Testing Iridium 9555 without a sim

[hoppy]

I'm thinking about buying a used Iridium 9555 and I'm wondering what tests I can do to see that the phone is ok if I don't have a sim.

I see that when you power up without a sim you will get the message "SIM Error:Insert a valid sim card".

Can you go past that message and get satellite reception? Even better would be to be able to call Iridium's free test number, but that might be hoping for too much

[LakeSuperior]

Be aware that the integrated antennas on these phones are prone to and commonly fail. Repair is expensive.

[aluijten]

As far as I'm aware you can buy a SIM without activation. That may help you a bit. But you still will not be able to make test calls, but at least you can see the set negotiating with the satellite (to find out it's not activated).
The SIM itself is something like 10-15 dollar.

[hoppy]

Ooops I ended up ordering a used 9575 instead. I bought it with a prepaid sim which has a 6 months expiry.

Will the 6 months start and the sim activated as soon as the sim is in the phone, powered up and connected or is there some manual step for the activation?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by hoppy

Ooops I ended up ordering a used 9575 instead. I bought it with a prepaid sim which has a 6 months expiry.

Will the 6 months start and the sim activated as soon as the sim is in the phone, powered up and connected or is there some manual step for the activation?

if I remember correctly,you have to enter your PUK code to activate

[GMN]

Hi Hoppy,
This is Topher, an IT support representative, from Global Marine Networks. You can not get past the SIM error screen without having a valid SIM in it. If you have a nearby friend with an Iridium 9505a, 9555, or 9575, you would simply put their SIM into the phone you are looking at buying to see if works. You could also buy a 75 minute prepaid SIM from

Iridium Prepaid Airtime: 75 Minutes, 1 Month Validity

which would be your cheapest option to test your phone out. If you are considering email, weather, and other services over Satellite, you may considering getting a package deal with a new phone, which will save you money as well.

Iridium 9555 Savings Bundle | Global Marine Networks