For the first time ever there is an omnidirectional SATCOM that can attain internet data speeds of 700 Kbps on a small antenna platform that does not require pointing. No longer are the larger and heavier auto-acquire antenna systems necessary for On-The-Move Comms or In-Building emergency backup communications.
Iridium Certus 700 service is now commercially available, offering the fastest L-band speeds in the industry. This is a significant upgrade. When Iridium Certus 350 was first launched in 2019, it offered upload and download speeds of up to 352 kbps. Iridium Certus 700 has doubled top download speeds to 704 kbps, at no additional cost to Certus 350 subscribers. No new hardware is required for existing subscribers to take advantage of Iridium Certus 700; terminals are upgraded via a firmware rollout through service providers. All new terminals will come with Iridium Certus 700 capability.
What Is Certus?
Iridium Certus is the only broadband service that offers global, weather-resistant coverage for on-the-move internet and high-quality voice access. Due to its small size and cost-effective antennas and terminals, Iridium Certus has been increasingly adopted by maritime and land-mobile/connected vehicle markets.
With the launch of this upgrade, global maritime communications are faster than ever. Iridium Certus is delivered through the Cobham Sailor 4300 and VesseLink by Thales satellite terminals and can serve as a primary ship communication or a VSAT companion service. Iridium Certus terminals provide high-speed L-band connectivity regardless of a vessel’s location or weather conditions, giving crews access to IoT services, improved ship communications, faster web browsing, and reliable use of smartphone apps.
How Does It Work
In the land-mobile and vehicular markets, Iridium Certus is delivered through Thales MissionLINK, providing railways, first responders, governments, and NGOs with reliable comms-on-the-move connectivity anywhere in the world. The terminal allows for easy switching between satellite and cellular connectivity for mobile-office functions to help manage costs. Additionally, the faster speeds can enhance a range of applications, such as telemedicine for remote aid workers, situational awareness updates for militaries, or video monitoring for first responders. Regardless of the application, communication is maintained even when terrestrial connectivity isn’t available.
“There is nothing on the market today that matches the quality, reliability, speed and global coverage Iridium Certus delivers, and the Iridium Certus 700 upgrade clearly demonstrates this,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of Iridium. “Iridium Certus is now the standard when it comes to providing primary maritime or VSAT companion service, and a reliable weather-resilient broadband solution for mobile applications supporting railways, first responders, and any industry regularly working beyond the reach of terrestrial coverage.”
For access to reliable, high-quality satellite connectivity across the globe, contact Remote Satellite Systems at 1-888-989-8199.