New miniaturised RockBLOCK system delivers global data connectivity for any application, with a design footprint approximately half the size of the current RockBLOCK product.

Iridium satcom specialist Rock Seven is introducing the worlds’ smallest plug & play two-way satellite communications system with integrated antenna.

RockBLOCK 9603 is an even smaller variant of the sophisticated RockBLOCK MK II Internet of Things (IoT) satellite communication technology platform, which already provides Machine-to-Machine (M2M) data communication over Iridium’s global satellite network for thousands of professional users at sea and on land.

Utilising the latest Iridium modem technology, Rock Seven engineers have managed to shrink the already compact RockBLOCK form factor down to just 45 mm x 45 mm x 15 mm, including its powerful antenna. Compared to the standard RockBLOCK MK II dimensions of 76 mm x 51.5 mm x 19.0 mm, the new RockBLOCK 9603 is even easier to integrate on space limited scientific and commercial remote sensing and instrument platforms, while offering identical performance in terms of data throughput and link reliability anywhere in the world (including the Arctic and Antarctic). Weight has also been reduced, from 76 grams to just 36 grams, including the antenna. RockBLOCK 9603 is uniquely delivered as a complete system with electronics, antenna and power conditioning in a single compact module, ready for users to integrate in minutes.

The innovative RockBLOCK concept has been embraced by ocean science and marine equipment manufacturers because of its low-cost, straightforward approach to adding data connectivity to almost any research platform or commercial product. It interfaces seamlessly with all mainstream computing platforms from Windows, Mac and Linux through to the new breed of miniature computing hardware such as Arduino, Raspberry PI and Intel Edison, which are widely used to power compact scientific and environmental research systems in addition to marine technology innovations such as smart navigation buoys and remote weather stations.

RockBLOCK 9603 is just £159, making it a cost-effective way to turn any system into a fully connected IoT device, even with limited space available. Considering that much of RockBLOCK’s core user-base is developing distributed multi-sensor station networks for scientific research or commodity products, many of which are classed as disposable due to harsh environmental conditions, the low capital outlay for RockBLOCK is essential. Running costs are low too. RockBLOCK 9603 can send messages of 340 bytes and receive messages of 270 bytes using Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD), with flexible packages making the cost per message as low as £0.04. Line rental is £10.00 per month with no requirement for an annual contract, and includes access to the RockBLOCK management system for managing all devices in a network.

The pay-as-you-go model gives ultimate flexibility and cost saving for development – however, other tariffs are available for users with large numbers of devices and who are willing to give airtime commitment for 12 months or more.

Nick Farrell, Director, RockBLOCK, said:

“With space at a premium on many of the core RockBLOCK applications, due in part to the environmental and financial restrictions system designers and integrators face, RockBLOCK 9603 enables engineers to introduce global M2M communication with even less impact on the required form factor of their sensing platforms and products. Likewise, the overall cost, from capital expenditure through to satellite airtime is enabling our users to do more with less, especially when integrating RockBLOCK in tens or hundreds of identical systems.”

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Long-term deal reinforces Iridium’s leadership position in satellite M2M/IoT and strengthens Komatsu’s global telematics products.

Iridium Communications Inc. today announced an agreement with Komatsu Ltd. of Japan, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of heavy equipment for the construction and mining industries, to provide global asset tracking and monitoring for its KOMTRAX system, a system with over 400,000 KOMTRAX-equipped vehicles in the field today.

This deal extends Iridium’s leadership position in providing global satellite machine-to-machine (M2M) communications (also referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT)) within the heavy equipment industry.

This agreement enables Komatsu to integrate their vehicle monitoring system, KOMTRAX, with the Iridium® network to further extend its reach into global markets currently not served. The service will provide real-time vehicle location, health, diagnostics and proactive maintenance data from anywhere in the world, even where cellular infrastructure is compromised. This long-term agreement ensures that Komatsu has access to the most reliable global network for off-road telematics, and with the help of Iridium’s low-cost, low-power and versatile M2M devices, Komatsu will continue to provide its customers with world leading maintenance services.

“We are confident in Iridium’s ability to further extend our reach now and for many years to come with its current global network, and future next-generation network,” said Ichiro Nakano, executive officer and vice president, development division and vice president, ICT solution division at Komatsu.

