FELCOM - Satellite Call Rejection : Troubleshooting Guide

Learn how to troubleshoot call rejection issues on your FELCOM satellite phone with this comprehensive guide.

Written by Ian Upham

Updated at March 12th, 2025

When working with maritime satellite communication systems like the FELCOM series (FELCOM-15, FELCOM-16, FELCOM-18, and FELCOM-19), users may encounter call rejection errors that require systematic troubleshooting. Understanding the recent changes in satellite communication protocols and diagnostic steps can help resolve these communication challenges efficiently.

Initial Diagnostic Steps

If you receive a "Call rejected by LES because of request barred" error message, follow these critical verification procedures:

  1. Verify CN (Carrier-to-Noise) level is within acceptable range
  2. Confirm BBER (Bulletin Board Rate) level is displaying zero
 
Important Update: As of September 20, 2024, INMARSAT has restructured its partner model, replacing Point of Service Activations (PSA) and Accounting Authorities (AA).

 

Advanced Troubleshooting

To comprehensively diagnose potential communication issues:

  • Press F8, then select 8, 2 to display your Land Earth Station (LES) list
  • Take a screenshot of the terminal's LES details
  • Contact your designated accounting authority with the screenshot
  • Example shown below

 

Error Message Interpretation

Different error messages indicate distinct underlying issues:

Error Message Potential Cause
"Call rejected by LES" Potential configuration or authorization problem
"No response from LES" Potential hardware or connection issue
Pro Tip: Verify you're using the correct Land Earth station as per your new accounting authority guidelines.