Iridium Blankets AlaskaIridium Blankets Alaska

Iridium expects traffic on its mobile satellite communications network to surge 300 percent over the next few months

June 19, 2006

2 Min Read

BETHESDA, Md. -- With the approach of the short Alaskan summer, Iridium Satellite expects traffic on its mobile satellite communications network to surge 300 percent over the next few months. Over the last several years, Iridium has averaged a 40 percent growth rate annually in Alaska-based traffic.

With the summer season, outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts are spreading out into the state's vast open spaces beyond the reach of telephone landlines and cellular networks. Iridium, the primary supplier of satellite communication service in Alaska, is gearing up to meet the demand. The company is working with its service providers and dealers so they are well stocked with satellite phones, data devices and accessories for sale or rent. In addition, Iridium service providers are introducing flexible service plans tailored to the state's unique requirements.

"This year, we are offering flexible prepaid plans especially designed for the Alaskan user who may only need to use Iridium satellite communications services this part of the year," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Iridium Satellite.

The Only Provider With Full-State Coverage

Iridium's network architecture, with 66 cross-linked satellites in low-earth orbits intersecting over the poles, provides truly global coverage. It is the only mobile satellite service offering coverage over the entire state of Alaska, including the Aleutians and surrounding waters, and even the far northern regions above the Arctic Circle.

"This means you can use an Iridium satellite phone or data device wherever you go," said Ewert. "Our growth in Alaskan traffic includes Iridium becoming integrated into the state's telecommunications infrastructure, and providing voice and data links for business and government as well as private citizens. Today, Iridium is being used daily by fishing fleets out of Dutch Harbor, oil companies operating in the state's interior, bush pilots flying to remote locations throughout the state and guide services, for example."

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM)

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