“A single communication service cannot satisfy our needs. By adding Iridium, we are able to diversify and expand our global network to support construction and mining equipment that is utilized in every possible harsh and remote place on the planet.”

To date, Iridium M2M services are now used by seven of the top 20 heavy equipment OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) in the world. Forecast to be a $181 billion dollar global industry in 2016, heavy equipment is challenged by the current global economy, but is looking to telematics as a way to drive efficiency and value for their customers, dealers and resellers. As the adoption and implementation of satellite-enabled telematics and asset tracking solutions continues to grow across multiple industries, the need for global and reliable communications solutions will increase, further establishing Iridium’s foothold as a leader in this space.

“This new contract reinforces our relationship with Komatsu and provides further validation for Iridium’s leadership in core M2M/IoT satellite technologies,” said Tim Last, vice president and general manager, M2M/IoT at Iridium.
“As a technology provider, Iridium is setting the industry standard for two-way, small-form-factor devices that easily integrate into a wide range of solutions. As a business partner, Iridium is committed to providing continuity of service for our subscribers who have M2M/IoT devices already in the field, which total over 50% of our base, by designing our new Iridium NEXT constellation to be backwards compatible with all devices currently in use. Iridium is well positioned to be the provider of choice for global satellite M2M/IoT communications well into the future.”

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Partnership extends M2M satellite solutions globally.

MiX Telematics, a leading global provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions, today announced its global partnership with Iridium Communications Inc., a market leader in mobile satellite communications, and provider of the world’s farthest reaching network comprised of 66 low-earth satellites. The relationship extends MiX Telematics’ mobility offering to include a reliable, cost-effective and complimentary global satellite communication alternative, to terrestrial solutions.

“As a provider of information and related services for mobile assets, it’s critically important that we provide clients with important exception notifications and vehicle status updates regardless of where their vehicles are. Adding Iridium® as a complementary service offering helps us to broaden our value offering in the market, reinforcing our ability to deliver solutions that promote safe, secure and efficient fleet operations,” says Catherine Lewis, Executive Vice President of Technology at MiX Telematics.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Iridium, a business that’s synonymous with market leadership when it comes to technology innovation, including M2M and satellite communications. Our global leadership position in the premium fleet space and Iridium’s global business strategy represent a strong alignment.”

While mobile coverage across the globe is growing strongly, it is still largely immature in many rural/under-developed areas. And given that road transport is still a prominent – if not leading – mode of goods transportation, the need for full visibility of vehicle fleets at all times is higher than ever. Thus, a network that covers the entire earth’s surface, such as Iridium, is needed.

“Through leveraging the Iridium network and M2M solutions, fleet managers will be able to track and manage their valuable assets and personnel regardless of their location, including remote and rural areas,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Iridium.

“Partnering with MiX Telematics increases our footprint in the M2M industry globally and will help deliver M2M products and functionalities using the Iridium network to areas that need it the most, such as in rural Africa.”

“We look forward to making a positive impact on businesses worldwide.”

“We are proud to add MiX Telematics to our portfolio of leading and innovative global partners, and believe that this collaboration enables a platform for two businesses to deliver comprehensive, diverse and innovative offerings to the market that will increase efficiencies on a global scale.”

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The optional module, factory-installed at point-of-purchase, will enable onboard equipment to be integrated with RockFLEET, allowing data to be transferred between vessel and shore.

Rock Seven says the telemetry and control functions have the potential to improve vessel operations, including reducing fuel consumption and enhancing maintenance processes.

Nick Farrell, director at Rock Seven, says:

“It’s vital to know where all ships in your fleet are at any one time, but it’s also becoming more important to have data about how your vessels are operating, in order to operate as efficiently as possible. With our new M2M data module, RockFLEET can provide both position data and any other kind of data required, and can even be used as an intelligent hub for automation on board or on shore.”

The system works on a Pay As You Go basis, with users paying only for the months the system is in use, pre-purchasing credits for transmitting tracking positions and other data.

“RockFLEET requires no annual contract and operates on a Pay As You Go basis, with each location, or M2M data transmission costing as little as £0.03. This makes it a low-cost option for accurate global vessel tracking and lower-bandwidth data transmission for any application the user needs,” says Farrell.

“The idea is well proven with applications as diverse as ocean-going environmental sensor buoys, low-earth-orbit balloon flights and remote engine servicing telemetry. We know there are a multitude of possibilities this product opens up for the marine industry, and we’re keen to support users to develop their own unique applications for ships.”

