Iridium communications has officially launched its Iridium Certus broadband service, marking a significant milestone as the frist capability introduced from the Iridium NEXT satellite replacement initiative.
Iridium Certus stands out as a groundbreaking platform tailored for specialized applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and various autonomous systems. It is recognized as the only truly global broadband service, providing internet access and high-quality voice dialog while in motion. This launch concludes an extensive global testing phase, which included beta trials with actual users. the initial focus is on maritime and land-based applications, with aviation solutions expected to follow after certification.
This service facilitates mobile operations for teams in the field, enabling two-way communication and essential safety services for those working in areas beyond cellular network reach, such as first responders and search and rescue teams.
Iridium Certus offers a distinctive array of mobility applications and genuine comms-on-the-move capabilities,backed by a robust L-band user network. This ensures that unmanned systems remain securely connected and communication remains uninterrupted, nonetheless of their location. Additionally, Iridium Certus can support applications for remotely deployed IoT devices or mobile platforms, providing critical command and control links for the long-distance transport of essential supplies, including vaccines and medications.
“The launch of Iridium Certus marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for Iridium, propelling us and our partners into the future. At its essence, iridium Certus serves as an innovation catalyst. It will allow us to deliver broadband connectivity to teams, vehicles, and the vital IoT devices in the over 80% of the world that lacks cellular service,” stated iridium CEO Matt Desch. “Our partners have already begun adopting this new service, which has been highly anticipated across various industries. This launch is a significant achievement, disrupting the traditional landscape with our smaller, faster, lighter, and more cost-effective terminals and services.”
“Iridium Certus ensures real-time connectivity wherever our vessels operate. consequently, shipboard communications, vessel performance systems, and crew members are always in touch. We can now upgrade our existing broadband terminals to Iridium Certus, guaranteeing optimal throughput at the best price on the latest global network,” remarked Holger Börchers from Briese schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG, Leer/Germany. “Iridium Certus is a transformative solution for us.”
Terminals for iridium Certus are being manufactured by industry leaders such as cobham (maritime),Thales (maritime,aviation,and land-mobile),Collins Aerospace (aviation),L3 (aviation),Gogo (aviation),and Satcom Direct (aviation). Currently, 35 service providers have been authorized by Iridium to offer this service globally.
With the service now available, mariners will have a broader range of competitive options for connectivity solutions for vessels of all sizes, aiding the digital transformation of shipping and the rise of autonomous vessels. Land-mobile users can connect vehicles and assets “on-the-move” anywhere on the globe, utilizing customizable hardware and solutions that can seamlessly switch between cellular and satellite connectivity to optimize costs. Once terminals are available, aviation users will benefit from Iridium Certus solutions that support various capabilities for aircraft, furthering the integration of satellite communications as a primary means of aircraft connectivity.
For government users, Iridium Certus offers a secure solution that meets the critical needs of military operations, featuring truly mobile hardware that is durable enough to endure high-risk combat zones and adverse weather conditions. In the realm of IoT, Iridium Certus is set to deliver Internet Protocol (IP) data applications through smaller, portable, and more affordable devices for sectors such as industrial IoT, forestry, utilities, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), transportation, and construction. Looking ahead, Iridium plans to introduce a more versatile transceiver that can scale down terminals for smaller, lighter, and more portable applications on small unmanned vehicles and drones. These transceivers will be integrated into long-lasting battery-powered devices,ideal for IoT applications in remote areas.
Iridium is launching the service with various speed classes, starting with the Iridium Certus 350 (352/352 Kbps), which supports internet and high-quality voice services through compact terminals designed specifically for maritime, aviation, and land-mobile applications. Terminals will be upgradeable to the next speed class, Iridium Certus 700 (352/704 Kbps), via a firmware update once it becomes available.
Powered by the low Earth orbit Iridium satellite network, which consists of 66 crosslinked satellites, iridium Certus creates a comprehensive coverage web around the globe. Unlike other satellite systems, Iridium’s crosslinked architecture allows for real-time data transmission to and from any location worldwide without relying heavily on ground stations, ensuring consistent, high-quality coverage, including over oceans and polar regions.
