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. 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.

The OODAkit cordless phone system uses 128 channels, scanning 100 channels per second in an undisclosed sequence. The phones not only use frequency-hopping, digital-spread spectrum for channels (military designed and spec), but also digitize the audio over the air, and then once received, converts it back to analog. In a sense it is digitally encoded before transmission and then digitally decoded when received. So yes, the cordless phone system is secure.

Is the phone system secure?

The OODAkit cordless phone system uses 128 channels, scanning 100 channels per second in an undisclosed sequence. The phones not only use frequency-hopping, digital-spread spectrum for channels (military designed and spec), but also digitize the audio over the air, and then once received, converts it back to analog. In a sense it is digitally encoded before transmission and then digitally decoded when received. So yes, the cordless phone system is secure.

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.

How can callers save money calling your OODAkit?

You can get a local area code for your OODAkit so your callers don’t have to pay international rates. That number will get forwarded to your OODAkit phone. This service is also available for the Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro and Iridium satellite phones. Learn more.

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.