OODAkit Phone System and Voice Calling FAQs

What is the phone system and how does it work?

OODAkits come with a long-range, rugged cordless phone system. A standard phone cable (RJ-11) connects the base to the BGAN termi­nal, which gets dial tone from the satel­lite network. Then the cordless phones work just like those in your home or office — except the range is much greater.

What is the range of the handsets?

In North America, you can be as far as roughly 1 mile from the kit and still be able to make and receive phone calls. And outside NA, the range is slightly further — around 1.3 miles (because the inter­na­tional kit has differ­ent phones; see FCC question below). Both ranges depend on the terrain. If there are a lot of trees and/or build­ings in between you and the kit, the range will be less.

How many handsets come with an OODAkit?

Four handsets are included, but the kit will support more (the North American kit up to 9/the inter­na­tional kit up to 99). You’d have to store them separately though, because they won’t all fit in the case.

Can you commu­ni­cate on scene without having dial tone or power?

Yes. This feature was a driving factor in choos­ing the partic­u­lar phone system we did. Without the kit turned on or being regis­tered on the satel­lite network, you can commu­ni­cate with others in your immedi­ate area. Grab the phones, power them on (they work on their own batter­ies), and hand them out. Then dial an exten­sion to text or talk to a colleague.

This also works long-range; you can be approx­i­mately 1/2 mile from each other, and nowhere near the base. Yes, it’s a bit like walkie-talkies, but it’s not “push to talk” (PTT). It’s full-duplex calling — like a regular phone call. This feature  in the inter­na­tional config­u­ra­tion is PTT, however. You can also use the base or one of the handsets to send a broad­cast message to all other handsets.

How much do local handset-to-handset calls and texts cost?

Nothing, zero, nada. This is a free service, as no dial tone is required.

In handset-to-handset mode, can you confer­ence all four handsets locally?

No, you can only make a call from one handset to another. Handset #1 could call handset #2 while #3 calls #4, for example. But all four can’t be on the same call. You can, however, send a broad­cast from one handset to all others.

Can the four handsets be used for a confer­ence call with someone outside the area?

No, only one handset can be used at a time for a call outside the area. While on that call, the other handsets can text or talk one to another, however.

When two handsets are being used for local handset-to-handset calling, can another be used to make a call (over dial tone) outside the area?

Yes. And if a broad­cast message is sent out while someone is on a call, they will not get the broad­cast and can continue their call.

How many phone lines are included?

With standard OODAkit config­u­ra­tions, one phone line is provided. However, options are avail­able to integrate a four-line system into a customized kit. Also, voice calls can be made over the Wi-Fi data network using a VoIP phone, Web apps such as Skype, or a Wi-Fi enabled mobile phone such as a T-Mobile Blackberry.

How do you make a call from a Wi-Fi smart­phone, such as a Blackberry?

Certain wireless carri­ers (T-Mobile, for example) support voice calling via Wi-Fi using UMA (unlicensed mobile access) technol­ogy. Once your UMA-enabled phone is on OODAkit Wi-Fi (and your standard wireless phone service is unavail­able), you should see a UMA symbol where your “bars” usually appear. On T-Mobile Blackberry Curves, this symbol is pink and in the upper right corner of the home screen. Once you have this symbol, you can make and receive calls. Essentially, an OODAkit turns your Blackeerry int a satel­lite phone.

Check your wireless provider’s plan for airtime rates for UMA or Wi-Fi calling. Here’s more infor­ma­tion on UMA technol­ogy and T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling.

How do you know if someone is already on the line with another handset?

You will see Connecting, Connecting, then No Connection and will not be able to get a dial tone.

Do you need an FCC license to operate the rugged phones?

No, OODAkits’ cordless phones operate in the unlicensed 900MHz band in North America. And for kits to be used outside NA, we have config­u­ra­tions avail­able in the 268-394MHz band, also an unlicensed band.

How much does it cost to make phone calls from an OODAkit?

Not as much as you think (see this blog post). Using BGAN for dial tone, it depends on your airtime plan, but roughly $1/minute. When over Wi-Fi, you won’t be charged for voice minutes, but for the amount of data transferred.

How much does it cost for someone to call an OODAkit?

When calling into an OODAkit that’s getting dial tone from BGAN, the caller will pay inter­na­tional long distance rates to country code +870. Plans vary accord­ing to the phone service provider.

What is the +870 Country Code?

It is Inmarsat’s univer­sal country code for all of their voice and data services.

Can I make calls using Skype or other VoIP services?

Yes. OODAkits provide the data connec­tiv­ity you need to get online for Skype calling or to use your own VoIP phone.

How can callers save money calling your OODAkit?

They can call you over your regular wireless phone (if it supports UMA calling), and they’ll pay whatever they normally do.You can also buy a SkypeIn™ phone number in your local area code so people can call you on Skype and only be charged standard calling rates. Here’s more infor­ma­tion on SkypeIn.