M2M integration with on-board equipment is available using a variety of serial protocols, and the open API means data in any format can be delivered to the users’ own applications.

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Iridium Communications, Inc. and Wyless Inc. have joined the International M2M Council (IMC), a global organisation that promotes the benefits of machine-to-machine communications (M2M).

The IMC announced that both companies have become sustaining members of the London-based association, which was formed earlier this year by a group of influential solutions providers in the M2M industry.

Iridium, a global satellite services provider, and Wyless, an M2M/IoT managed services provider, are expected to contribute an expanded breadth of expertise to the IMC’s first major initiative: the development of a library of M2M content, including in-depth user case-studies that will inform businesses about the benefits of M2M technology in various vertical markets.

Sometimes called the “Internet of Things,” M2M refers to applications in which computers and sensors exchange data with each other to monitor and control remote machines. The IMC will cover broad areas of new, life-enriching connectivity applications in areas such as connected cars, mobile healthcare, home security, smart grid, and mobile supply-chain.

Iridium specializes in providing satellite communications between machines to industries where objects can be hard to reach, such as vehicle tracking, heavy equipment, energy, maritime, and aviation. Says David Wigglesworth, the company’s VP of Data Services:

“Iridium sees great value in joining together with other industry leaders to increase awareness of the business case for M2M. We’ve only scratched the surface of the economic benefits M2M can provide.”

Dan McDuffie, CEO of Wyless, agrees:

“One of the things we appreciate most about the IMC is that it is prepared to carry its message globally. Many of our partners require solutions with a multinational footprint, and our industry group needs to reflect that.”

Wyless currently delivers M2M managed cellular service through 19 major telcos on every continent, and recently acquired TM Data of Brazil, a fellow MVNO.

Other sustaining members of the IMC are AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Digi International, Kore Telematics, Oracle Corporation, ORBCOMM and Telit Wireless Solutions. More companies are expected to join the IMC in the coming weeks.

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Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), today unveiled the world’s smallest, commercial, two-way satellite data transceiver – the Iridium® 9603.

Announced at International CTIA Wireless 2012, the Iridium 9603 is a data module designed for embedding into machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for remote asset tracking, monitoring and alarming in defense, government, enterprise and consumer markets where existing larger transceivers could not fit.

Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium said:

“With the 9603, Iridium is disrupting the global M2M market by becoming relevant to new customer segments such as personnel tracking for consumers and governments as well as fleet, vehicle and heavy equipment tracking and monitoring.”

“Through this product evolution, Iridium continues to drive forward its Iridium ForceSM strategy of facilitating personal portable communications through our innovative approaches to reduce the size of our data and voice/data modules.

The 9603 opens up a whole new set of ways for people and assets to make vital, two-way connections reliably, in near real-time. This device, which is smaller than a matchbook, further enables Iridium’s vital communications service with the same rich feature set in a terrific value proposition. And of course, Iridium is the only telecommunications carrier in the world that can offer 100 percent pole-to-pole coverage through its meshed network of 66 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites.”

The Iridium 9603 is 70 percent smaller by volume, and half the board footprint of the Iridium 9602. The Iridium 9603 breaks down design barriers and enables Iridium’s 275 partners to embed global connectivity in hand-held personal tracking devices and even smaller vehicles, containers, devices for field monitoring, command and control applications, and unattended sensors.

“With the terrestrial M2M market now growing faster than ever, Iridium and its partners are dramatically increasing the prospects for satellite M2M along a similar path with this new development,” said Robin Duke-Woolley, chief executive officer of Beecham Research.
“The major reduction in size of the 9603 transceiver will encourage smaller end user devices with embedded satellite connectivity. This type of technology innovation moves satellite M2M into application areas traditionally considered to be the preserve of terrestrial wireless and will further accelerate Iridium’s fast growth in the Mobile Satellite Services market.”

In its recent first-quarter earnings release for 2012, Iridium announced its sixth consecutive quarter of approximately 50 percent M2M subscriber growth. The company now draws nearly one-fifth of commercial service revenue from this fast-growing market segment and reported a 29 percent year-over-year increase in M2M unit sales volumes.

