Iridium Launches Compact Lower-Cost Satellite Data Transceiver

Transceiver Opens New Markets for Global Low-Latency
Short-Burst Data Services at Lower Cost

Iridium Satellite announces that its new 9601 Short-Burst Data (SBD) Transceiver is now available to the company’s value-added manufacturers and resellers.

The company has just completed initial deliveries of this small-size, lower-cost satellite data modem. Iridium solution partners are already integrating the 9601 into a wide range of products. Typical end user applications include supply chain management, field force automation and remote asset tracking. Anticipated markets for the transceiver include heavy equipment, homeland security, supply chain logistics, maritime, automotive, industrial equipment, trucking, railroads, oil and gas, utilities and government.

The 9601 is a new-generation product designed specifically to optimize two-way data links using the Iridium global SBD service. The compact size of the transceiver –106 x 56 x 13 mm (4.2 x 2.2 x 0.5 in) – makes it easier for system integrators to use it in smaller solution packages. The unit is ruggedized for remote operation in harsh environments.

The 9601 supports mobile-originated messages up to 205 bytes and mobile-terminated messages up to 135 bytes. Its global latency is less than 20 seconds, making it an ideal solution for time-sensitive applications such as tracking of critical mobile assets.

“The 9601 is the only solution available for partners that want to develop complete wireless data solutions with ubiquitous global coverage, two-way data links and uniform low latency,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of Iridium Satellite. “Systems based on the 9601 will open new capabilities for enterprise-scale wireless data solutions. International organizations using 9601-based systems will have access to immediate critical data from remote assets deployed worldwide. In addition, the 9601 is available at the lowest Iridium hardware cost ever.”

Iridium put the 9601 through extensive field testing. The company is responding to a surge of orders totaling more than 7,000 units for large customers in the maritime, oil/gas and transportation sectors.

“This signifies continued rapid growth of Iridium mobile data usage,” noted Ewert. “In 2005, data traffic through the Iridium satellite network increased by 57 percent. We expect the introduction of this new product to accelerate this growth in 2006 and beyond.”

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