What is the coverage area of SMART Link?

SMART Link can be used in most of the Asia Pacific Region, Indian Ocean, Africa, Middle East and parts of Russia and Australia. Please refer to the Coverage Map of both ACeS and Inmarsat for the detailed coverage.

What are the available satellite terminals for SMART Link?

The terminals are the FR-190, FR-190G and R-190. All the terminals can be used when roaming on ACeS’ and Inmarsat’s satellite coverage.

Can I use the same SMART Link International and Domestic ACeS SIM card while roaming on Inmarsat’s satellite coverage?

Yes.

Where can I buy top-up cards and SIM cards?

SMART Link top-up cards and SIM Cards are available at authorized dealers, SMART Wireless Centers and SM Malls. We also have international dealers in major locations. Please click here for the list of authorized dealers.

How do I load credits to my SIM card?

Scratch the thin metallic film located at the back of the top up card. Please be careful not to over scratch the film as this will damage the PIN codes. Keep the used top-up card as proof of ownership in case the credit is not loaded.

To load credits, insert your SIM card into the SMART Link satellite phone unit and dial 1510 + 14-digit PIN. A voice prompt will confirm if the reload attempt is successful.

How do I inquire about my balance?

Insert your SIM card into the SMART Link satellite phone unit and dial 1515. A voice recording will state your remaining balance. Balance inquiry charge varies per zone. Please click here to check rates for SMART Link Philippines or click here to check rates for SMART Link International.

What is the validity of my load when I top up?

For peso denominated top up cards: P300 - 75 days; P500 and P1,000 - 120 days. For international top-up cards, the validity periods are 60 days for 25-unit cards, 90 days for 50-unit cards and 180 days for 100-unit cards.

What are the rates that will apply for SMART Link Philippines? What are the rates that will apply when roaming on Inmarsat?

Please click here for SMART Link Philippines’ rates or click here for SMART Link International.

What are the countries that belong to Band 1, 2 and 3?

Please click here to see the Band Classification Table.

How do I make a call in the ACeS Coverage?

For FR-190G/FR190 fixed terminal:

1.       Insert your SIM Card into the card slot.

2.       Lift the telephone handset and wait for the dial tone.

3.       “Please Dial” will be displayed on the LCD.

4.       Dial the desired phone number.

                   
            For calls to Philippine cellular numbers
             Dial 0 + Access Code + Mobile Number

                   
            For calls to Philippine Landline Numbers
             Dial 0 + Area Code + Telephone Number

                   
            For calls to Non-Philippine Numbers

            Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number

5.       The dialed number will be displayed on the LCD followed by “Calling” and then “Connecting”.

6.       A ringback tone or a busy tone will be heard after dialing.

7.       When the called party answers the call, the LCD will display “00:00” and the call timer will start. However, if the called party is busy, the LCD will display “Busy” while you hear three (3) busy tones.

8.       When finished with your call, put the telephone handset back on the unit.

For R-190 Mobile Phone:

Note:  Make sure that you are outdoors, with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

1.       Dial the desired phone number (same as the FR190/FR-190G dialing instructions)
2.       Press YES. The dialed number will be displayed on the LCD followed by “Calling” and   then “Connecting”.

3.       A ring back tone or busy tone will be heard after dialing.

4.       When the called party answers the call, the LCD will display “00:00” and the call timer will start.

How do I make a call while roaming on Inmarsat’s satellite coverage area?

Use the same dialing procedure when in the ACeS coverage.

What to do when in areas with intermittent or no satellite connection (always “Searching Mode”) if you are within the Garuda coverage (Asia Pacific)?

1.       Point your satellite towards 123ºE

2.       Dial #52* and wait for “CH” (for FR190)/”Channel Number?” (for FR190G) to appear on screen
3.       Enter the channel number (with reference to the channel number map) followed by # sign
4.       Wait for “ACeS” with a full black circle and signal bar to appear on screen
5.       Dial desired number

What to do when in areas with intermittent or no satellite connection (always “Searching Mode”) if you are within the Inmarsat coverage (Indian Ocean, Africa, Middle East and Western Australia)?
1.       Point your satellite towards 64ºE     
2.       Dial #52* and wait for “CH” (for FR190)/”Channel Number?” (for FR190G) to appear on screen     
3.       Enter the channel number (with reference to the channel number map) followed by # sign    
4.       Wait for “ACeS” with a full black circle and signal bar to appear on screen   
5.       Dial desired number

Where can I call if I require further inquiries or assistance?  You may e-mail us at smartlink@smart.com.ph.