The Iridium 9603 is a single board transceiver that offers low latency and duplex data connectivity, permitting reliable two-way communications to and from remote devices. This not only allows users to reliably transfer location and status information, but also to remotely adjust device parameters such as reporting intervals. For example, two-way data communications enables first responders to stay in constant touch during emergency situations with personal location and tracking devices that support two way messages as well as tracking and location updates.

The Iridium 9603 complements the Iridium 9602 in a portfolio of available Short Burst Data (SBD) devices, offering development partners multiple hardware options for enabling customer solutions via the Iridium global network. This board-mounted “black box” provides the device interface through a single multi-pin interface connector and an antenna connector. Five long-standing Iridium partners served as beta partners in the early testing and integration of the Iridium 9603. These companies are actively incorporating the device into their products, some of which are scheduled to launch as early as June 2012.

Blackbird Technologies, Inc., a leader in the development, production, training and field use of tracking technologies, produces a number of Iridium-based products, including portable personnel tracking and messaging devices, embeddable tracking units, and a handheld situational awareness system that permits mobile field monitoring of other linked devices. Blackbird is in late-stage development of three new field products that will leverage the size reduction of the Iridium 9603.

“We have had a close and successful partnership with Iridium since 2006, in part because we share a common commitment to constantly delivering the most innovative solutions to meet critical customer missions,” said Scott Hopkins, vice president for Technology Development at Blackbird.
“Our team has been working with Iridium 9603 prototypes due to the tremendous value we see for our end-use customers. We’re also exploring the benefits of incorporating the Iridium 9603 into our established legacy and flagship products, as well as next-generation systems under consideration.”

ITT Exelis, a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense, and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets, manufactures and delivers Iridium-based tactical satellite communication and remote tracking systems for U.S. forces around the world. The Iridium 9603 will enable Exelis to further streamline its devices to enhance overall utility. By participating in the early adopter program, Exelis has developed four products containing the Iridium 9603, none of which would have been possible without the new, compact size of the SBD modem.

NAL Research Corporation, a long-standing Iridium partner, produces Iridium-based handheld devices, air-deployed unattended sensors and hand-emplaced remote sensors for the defense, research and commercial sectors. These products are used globally in a wide range of applications including asset tracking, search and rescue, remote sensing and command/control of both ground and airborne platforms. NAL Research will be the first Iridium partner to implement the 9603 chipset into a family of expandable micro-sensors, designed to fit inside a puck less than 1.9” in diameter that can be dropped from altitudes of 10,000 feet by tactical aircraft. This integrated device will provide joint forces with measurement and signature intelligence-derived information on designated targets.

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The First Fully Integrated, Dual Mode Modem for the Iridium Network Announced.

Quake Global, Inc. announces that Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) has certified its Q4000 modem.  The Q4000 is the world’s first communications device manufactured by an Iridium partner based on an Iridium chipset.

QUAKE’S Q4000 — the latest addition to QUAKE’s extensive modem portfolio for asset tracking and remote two-way communications — is shipping immediately.  It is the first integrated, dual mode Iridium/GSM product available to the asset tracking market.  It offers increased reliability, product flexibility and economic benefits.

Although it is only the size of a smart phone, the Q4000 includes multiple powerful features. It is a self-contained, highly configurable and fully programmable global machine-to-machine (M2M) communicator that customers can easily integrate into any asset tracking solution.

The Q4000 carries QUAKE’s tradition for rugged reliability with uncompromising performance in the most inhospitable, unforgiving environments. Whether it’s used for applications on land, air or sea, the Q4000 can cost-effectively communicate from anywhere in the world in near real-time through the world’s furthest-reaching network, Iridium.

The Q4000 has the ability to determine the optimal transmission method, whether satellite or terrestrial. It also enables application features such as remote predictive maintenance, event logging, geo-fencing, DOT compliance and GPS tracking. QUAKE’s simple, dependable, feature rich API gives users unprecedented flexibility to incorporate tracking and asset management features in a broad range of applications without needing extensive programing knowledge. Applications for remote tracking, monitoring and controlling assets are no longer limited by technology, but only by imagination.

David Wigglesworth, Iridium’s Vice President of Data Services said:

“QUAKE is the first Iridium partner to integrate Iridium chipset technology.”

