Fw: Iridium To Provide Communications Service Along Canadian Trans-Labrador Highway

Great news here.

Matt Randall matt@mattsbird.com 661.406.2499

---

From: Iridium Satellite News
Date: 24 Aug 2009 13:44:03 -0000
To: <iridium@mail.mediaroom.com>
Subject: Iridium To Provide Communications Service Along Canadian Trans-Labrador Highway

News Release Issued: August 24, 2009 7:14 AM EDT

Iridium To Provide Communications Service Along Canadian Trans-Labrador Highway

BETHESDA, Md. – August 24, 2009 – The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is establishing an Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium)-based satellite phone service for motorists on the Trans-Labrador Highway. Roadpost of Mississauga, Ontario is supplying Iridium 9555 satellite phones and services through its dealer Newfound Mobility Solutions.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched this new Iridium-based satellite phone program for the Trans-Labrador Highway to ensure they had the most reliable communications capability possible. The Iridium solution replaces and upgrades previous communications services from other providers. Through this program, local hotel operators will offer Iridium phones as loaners to motorists traveling along the highway. The phones will be pre-programmed to direct calls to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, which will coordinate necessary emergency responses directly or through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Trans-Labrador Highway is made up of more than 950 miles of asphalt and gravel road, with very few turnoffs or stops, in a remote region of northeastern Canada.

 

“Iridium is the only mobile satellite network capable of providing reliable coverage across the region – and anywhere in the world, actually,” said Morris Shawn, president of Roadpost. “Motorists can be confident they will be in communication with the outside world –especially in an emergency situation.”

 

“We are confident that the Iridium phones will provide a more reliable and consistent performance communication lifeline, which is very important as it is the only means of communication on a long, desolate stretch of highway,” said Trevor Taylor, transportation minister for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

"Businesses, governments, citizens and travelers in remote locations rely on Iridium in their daily lives because they work in the large, open areas beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless phone networks,” added Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium.

As part of North America’s summer season, Iridium has launched its third annual “Test Your Satellite Phone” initiative, to encourage satellite phone users to prepare now to ensure that one of their most critical lifelines in a disaster – their satellite phone – works properly.

The Iridium Test Your Satellite Phone initiative asks all satellite phone owners to call a special U.S.-based number – +1-480-752-5105 – to test their satellite phones. Callers will hear a recorded message confirming that their call was completed and offering quick tips on proper handset usage. Iridium does not charge customers for air time on their satellite phone when they call this number. Non-Iridium customers should consult with their service providers to determine what charges may apply. If customers find that their phones are not operational through this process, they should call their respective service provider.

 

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium’s subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, global communications. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense, and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company’s customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. and is currently privately held.

 

About Roadpost

Founded in 1991, Roadpost Inc. (www.roadpost.com) provides global satellite and cellular communications through its industry-leading Roadpost Satcom and Brightroam business units. Roadpost Satcom’s comprehensive portfolio of satellite voice and data services has been widely adopted by individuals and organizations that travel or work beyond the limits of terrestrial wired or wireless networks. Partnered with leading satellite networks and equipment manufacturers, Roadpost Satcom delivers solutions that are uniquely suited to each customer’s critical voice and data requirement including global voice services, mobile broadband data services, narrowband SCADA/telemetry applications, and satellite equipment rentals.

 

Press Contacts:

Liz DeCastro

Iridium

+1 (301) 571-6257

liz.decastro@iridium.com

 

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communications

+1 (757) 451-0601

jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

 

PDF file of press release attached.

 

 

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
http://iridium.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe