Articles about satellite phones, equipment and satellite communications.
Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar
Iridium Certus
Iridium has announced an updated Certus platform developed on the basis of the new generation Iridium NEXT satellite network. The work on updating the satellite network has been going on for more than 5 years and cost more than $3 billion. Such investments will allow Iridium to completely renew the satellite constellation, including spare satellites. This in turn will affect:
- Improved quality and stability of services;
- Improved throughput of main gateways;
- Signal encryption during transmission between gateways;
- Improved TT&C (telemetry, tracking and command);
- Updated network management system.
Iridium Certus will provide a full range of services: broadband data transmission, streaming, Push to Talk satellite radio, security services and other services. No matter what your tasks are — big or small — Certus will fully provide you with communication.
The Iridium NEXT architecture provides the signature 100% pole-to-pole coverage and communication reliability — this is why the most demanding customers trust Iridium, from large corporations to military and special services. Iridium always maintains the quality mark and meets all safety requirements.
Comparison of the main parameters of Iridium NEXT with the previous generation:
| Iridium first generation | Iridium NEXT | |
|---|---|---|
| Telephony: | 2.4 kbit/s | SQ: 2.4 kbit/s HQ: 4.8 kbit/s |
| SBD (short burst data) | + | + |
| LBT Data | Circuit switched data 2.4 kbit/s | Circuit switched data 2.4 kbit/s IP 22-88 kbit/s |
| Broadband | up to 128 kbit/s | up to 512 kbit/s upload / 1.4 Mbit/s download Data streaming up to 256 kbit/s |
New devices announced for operation with the new generation satellites represent innovative and lightweight solutions of small size with low power consumption. This gives partner manufacturers the opportunity to create a simple and understandable range of devices and an affordable tariff grid — so that every user can choose a solution exactly for their needs.
Maritime Use
The most anticipated equipment is for maritime use. In this segment, Inmarsat has long held a leading position and until now Iridium had nothing to oppose, but now it seems this will change. Iridium Certus is ideal for use in the marine environment both for communication and for the operation of safety systems.
Also, the Iridium network has been approved for the provision of services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which indicates the end of the long-term monopoly in the satellite industry and the possibility of installing Iridium equipment for these purposes.
Five types of marine terminals have been announced that cover most requests for satellite internet and communication at sea: from private yachts to cargo ships, barges and floating drilling rigs.
Land Use
Iridium Certus will provide the most flexible and convenient options for land use. A mobile office or private use — Certus will provide you with broadband connectivity regardless of your location. And all this without the need to invest in expensive equipment and infrastructure — this is especially important for government customers and corporations. Internet, cellular networks, mobile radio stations and geo-applications — you can stay connected anywhere on the planet.
Aviation
In the cockpit on the runway or at high altitude — Iridium Certus will provide communication in any, even critical situations. 100% coverage of the entire globe, availability and low cost compared to competitive offers make it ideal for use in civil, military, and private aviation.
M2M
Updated solution for M2M data transmission. Higher speeds, smaller equipment size, more flexible configuration and greater functionality, high throughput. And all this with support for existing services worldwide.
Summary
If you have any questions regarding satellite communication or need help choosing a solution — contact us in any convenient way and we will definitely help you!