Iridium GO! promises to connect you – nearly – anywhere

Global satellite company aims at the consumer market with Iridium GO!™ : pack it for camping or world travel.

In all public places where you can wirelessly connect to the Internet today, Wi-Fi isn't ubiquitous yet. And if you are a boater, hiker, pilot, in a campervan or someone who spends a lot of time in nature, The chances of connecting to cyberspace in some remote locations is nearly impossible. It's not just about the data. Try making a cellular phone call in such places !

Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium Communications, says that the cellular industry covers only about 10% of the Earth surface, with even less coverage in the skies. Tuesday 4 February, Iridium has unveiled its potential solution, A compact device (11,4 x 8,3 x 3,2 cm wide) weight less than 300 gr. called the Iridium GO!™ that promises to connect you much better wherever you can be, from your own phone or tablet, at least as long as Iridium GO! can communicate with the network of Iridium low-orbiting satellite. The device converts the satellite signal to Wi-Fi. Expected availability in the second quarter of the year.

Matt Desch claims that Iridium GO! East :

" The first device most attractive to consumers
with much more consumer appeal. ”

It is not yet likely to go to a mass market, however, probably not a device likely to cost somewhere around 800$ and subscriptions that could vary from 10 down to 100$ monthly, depending on usage. Desch won't reveal precise numbers but he says the service will be priced to enable folks to make calls, post tweets and Facebook updates, and share texts, emails and photos, and that it may cost less in some areas than cellular roaming. There are limitations, however. Don't expect to use Iridium GO! for intensive use or fast multimedia, Not all apps will work, and you won't be able to play online games or stream movies. You will be challenged to get a signal indoors.

Desch considering scenarios in which consumers may rent Iridium GO! rather than buy it, for a long-planned treck to the Himalayas or Antarctica, or the cruise around the world they dreamed about.

Desch also says that Iridium GO! and designed not only as a, but also as a platform for app developers, the first partners including Satcom Direct (Mobile apps for in-flight connectivity) and Global Marine Networks (Marine applications).

The satellite network can be shared in Wi-Fi by up to 5 devices within 30 meters high. It is similar to the portable Wi-Fi hotspots sold today. But rather than positioning Iridium GO! like a hotspot, Desch prefers to call it "a cell phone antenna in your pocket". You can use it for calls after all. Iridium GO! can be called upon in a disaster. It includes an SOS button that you can press that will put you in two-way contact with an emergency responder. With built-in GPS you can check or send your location.

Iridium GO! Low-speed internet connection and satellite telephony for the whole world, with your cell phone or tablet.

The company says that the device has a rugged, rubberized finish and a black and white OLED screen. It is meant to withstand rain, sand and dust. You turn it on by flipping up the antenna, charging is via micro USB, and Desch says it has a big enough battery to last a long time when you're in one of these out of the way regions.

Iridium will continue to sell satellite phones in the 1000$ to its regular customers, but for the folks it is trying to branch out to with Iridium GO!, such phones are overkill, Iridium Go! Maybe not. Assuming the system works as promised and isn't too expensive, Iridium GO! should allow, to you and your fellow campers, Share the internet and make phone calls in areas you never thought possible before.

What can we conclude ?

I see, for my own, that this device could replace on our boats both Iridium phone + Iridium Mail by allowing, not only the request of GRIB weather files with a tablet, but also the satellite phoning with any smartphone at a much lower investment. Like Iridium phones, it is equipped to be able to connect an outdoor fixed antenna to it.

We will have to wait, Certainly until the end of spring, for this device and its services to be priced and available, and that tests be carried out during the summer.

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