Mobile-satellite operator Iridium has unleashed a new Iridium Force product line that will enable large enterprises, humanitarian organizations, government agencies and the military to use standard smartphones, tablets and notebook 
PCs to communicate via satellite from remote locations around the world.
Iridium's satellite constellation -- which consists of 66 cross-linked communication platforms in low earth orbit plus seven in-orbit spares -- collectively provide blanket coverage of the entire planet, said Iridium CEO Matthew Desch. By contrast, traditional telecom networks cover less than 10 percent of the earth's surface.
"This is why Iridium is poised to greatly expand the role of satellites in personal mobile communications," Desch said.
The company's new Iridium Extreme handset and lightweight Iridium AxcessPoint work in tandem to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on the fly that can be accessed by a variety of Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices, including Apple's iPhone and iPad , Blackberry handsets, as well as Android smartphones and tablets.
"It is evident that consumer expectations have changed dramatically in a relatively short period of time," Desch said. "Connectivity is no longer something that we want; it is something we expect anywhere, anytime."
Instant SOS
Iridium Force technology will undoubtedly benefit larger companies and organizations with workers based in remote and potentially dangerous locations where traditional land-line and cellular networks are unavailable. The new Iridium Extreme handset includes an instant SOS capability that will enable users to send an emergency message containing their GPS coordinates and status at the push of a button.
However, the company's new Iridium Force technology will be priced well beyond the reach of most individual users. Iridium distribution partner Transsat USA is pricing the new Iridium Extreme at $1,449, while the new Iridium AxcessPoint may cost as much as an additional $200.
Still, equipment rentals may eventually be offered by distributors that will provide an additional safety option for hikers visiting remote areas right here in the United States. On Wednesday, Iridium demonstrated how the new handset's built-in GPS technology could be used to display the path of a group of hikers on a map as well as to send email messages to family members concerning the group's progress.
Empowering Partners
Iridium eventually expects to offer a free software download that will convert existing laptops into a Wi-Fi hotspot that eliminates the need for the Iridium AxcessPoint. For example, later this year the app will be offered in Apple's iTunes Store "to make this possible for iOS devices," Desch said.
The mobile satellite operator also intends to license its core global connectivity technology to partners so that it can be embedded into a wider range of mobile and portable devices. For this purpose, the company has developed a new Iridium Core 9523 module that integrates the same voice and data interfaces found in the new Iridium Extreme handset.
Additionally, Desch expects to see the new module become embedded in next-generation maritime, aviation and tactical radio products, as well as in other communications hardware offerings. In military applications, for example, the technology could provide troops with instant access to maps that identify safe zones of operation as well as alert military commanders when their troops have departed from a hazardous mission zone, Desch said.
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