calls, as well as calls
to aircraft. The main thing you need to know is that any direct call to
an Iridium phone number is considered an international call. This could
expose two limitations. First, your cellular plan may not allow
international calls. Second, your cellular provider may not recognize
the Iridium country code (8816). Because of these limitations, and the
higher cost of international calls, Aircell suggests "two-stage
calling."
Two-stage calling can be the least expensive way to call the aircraft
from the USA. Here's how it works. You first dial 1.480.768.2500. Then
at the prompt, enter the 12-digit Iridium number (8816.XXX.XXXXX). The
calling party is only billed for a domestic long-distance call to
Tempe, AZ. The party in the aircraft is only charged for airtime, often
just $1.60 per minute or even less, depending on their Aircell Rate
Plan. |
| Can I pay for my monthly invoices online? |
See the Online Billing page on this Web site for complete information. |
| Why can't I use a regular cell phone in an airplane? |
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
regulation 47 CFR Ch.1 (10/01/98 Edition) says:
Section 22.925 Prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones
installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of
aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not
touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular
telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off. The following
notice must be posted on or near each cellular telephone installed in
any aircraft: "The user of cellular telephones while this aircraft is
airborne is prohibited by FCC rules, and the violation of this rule
could result in suspension of service and/or a fine. The user of
cellular telephones while this aircraft is on the ground is subject to
FAA regulations." |
| What does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have to say about the use of cellular phones aboard aircraft? |
FAA guidelines refer to Portable Electronic
Devices in Part 91.21. Because the Aircell system is permanently
installed equipment, guideline 91.21 does not apply. |
| Why is it acceptable to use an Aircell phone while airborne when I just read that the FCC states that I can't? |
FCC orders DA 98-2590 and FCC 00-188 addressed
this. The FCC concluded, "Upon review of the extensive record in this
proceeding, we are persuaded that Aircell has sufficiently shown that
unique circumstances exist which justify a limited waiver of section
22.925 and that a strict application of the Commissioner's rule
prohibiting the airborne use of cellular telephones would be contrary
to public interest." A document appendix adds (paraphrased) that
airborne terminals must be designed such that they don't interfere with
other adjacent terrestrial cellular systems. At this time, the Aircell
system is the only airborne cellular system - operating in the cellular
frequency band - that has been demonstrated to the FCC to fulfill this
requirement. |
| Can I use my laptop computer to surf the Internet, send and receive e-mail, or send and receive faxes? |
Yes, although the current cellular data rate
maximum of 9,600 baud makes Internet use slower than some users expect.
Aircell cellular systems have integral cellular modem capability, which
provides a reliable Internet connection through the Aircell Data
Center. For more information on modems, see this Web site's
Troubleshooting Tips. |
| How long is the warranty on Aircell products? |
The warranty period varies by product. However,
most transceivers are covered by a two-year limited warranty. For
specific warranty details, see each product's information. For warranty
or repair service information, contact Customer Service. |
| Can I get a custom phone number? |
No, all phone numbers begin with certain
prefixes. The phone number is assigned and preprogrammed before the
unit is shipped to your Aircell dealer. Satcom phones are similarly
preprogrammed, all with a fixed prefix of "8816" plus eight other
numbers for a total of 12 digits. |
| Do I need to know where an aircraft is located to call it? |
No. Aircell Satcom phones can make and receive calls almost anywhere in the world.
|
| Why do I need ground cellular service in my aircraft if I already have a personal cell phone? |
There are two reasons why an Aircell cellular
phone is better. The Aircell phone transmits up to 3 watts through an
exterior antenna, resulting in a more robust connection nearly
everywhere. Secondly, an Aircell cellular system provides you with a
data port for e-mail, fax, and so on. While you're sitting on the
ground due to traffic or an ATC hold, this data transfer capability is
extremely convenient. |
| Can I buy an Aircell unit direct from Aircell? |
Aircell only sells equipment through certified
Aircell dealers. This ensures compliance with all FAA and FCC
regulations. Use this Web site's Dealer Locator to find a dealer in your part of the world. |
| Are custom ring tones available for Aircell telephones? For example, can I get a ringtone that plays a favorite song? |
Sorry, no additional ring tones are available. |
| Are either Aircel, or Hutchison Essar's Aircell Digilink India Ltd. (ADIL), related to your company? |
No, these other companies are just ones with similar names. |
| What should I do if a recording or operator asks me for my credit card information while making a call? |
Contact Aircell Customer Service. It should not be necessary to use a credit card for individual calls. |
