Beta Tests of "Netted Iridium" Push-to-Talk Voice and Data Service Completed

Iridium Satellite LLC today announced that it has successfully completed beta tests of its new “Netted Iridium” push-to-talk (PTT) voice and data service. The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab continues to serve as the lead experimental developer for the netted service on behalf of the Joint community. Iridium expects to release the first phase of the netted service to additional defense customers later in 2006.

Iridium is launching the netted capability in response to burgeoning demand for reliable, rapidly deployable, over-the-horizon communications for the military, security, public safety and emergency response sectors.

“This service makes it possible for the warfighter to establish tactical netted voice or data communications over the Iridium network anywhere in the world,” said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Iridium Satellite. “In warfighting scenarios, our defense customers tell us having the ability for one user to talk or transmit data to many users simultaneously, over the horizon, is invaluable.”

The Netted Iridium service will incorporate end-to-end encryption for secure communications. A secure Web-enabled interface will provide “net” management and configuration control. Authorized users will be able to quickly and easily establish nets, bring them online and terminate them as needed. Built-in safeguards will ensure that only authorized personnel can establish and participate in the nets. The system will eventually allow for networking with terrestrial radios and tying into terrestrial trunked radio systems.

The Netted Iridium service is ideally suited for first responders in crisis applications, such as the recent hurricane relief efforts on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Rapid deployment, reliability, scalability and interoperability are paramount in these scenarios. The new service will deliver netted communications for teams responsible for command and control, logistics and critical information relay across dispersed areas. It will provide interoperability to large numbers of first responders from multiple government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

“This new service represents the foundation of a rapidly evolving product portfolio that will allow enhanced satellite/wireless services and greater interoperability going forward,” Ewert said. “In addition, it offers the virtual equivalent of repeater stations in space, eliminating the need to position repeater stations on mountaintops or tall, vulnerable structures. It leverages Iridium’s global, pole-to-pole coverage to provide broadcast or net communications anywhere in the world, securely, with very low latency.”

Archives: (2005 ) / (2006)