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Sounds too good to be true, dosen't it? Don't think it's an April 1st jape...
Virginia-based Iridium Satellite LLC today announced a "gateway" is fully operational, enabling the delivery of global voice telephone services to marine users, with data service, including Internet connectivity, coming in June. In a press release, the company said more than three months of quality assurance testing was completed before the gateway in Tempe, Arizona, opened. The company will launch data services, including dial-up access and direct Internet connectivity, in June. Short-burst messaging services are expected to be available later in the year. With complete coverage of the Earth's oceans, airspace and polar regions, Iridium claims it is specifically geared for maritime, aviation, oil and gas, mining, construction, forestry, non-governmental organization/relief, and yachting/leisure segments, as well as government customers. The US Department of Defense is an existing Iridium customer. "Through a focused approach to fully understanding the needs of our customers, Iridium is positioned strongly for commercial success," said Dan Colussy, chairman and chief executive officer of Iridium."Our current operational structure enables the delivery of cost-effective, user-friendly voice and data services, and ensures a low break-even threshold for Iridium." Service providers signed Iridium has signed agreements with 13 service providers to offer worldwide distribution capabilities. Iridium service providers will be selling data-ready Motorola handsets, which are currently being shipped. Estimated retail costs for the Satellite Series 9500 are less than US$1,000 and airtime rates are expected not to exceed more than US$1.50 per minute, according to the company. There are no additional long-distance, roaming, or zoning charges. Former Iridium customers that own phones can contact a service provider to upgrade the phones for data-readiness, quality voice enhancements and immediate voice service. The company said that the smaller, lighter Satellite Series 9505 handsets are expected to retail for US$1,500, including accessories, and will be available for purchase in August of this year. "We've conducted tens of thousands of test calls to ensure that Iridium customers will be receiving the best voice quality possible," said Ginger Washburn, chief marketing officer of Iridium. "In addition to quality, Iridium strives to offer its customers value. Months of market and customer research were completed before we developed our highly competitive pricing model for Iridium services." Operated and managed by The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) under contract to Iridium Satellite, the Iridium system consists of a constellation of 66 operational satellites and seven in-orbit spares, ensuring a lifespan of at least seven years. Iridium plans to launch seven additional spares in 2002 to bring the total to 14.
Virginia-based Iridium Satellite LLC today announced a "gateway" is fully operational, enabling the delivery of global voice telephone services to marine users, with data service, including Internet connectivity, coming in June. In a press release, the company said more than three months of quality assurance testing was completed before the gateway in Tempe, Arizona, opened. The company will launch data services, including dial-up access and direct Internet connectivity, in June. Short-burst messaging services are expected to be available later in the year. With complete coverage of the Earth's oceans, airspace and polar regions, Iridium claims it is specifically geared for maritime, aviation, oil and gas, mining, construction, forestry, non-governmental organization/relief, and yachting/leisure segments, as well as government customers. The US Department of Defense is an existing Iridium customer. "Through a focused approach to fully understanding the needs of our customers, Iridium is positioned strongly for commercial success," said Dan Colussy, chairman and chief executive officer of Iridium."Our current operational structure enables the delivery of cost-effective, user-friendly voice and data services, and ensures a low break-even threshold for Iridium." Service providers signed Iridium has signed agreements with 13 service providers to offer worldwide distribution capabilities. Iridium service providers will be selling data-ready Motorola handsets, which are currently being shipped. Estimated retail costs for the Satellite Series 9500 are less than US$1,000 and airtime rates are expected not to exceed more than US$1.50 per minute, according to the company. There are no additional long-distance, roaming, or zoning charges. Former Iridium customers that own phones can contact a service provider to upgrade the phones for data-readiness, quality voice enhancements and immediate voice service. The company said that the smaller, lighter Satellite Series 9505 handsets are expected to retail for US$1,500, including accessories, and will be available for purchase in August of this year. "We've conducted tens of thousands of test calls to ensure that Iridium customers will be receiving the best voice quality possible," said Ginger Washburn, chief marketing officer of Iridium. "In addition to quality, Iridium strives to offer its customers value. Months of market and customer research were completed before we developed our highly competitive pricing model for Iridium services." Operated and managed by The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) under contract to Iridium Satellite, the Iridium system consists of a constellation of 66 operational satellites and seven in-orbit spares, ensuring a lifespan of at least seven years. Iridium plans to launch seven additional spares in 2002 to bring the total to 14.
