Yes, I remember your report about the Thuraya-Geosim test, that's why I suppose that forwarding to Thuraya may be free as well. I wonder if the same applies to other satellite networks. I checked the rates from some European countries to satphones and it seems that they charge about $5.50 to Iridium, $6.50 to Inmarsat B and $12.50 to Inmarsat A (no rates to Thuraya(???) and Globalstar).
Whereas those rates are really too high, I really doubt if the termination rate for +44 mobile might cover satelite termination rates...

Yep. I believe it still works the same way. Just did check it again. But I dont have answer for you on other satphones.

I doubt they would allow such a forwarding. Thuraya is the cheapest satelite to reach. Iridium is much more expensive. So if you can not reach Thuraya you should not expect to reach other satelite networks....

eKit Global Premium SIM (+447924)
 

Last week I ordered the cheapest eKit SIM on ebay (£5 + £2 for shipping).
Object: 290078012861.

The card includes a US$20 credit (advertised: £10).

Now, the card only allowes receiving free calls in these countries:
France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Mexico
But, I couldn't resist the free credit, so...

Anyway, not to go off-topic (my topic :-) )
I setup forwarding to my Belgian phone, not covered in the free roaming, and guess what, I was NOT charged for receiving the call, NOT charged for setting up the forwarding.

Just nice to know huh?

And it even gets better !

They have some free (or close to free I assume) access-numbers for your relatives left at home. They call the number, enter your eKit number, and get connected to your phone. It even works with the forwarding.
I tried to call the UK 0808-234-number, and my Belgian phone rang.
And no charges :-)

Good work. I have ordered one as well. For 7 pounds including postage I will get more fun than I deserve.

If you get free or low-cost forwarding to an Iridium phone, I shall start *eating* my latest selection of SIM cards - in amazement!

Steve :))


>>I wonder if the forwarding works also for satphone numbers. It would be >> great to call be accessible worldwide on Iridium using +44 mobile number

Only thing I have found worrying is that there are 60 free minutes to free call numbers for teh life of the card. But will see.

Hypothetical question for all you call forwarding nuts: How often can you change the number that you are forwarding to? (and how long does it take?). Theoretically, if you live in the UK you could call anybody in the world (mobile, landline or even some satellite) for free out of your inclusive o2 minutes, just by forwarding your IOM number to your destination number, and then calling "yourself" (i.e. the IOM number) from an o2 phone.

Am I missing something?

On GeoSIM you can make as many changes as you like and its done online.With eKit I dont know. Have to wait until it will be delivered. Works for Russia, Cyprus and South Africa Mobiles. I have tested these in last few days.

Theoretically you can change a forward as often as you like. Some freaks here in germany do it like you said - calling on-net people by switching a free of charge divert call to the destination number...