“The resulting Q4000 clearly demonstrates the powerful combination of two leading companies in the M2M market.  Iridium’s communications innovation, combined with QUAKE’s leadership in providing small, cost-effective and durable asset tracking technology, results in a compelling solution that meets the global requirements of QUAKE’s demanding customers.  QUAKE plays an important role in the Iridium partner ecosystem as a leading manufacturer of M2M modems.  The Iridium-based Q4000 enables the highest performance asset tracking applications around the world due to this partnership of best in class technologies.”

About QUAKE
QUAKE designs and manufactures industrial M2M modems and controllers for advanced data acquisition, machine, process and motion control and asset monitoring through satellite, cellular, and GPS.  QUAKE is the only manufacturer of network agnostic modems, providing customers with a unified communications protocol for data coverage across multiple global satellite and terrestrial networks from a single device.  QUAKE products serve companies in the heavy equipment, aviation, maritime, trucking, utility, rail, and oil and gas industries.  www.quakeglobal.com.

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iDigi Device Cloud enables cloud connected devices over satellite networks

Digi International today announced that the Iridium satellite network now supports the iDigi Device Cloud.

Similar to cellular SMS, Digi devices with an Iridium data transceiver inside can now send and receive data via the iDigi Device Cloud over the Iridium network. As the world’s furthest-reaching network, this capability extends connectivity to the remote corners of the globe faster and easier than ever before.

“The iDigi Device Cloud provides massive scalability and instant connectivity to network-connected devices,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International.

“With Iridium, we can now extend the benefits of cloud connectivity to devices connected everywhere in the world. This is particularly valuable for asset tracking and fleet management applications where connectivity is often critical in areas lacking landline or cellular connectivity.”

The iDigi Device Cloud provides the infrastructure required to access and control devices over the Internet. It provides a high degree of scalability, reliability and security. Software developers access the cloud via iDigi Manager Pro and/or iDigi Web services to simplify device integration.

“Iridium operates the world’s furthest-reaching network and enables connections in places and ways never before thought possible through an ecosystem of companies, such as Digi, who continually push the bounds of technology in terms of what is possible through our network,” said David Wigglesworth, vice president, data services, Iridium.

“Digi offers customers a seamless worldwide solution for remote asset tracking and monitoring. The combination of Digi hardware, the iDigi Device Cloud and Iridium satellite network makes it easier for customers to extend connectivity to devices anywhere in the world.”

Customers can use Digi’s ConnectPort^® X5 R gateway, equipped with the Iridium^® 9602 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver, to connect devices to iDigi. The gateway is a compact, ruggedized tracking and telematics device that incorporates cellular, satellite, global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi and vehicle area network (VAN) wireless technology in a single enclosure for flexible networking connectivity.

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Complete Global Asset Visibility Enabled Through the World’s Furthest Reaching Network

SkyBitz^®, the leading remote asset tracking and information management solutions provider, today announced the commercial availability of its newest machine-to-machine (M2M) global solutions.

The SkyBitz Galaxy series GTP1000 and GTP1100 are the latest in state-of-the-art, two-way global tracking and monitoring solutions built on the SkyBitz GLS9602 modem platform. The SkyBitz GLS9602 modem combines SkyBitz patented Global Locating System (GLS) technology with the Iridium^® 9602 short burst data (SBD ) transceiver and can be integrated into a wide variety of asset tracking solutions. These can then provide connectivity to even the most remote locations on Earth via the global satellite communications network operated by Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM).

The new SkyBitz Galaxy series delivers operations managers unparalleled total asset and cargo visibility everywhere in the world – even if those assets are unpowered. The Galaxy GTP1000 and GTP1100 imparts a lower total cost of ownership through reduced capital expenditures, optimized asset utilization, elimination of lost assets, tracking of stolen assets and improved customer service. This solution delivers the visibility required to optimize operations within transportation, oil and gas, chemical, intermodal, government, and other markets that rely on heavy equipment or remote assets.

Homaira Akbari, SkyBitz President, said:

“We have tested and refined our technology over the past 10 years with some of the most demanding customers. Now we are bringing this expertise globally, enabling connections never before possible and enabling new industry applications in M2M and other new markets. SkyBitz is committed to revolutionizing the way businesses and government entities optimize, manage and protect their assets.”

