Best Practices for Iridium® PTT (Push-to-Talk)

 Iridium^® Push-To-Talk Best Practices 

A truly global satellite radio is a critical communication tool for a variety of scenarios. While standard mobile phones require very little preparation and training, satellite-enabled devices may be unfamiliar to users at first. It is important to ensure your team is familiar with the recommendations of how to best use two-way satellite radio communications. 

Be Prepared Before Talking 

• Before using your Iridium Push-to-Talk (PTT) enabled device, charge the battery and turn the phone on. 

• Make sure the device is within the geographic area covered by your Iridium PTT talkgroup. 

• Two-way radios are a “one-at-a-time” system; when you press the Push-to-Talk button, no one else in your group can speak or be heard. In order to make the most of your talk session and avoid blocking other speakers, it is important to think about your message in advance. 

Identify Yourself and the Recipient of Your Message 

There may be a group of intended users all sharing the same PTT talkgroup, so it is important to identify yourself and your target audience immediately when you initiate a transmission. Talker’s name will appear on the screen if provided in the Command Center. 

Be Patient 

The other user(s) in your talkgroup may not be able to respond immediately. Give them time to reply. 

Use Short, Clear and Concise Messages 

As two-way radios only allow one person to speak at a time, it is best to keep your transmissions clear and to the point. This gives other users an opportunity to acknowledge your message and/or request further clarification before continuing on with your next point. 

Know How Much Time You Have To Talk 

You have a total of 40 seconds to say your message before your session expires. If your message is longer than the allowed talk time, press the push-to-talk button again and share the rest of your message. 

Pause Before Speaking 

When you first press the PTT button, there can be a short delay before your message transmits which could result in your first few words being truncated. Wait a second before speaking to be sure your listeners receive your whole message. 

Learn the Lingo 

Two-way radio communications are most effective when everyone understands and uses similar language and etiquette, especially when there are more than two people in the talkgroup. 

• “Over” – I’ve finished speaking 

• “Say again” – Repeat your last message 

• “Stand-by” – I acknowledge your transmission, but can’t respond right now 

• “Go ahead” – I can respond, go ahead with your message 

• “Roger” – message received and understood 

• “Out” – Conversation is finished, the channel is clear for other users 

Quick Tips 

• Deploy Antenna for maximum signal strength and improved stand-by use. 

• Keep your device antenna extended and vertically oriented whenever you want/need to be accessible. 

• If signal strength is weak, attempt repositioning your device. 

• Press the PTT button and wait for the beep before talking. 

• Hold the handset approximately 4 in. (10 cm.) from your mouth when talking. 

• Identify yourself and recipient of message. 

• Be Patient! The recipient may be busy. 

• Turn the volume to an appropriate level for your environment. 

• Speak slowly and clearly. 

• Test your Iridium PTT-enabled device on a monthly basis. 

• Ask your service provider for the latest Iridium PTT firmware. 

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