CrewzFöne - GSM Mobile Phone Prepaid Service for Crew Members at Sea

On ships that we have installed our service, crew members can now make and receive calls on their mobile phones at normal international roaming rates. With the introduction of CrewzFöne service, crew members can also make and receive calls, as well as send and receive text messages at special rates available only to crew members while at sea. This service requires an unlocked GSM phone, a CrewzFöne SIM card and a PIN (both available onboard).

Charges, Billing, and Customer Service 

1. CrewzFöne

a. Will I get charged for calls to 800 (toll free) numbers?

Yes. Calls made to US Toll Free numbers are not free. All calls made to 800/866/877/888 numbers are charged at the same rates as US calls. b. The following table includes frequently used special numbers and associated charges.

c. What are Peak and Off-Peak Times?

Rates for crew members using the CrewzFöne service are lower during off-peak times. Peak/Off-Peak times will be based on approximated local time of the ship at its current location. We recommend that you check by sending a USSD message to confirm peak or off-peak status. The off-peak times typically run from  midnight to 9AM.

d. How do I check if current rate is Peak or Off-Peak?

To check peak or off-peak status and your account balance send a USSD message *#131 press Send which will return a USSD message with current balance (in US$) and expiration along with the current rate plan (Peak or Off-Peak) in effect.

e. How much do I pay for CrewzFöne service?

There is no monthly service fee for CrewzFöne Service. There are no connection fees, minimum charges, or set-up fees. All voice calls are billed real time based on 1 minute minimum and per minute increments thereafter. Outgoing calls will be based on destination and Peak/Off-Peak time. Incoming voice calls will be charged for air time. There will be no charge for calls that go to voice mail. Retrieval of messages from voice mail will be charged per minute as a US call. A positive balance on the account is required in order to retrieve messages from voice mail. There are no Peak/Off-Peak special rates for inbound calls. Outgoing SMS are charged a flat fee regardless of destination. There is no charge for receiving SMS.

f. What are long distance rates for CrewzFöne service?

Long distance rates are comparable with rates for crew calls from fixed phones on ship. While using the CrewzFöne service you do not have the restrictions of waiting for a line, finding numbers to dial, or wasting time waiting for a connection.

g. For how long can the same PIN be used with CrewzFöne service?

PIN’s will be valid for the following usage period from activation. If a balance remains at the end of the validity period, it will be deleted. If prior to expiration another CrewzFöne PIN is used to top up the account, the complete new balance (including what was existing before top up) will have the expiration associated with the new (last) PIN activated.

Service will be suspended if an account balance remains at zero for 180 days. A user wishing to reconnect after 180 days will be required to buy a new SIM card and will not be able to retain the original mobile number.

h. Can I receive calls and SMS with a zero balance?

With a zero balance on the account you can not make or receive calls or SMS messages but can of course top up the account for up to 180 days before the account is suspended.

i. How much do I pay if a call drops using the CrewzFöne service?

For any call that drops due to satellite or other reasons after connecting, the charge will end at the time the call drops.

j. Do I pay for calls on CrewzFöne service that are not answered?

Calls that you make that are not answered (by user or answer-phone/voicemail/recorded announcement) are not charged. Similarly, incoming calls that you do not answer are not charged. Call retrieved from voice mail will be charge as a US call in minute increments.

k. How much does it cost for a call/SMS to my CrewzFöne number?

For all calls and SMS to crew members with CrewzFöne service, the originator will be charged as for calls to US mobiles with whatever rates are applicable for international service depending on the originating network.

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