The Galaxy series is designed to provide ultimate flexibility in device installation, maintenance and operation, lasting longer to decrease cost of ownership. It is built tough to withstand harsh environments, and small enough to fit into the grooves of containers. The Galaxy GTP1000 introduces instant installation verification via built-in LED lights, eliminating any guesswork. The external antenna in the Galaxy GTP1100 allows for flexible and stealth installation. Built for better efficiency, the Galaxy series supports more streamlined reporting processes and intelligent messages for better visibility of business operations and faster, richer information about the asset and its environment. The solution also allows for more intelligent and responsive self diagnostics, allowing for over the air troubleshooting.

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ZTR Control Systems uses ConnectPort X5 R to connect customers’ mobile and remote equipment

Digi International today announced that its ConnectPort® X5 R is now certified to use the Iridium satellite network for global, two-way, low-latency data communications.

The gateway is a compact, ruggedized tracking and telematics device that incorporates cellular, satellite, global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi and vehicle area network (VAN) wireless technology in a single enclosure allowing for the greatest possible connectivity flexibility. Ideal for fleet management and asset tracking applications, the ConnectPort X5 R provides remote connectivity to mobile assets via cellular or satellite networks.

“The addition of Iridium satellite technology to the ConnectPort X5 R allows us to virtually eliminate the ‘blind spot’ in cellular networks by providing a cost-effective wireless data network back-up to cellular,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International.

“Iridium’s highly responsive satellite network features the latency and speed requirements necessary for fleet applications that require reliable, up-to-date telematics and remote tracking information.”

ZTR Control Systems, a manufacturer of remote monitoring and control systems for railway and industrial applications, announces it is using the ConnectPort X5 R for connecting its customers’ mobile and remote equipment. ZTR Control Systems also uses iDigi Manager Pro to configure and manage device deployments and integrate with fleet applications.

“Digi’s ConnectPort X5 R allows us to offer effective dual-mode communication with cellular and Iridium satellite connectivity for our mobile and remote equipment customers,” said Gary Biernat, director of sales and business development for ZTR Control Systems.

“This truly allows us to stay connected wherever an asset may be deployed. iDigi Manager Pro also greatly simplifies system integration, deployment and management.”

The ConnectPort X5 R provides flexible wide area networking connectivity supporting cellular, Wi-Fi, GPS, vehicle area network (VAN) and satellite functionality. VANs allow users to deploy low-power sensor networks within and around a vehicle to monitor tires, reefer units, door latches, temperature sensors, cargo sensors, RFID readers and other critical asset points. The ConnectPort X5 R also features J1939 and other vehicle bus types allowing it to interface with construction fleets and remote industrial equipment like engines and generators.

Clement Driscoll, founder and president of C.J. Driscoll & Associates, a leading wireless location-based products market research firm comments:
“This new ruggedized unit [ConnectPort X5 R] combining both cellular and Iridium satellite data communications should meet the needs of companies requiring extended wireless coverage for applications such as over-the-road trucking, mineral exploration, and monitoring of assets such as heavy equipment. In addition to North America, we envision interest in overseas markets where cellular coverage limitations create a strong need for dual-mode solutions.”

“Digi’s new product leverages our Iridium 9602 short-burst data transceiver technology,” said Patrick Shay, Iridium vice president and general manager for data services.

“Digi’s design ingenuity leverages the Iridium 9602’s very small form factor and low power draw for an affordable turnkey embedded solution to enable global satellite data connections. Digi’s dual-mode solution will provide a standardized data platform for large enterprise customers seeking a seamless worldwide solution for remote asset tracking and monitoring.”

The ConnectPort X5 R features out-of-the-box cloud connectivity with the iDigi^® Device Cloud. The iDigi Device Cloud makes it easy to configure and manage device deployments and integrate with fleet applications. The ConnectPort X5 R is programmable in iDigi’s application framework (iDigi Dia) and Python. Customized hardware and software development is also available through Digi’s Spectrum Design Services.

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Iridium triples Q2 profits, revenues jump over 14%

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) (“Iridium”) has just reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2011 and affirmed its outlook for the full-year 2011.
Net income was $11.7 million for the second quarter of 2011, as compared to $3.2 million for the second quarter of 2010.

Operational EBITDA for the second quarter was $48.4 million, as compared to $36.1 million for the prior-year period, representing year-over-year growth of 34 percent and an OEBITDA margin of 50 percent. OEBITDA for the first half of 2011 was $91.5 million, as compared to $69.6 million for the prior-year six-month period, representing year-over-year growth of 32 percent. OEBITDA benefited from solid growth in commercial service, government service and equipment revenue.