You may also call our Helpdesk numbers through the following numbers:

Through your SMART Link terminal                  -        Dial : *888 (toll free)
Through your SMART/Talk 'N Text celfone        -        Dial : *777 (toll free)
Through a Philippine landline                          -        Dial : (02) 5112643
Through an International landline/celfone         -        Dial : +63 2 5112643 
                 (IDD call charges may be applied by your carrier)

Note: Calling *888 using SMART Link is FREE. However, SMART Link reserves the right to start charging subscribers for calls to this hotline at its discretion.

Can I use other SIM cards for my satellite terminals?
You can only use SMART Link Philippines and SMART Link International SIM Cards to access the SMART Link satellite service.

Will I be charged for incoming calls? How much?
Yes, you will be charged for incoming calls while roaming on either ACeS or Inmarsat. Please check rate tables for SMART Link Philippines and SMART Link International.

How do I know if my satellite terminal is connected to either the ACeS or Inmarsat satellites?
You will know if your satellite terminal is connected to either the ACeS or Inmarsat satellite when you see the ACeS logo on the screen, with a full moon icon and several signal bars. You will see an ACeS icon also when the satellite is connected to the Inmarsat satellite when using FR-190/G.

 

You will see “SAT” when connected to the Inmarsat satellite using R-190.

Do you have local and international repair centers?

Yes, we partnered with local and international repair centers. Click here to see the list of repair centers.

How do I avail of a SMART Link terminal?

You may avail of a SMART Link terminal or unit in two ways.

1.       Personal purchase

         

Visit the Global Access Group of SMART Communications, Inc. at 17/F SMART Tower 6799 Ayala Ave., Makati City 1226 Philippines, or the SMART Wireless Center nearest you.

2.       Applying for a FREE SMART Link unit

SMART Link is giving free units to manning agencies and ship owners for installation on their vessels.

To apply for a unit under the SMART Link Fleet Program, e-mail complete name, vessel name, manning agency, and manning agency’s contact number to smartlink@smart.com.ph You may also ask your respective manning agencies to coordinate with SMART Link Sales Department at (02) 511-4105. Conditions apply. All applications are subject to SMART’s approval.

What are the requirements in buying a satellite terminal (personal purchase)?

In the Philippines, the following are the requirements when purchasing satellite terminals from SMART Communications, Inc.:

         

For Filipino seafarers: Signed application form, Seaman’s book and Contract

For non- Filipino seafarers : Signed application form and valid ID

Note: Filipino seafarers and non-Filipino seafarers have different pricing packages.

 

Where can I buy accessories like power supply, etc.?

You can purchase from authorized distributors of SMART Link. Please verify first with the authorized distributor nearest you if accessories are available from them. Click here to see dealers’ contact details.

Can we use battery for terminal’s power supply? What voltage in DC?

Yes, you can use a battery as power source for the FR-190/G. The required output is 12 Volts.

Can we use other telephone sets available in the market? How about cordless phones?

Yes, you can use other brands of analog telephone handsets for the satellite terminal, however, we recommend that you use the pre-approved telephone set.

Can I replace the provided coaxial antenna cable?

The antenna is designed to work on a 10.5 meter RG-58 Coaxial Cable. Altering the antenna length or assembly will affect the satellite terminal’s performance.

How do I use the antenna cable?

For easier re-positioning of the antenna, leave a certain length of the antenna cable as allowance during installation. Loop this extra length as shown in the diagram below.

This looped extra length will allow you to easily move and point the antenna towards different directions. Plus, it will also prevent water from flowing straight to your satellite terminal where the other end of the cable is attached.

How can I be a dealer of SMART Link?

You may contact any of our authorized distributors or you may call Jonathan D. Huertas, Sales Manager of SMART Global Access Group at +63 2 5112297, Mobile number + 63 918 9492343. You may also send an e-mail to jdhuertas@smart.com.ph.

How do I get my defective SMART Link units repaired?

Bring/send your defective unit to the Global Access Group (c/o Jake Castro or Dennis Valencia) at 17F SMART Tower, 6799 Ayala Ave., Makati City OR to any of our accredited repair centers (see list of accredited repair centers here).