Iridium Certus(SM) Distribution Expands;
Enables Globally ‘Connected Vehicles', Assets and Teams
March 13, 2018
Iridium Communications Inc. announced the next
wave of Iridium Certus service providers selected to deliver
this next-generation satellite broadband solution for
land-mobile applications. This group of six world-class
service providers includes, Globalsat, IEC Telecom, Marlink,
McQ, Pivotel and Tesam Argentina S.A. ("Tesacom"). Together,
these companies further expand the footprint for Iridium Certus
land-mobile services.
The introduction of Iridium Certus and the new Thales
MissionLINKTM terminal is a game-changer for
off-the-grid public safety, utility, oil and gas, military and
non-government organization applications. Adoption of this
technology will create the first truly globally ‘connected
vehicles,' allowing drivers and their passengers to be more
productive on-the-move. The solution offers a seamless
broadband connectivity experience that can be configured to
automatically switch between Iridium Certus or local cellular
infrastructure. This ensures the most cost-effective option is
in use regardless of deployed environmental conditions or
location worldwide. As a result, organizations are empowered to
maintain capabilities like real-time vehicle tracking and
immediate transmission of telematics information, while
supporting internet, phone and email requirements.
Already undergoing live testing, the Thales MissionLink
terminal will debut at speeds of 352 kbps, later upgradable to
704 kbps through a firmware update. Brian Aziz, director of
Satcom Solutions for Thales Defense & Security shared, "The
network performance results that we've confirmed through our
testing have surpassed our expectations including achievement of
352 kbps data speeds and clarity of Iridium's high-quality voice
calling. Starting this month, we will transition to field
customer trials and commence high-rate production of our
terminals in order to meet the demand of orders that we have
already received." Aziz continued, "The level of
engagement from Iridium's service providers has been tremendous,
and we anticipate Iridium's certification of the Thales
MissionLink terminal next month as we continue to make progress
towards commercial introduction in mid-2018."
Unlike geostationary networks with limited global reach and
bulky terminals, the unique architecture of the Iridium®
constellation, featuring 66 interconnected low-earth-orbit
satellites, enables global coverage and creation of
cost-effective, highly mobile, small-form-factor antennas and
terminals. This results in improved access, particularly
when in rugged terrain such as mountainous regions, and makes
satellite communication services a viable option for new markets
and geographies.
With the addition of these six service providers, 12
companies to date have signed on to provide land-mobile-related
industries with Iridium Certus service. Previously, six
companies were announced, including Applied Satellite Technology
Limited (AST), Arion Communication Co. Ltd, Kaigai Communication
Corporation, MVS USA Inc., Network Innovations and Spacenet.
Iridium plans to announce additional service providers in the
coming weeks.
Iridium Certus is enabled by the Iridium NEXT satellite
constellation, which is in the process of replacing the original
Iridium network. To date, there have been four successful
Iridium NEXT launches, deploying more than half of the new
constellation. Four additional launches are planned for 2018.