Iridium reported second-quarter total revenue of $95.9 million, which consisted of $65.1 million of service revenue and $30.8 million of equipment, engineering and support revenue. Total revenue grew 14 percent versus the comparable period of 2010, while service revenue increased 10 percent from the year-ago period. Service revenue, which represents primarily recurring revenue from Iridium’s growing subscriber base, was 68 percent of total revenue for the second quarter of 2011.

The Company ended the quarter with 478,000 total billable subscribers, which compares to 383,000 for the year-ago period and 447,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. Total billable subscribers grew 25 percent year-over-year, driven by strength in machine-to-machine (“M2M”) data, handheld voice, Netted Iridium and Iridium OpenPort^® customers.

Capital expenditures were $114.6 million for the second quarter and primarily related to spending for the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, and upgraded ground network infrastructure at its commercial gateway. The Company ended the second quarter with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $103.8 million and gross debt of $265.3 million. Net debt was $147.9 million.

“We once again achieved double-digit subscriber, service revenue and OEBITDA growth in the second quarter, building on a long track record of execution,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium.

“We also continue to strengthen our revenue profile in key areas, as approximately 40 percent of our total service revenue now comes from data products and services. Showcasing our strength in the data market, we grew commercial M2M data revenue over 18 percent in the second quarter.”

Desch continued:
“Connectivity is one of the single biggest driving forces in our daily lives. Our vision, with the world’s furthest reaching network, is to connect people, assets and organizations all over the world in the ways they expect to be connected. We’ll continue to shape the global communications landscape along with our ecosystem of partners, bringing personal tracking devices and smartphone connections to market in support of this vision and our proven strategy of growing highly profitable service revenue. In addition to our own upcoming handset innovations, we’re also seeing rapid adoption of two-way data devices by many of our partners.“

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Iridium Communications Inc. (“Iridium”) today reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2011 and updated its outlook for the full-year 2011. Net income was $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2011, as compared to a net loss of $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2010.

Operational EBITDA (“OEBITDA”) for the first quarter was $43.1 million, as compared to $33.5 million for the prior-year period, representing year-over-year growth of 29 percent and an OEBITDA margin of 47 percent. OEBITDA benefited from solid growth in commercial service, government service and equipment revenue.

Iridium reported first-quarter total revenue of $91.3 million, which consisted of $61.2 million of service revenue and $30.1 million of equipment and engineering and support revenue. Total revenue grew 12 percent versus the comparable period of 2010, while service revenue increased 12 percent from the year-ago period. Service revenue, which represents primarily recurring revenue from Iridium’s growing subscriber base, was 67 percent of total revenue for the first quarter of 2011.

The Company ended the quarter with 447,000 total billable subscribers, which compares to 359,000 for the year-ago period and 427,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2010. Total billable subscribers grew 25 percent year-over-year, driven by ongoing strength in machine-to-machine (“M2M”) data, handheld voice, Netted Iridium and Iridium OpenPort^® customers.

Capital expenditures were $56.2 million for the first quarter and primarily related to spending for the Company’s next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT, and upgraded ground network infrastructure at its commercial gateway. The Company ended the first quarter with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $103.9 million and gross debt of $183.4 million. Net debt was $79.5 million.

“We’re off to a strong start in 2011, as we continue to benefit from a high-quality and diversifying revenue profile that is moving beyond voice to fast-growing data services,” said Matt Desch, Iridium’s chief executive officer. 

“Commercial M2M subscribers grew 62% year-over-year, and we’re capturing more data revenue from the Iridium OpenPort terminals we’ve shipped to our maritime customers. The rapid adoption of our Iridium 9602 short-burst data (“SBD”) transceiver has been so strong that it led to an upward revision of our equipment revenue outlook for 2011, as significant sales volumes more than offset the lower price of this device compared to its predecessor.”

Desch continued:
“We’ve also sustained our leading competitive position in the handheld voice market, increasing commercial voice subscribers 12% year-over-year on strong handset unit sales growth of 39%. The Iridium 9555 phone remains the ‘gold standard’ for mobility, reliability and global coverage, but we’re not stopping here as the market leader. Innovation will define our future path in this business, and we expect to broaden our product portfolio with greater choices and enhanced features.“

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