Iridium reinvented

Well, just when you thought it was dead, the Iridium project is once again making headlines. In the 90s, Iridium and its low-earth-orbiting (LEO) satellite system were touted as a viable worldwide phone option for users. But, when the market turned and the cost of launching rockets increased, Iridium began to stumble.

But, Iridium is back in flight. With the backing of Motorola, Iridium has reinvented itself as a telecom company to a communication option for the public safety industry. As Loring Wirbel of EE Times EE Times reported, Iridium will offer a public-safety emergency communications package for first responders which includes a satellite phone, voice and data transceiver, data transceiver, multichannel fixed service, vehicular mount and docking stations and solar-powered chargers. The package will be available for the hurricane seasons.

So, is public safety a good option for Iridium. While an interesting play, I question how much money Iridium will will gain in the public safety sector. I also question whether we'll see Iridiunm around 5 years from now. Of course, I said that five years ago. So, I guess time will tell.