Satellite phones and communications have been around for over two decades, but still today, many people don’t really understand them. There are many misconceptions out there – that they are only for the very wealthy, the government, or international adventurers. But this isn’t the case! There are many important reasons for people to have quick and efficient access to reliable communications. We’re going to break down the why, when and how of having communications anytime, anywhere.
First, and most importantly, satellite communications are critical during and after natural disasters. While some areas are more vulnerable than others, anywhere can fall victim to mother nature. One fresh reminder of this is Hurricane Harvey in 2017, where the vigilant people of Houston, Texas were ravaged by one of the worst hurricanes in United States history. Unfortunately, many were unable to connect through traditional cell phone lines; for example, according to the Federal Communications Commission, in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Aransas County in Texas reported nearly 95 percent of its cell towers were out of commission. Because many members of the media brought satellite phones with them to report on the hurricane, many shared their phones with locals affected by the storm.
Additionally, satellite phones can be an important lifeline during recreational activities, like hiking, sailing, mountain biking, hunting, breaking world records, and many other recreational activities in remote areas of the world such as the middle of the Pacific Ocean or at a job site. No matter where, Iridium® is there.
Now that you know why and when you need a sat phone – how do you start shopping? There are many solutions out there, so the first step is determining how you want to connect using satellite communications. Do you want a handheld satellite phone, or would you prefer to turn your smartphone into a satellite phone? Luckily, Iridium has solutions for both:
The Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme are two of the most popular Iridium handheld products. Both products boast up to 30 hours of standby and four hours of talk time, in a small and very durable structure. Through talk and text, the Iridium 9555 and Iridium Extreme can save lives. The Iridium Extreme also has e-mail messaging capability, Google Mapping services, and GPS-enabled location-based services.
Iridium GO! ® is the innovative product which transforms your smartphone into a satellite phone anywhere in the world. Compatible with Apple and Android, Iridium GO! extends the use of your smartphone and devices. The Iridium GO! app extends your connection, optimizing you for voice, SMS, e-mail, 100-foot radius of WiFi for up to five devices, weather monitoring and more.
Whether you are making a disaster prep plan, embarking on an international trip, or like the ease-of-mind of being accessible during your adventures, having the right resources in place for any situation is crucial.
Iridium has worked hard over the past two decades to provide reliable, truly global satellite communications in collaboration with our more than 400 partners worldwide. Whichever product fits your needs, our partners can help you find the right device and service! Visit our website to find an Iridium partner near you.
Need more help deciding with Iridium product is right for you? Click here to find out which best fits your needs in five questions (or less)!
To celebrate reaching one million active subscribers, Iridium will be featuring the success stories of our customers in the range of markets we serve: land, maritime, aviation, IoT, and government. Experience their stories and see the growing impact Iridium has had on a personal, organizational, and global level.
When a pilot became caught above cloud cover with no visibility, the Spidertracks equipment onboard enabled him to call for help and receive the assistance he needed for a safe landing. The pilot, a young and inexperienced flier with no one else on board, had nothing to guide his landing in such cloudy conditions, but the plane’s Spider device connected him to those on the ground who could provide life-saving navigational instructions.
Spidertracks, an Iridium® Value Added Reseller, provides real-time aircraft tracking, from takeoff to landing, as well as two-way communication with aircrafts. The Spider hardware, which is easy to install and can be moved between different aircraft, connects to the Iridium® satellite network for truly global coverage even in tough weather conditions. Since 2007, Spidertracks has tracked over 6 million flights, ensuring that pilots like this one have the support they need to travel safely.
Watch Spidertracks CEO David Blackwell explain how the Iridium network provided a vital communication link to this pilot so that air traffic control could guide him through a safe landing.
Do you have a story about how Iridium technology has improved your safety, your quality of life, or your business operations? Select “Have a Story” here and share with us how Iridium keeps you connected. You may be featured in our “1 Million Subscribers Connected” campaign.
In late April, we opened our doors to the children of Iridium and Aireon employees for Bring Your Child to Work Day 2018. (Since Aireon is like our child, we thought it made sense to include their kids too!) Twenty-seven kids spent the day learning more about the future of space, and, of course, what their parents do all day long!
They started the day meeting Matt Desch, CEO, and Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to learn the history of Iridium and the safety services we provide.
Throughout the day, they learned about the Iridium® NEXT launch program through SpaceX, the Internet of Things, and the exciting work of Aireon. The kids finished the day with virtual reality adventures in maritime, aviation, IoT, and recreation scenarios.
As your kids prepare for their summer breaks, take a look back at the day they spent in the Iridium Headquarters in McLean, Virginia – and hear about their favorite parts!
This was the fourth annual Bring Your Child to Work Day at the Iridium Headquarters. The Iridium office in Tempe, Arizona will host Iridium kids tomorrow, June 22.
To celebrate reaching one million active subscribers, Iridium will be featuring the success stories of our customers in the range of markets we serve: land, maritime, aviation, IoT, and government. Experience their stories and see the growing impact Iridium has had on a personal, organizational, and global level.
By collecting real-time data from buoys equipped with Iridium® transceivers, Marine Instruments technology helps to keep beachgoers safe in shark-infested areas of the Indian Ocean. Previous anti-shark buoys have deployed mesh nets when a shark appears, but nets are not selective and often end up hurting sea turtles and other protected wildlife.
To create a more efficient and environmental solution, Marine Instruments loaded buoys with shark bait. When a shark takes the bait, the buoy immediately communicates its position via the Iridium satellite network, and environmentalists capture the shark and humanely transport it away from the shore. SMART (Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time) lines of buoys along the Australian coast have been credited with greatly reducing shark attacks while also providing scientists with key information about shark behavior. This innovative use of IoT technology protects the tourism industry, marine ecosystems, and human lives, all at the same time.
Watch Marine Instruments general manager Gabriel GĂłmez explain how Iridium helped Marine Instruments to reduce shark attacks more efficiently and environmentally.
Do you have a story about how Iridium technology has improved your safety, your quality of life, or your business operations? Select “Have a Story” here and share with us how Iridium keeps you connected. You may be featured in our “1 Million Subscribers Connected” campaign.