« Satellite Communications Network | Home | Satellite Dish Communications »
Motorola Satellite Communications
By Editor | February 13, 2008
Motorola satellite communications are the forerunners of Iridium satellite communications or Iridium Satellite LLC as the company is formally known. The initial project was designed by Motorola. Now, Iridium uses Motorola handsets only though at one point of time, Iridium also used Kyocera handsets. Motorola satellite communications are primarily satellite phone services through the Iridium system. Satellite phones work on the principle of global connectivity even on water or in an aeroplane as instead of submarine communication cables it uses satellite communication.
Iridium satellite communications initially planned to have 77 (and hence the name Iridium, because the atomic number of Iridium is 77) low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in space but now only 66 satellites are required to complete the system or the satellite constellation as it is known as. There are also a few extra satellites in space as back up in case one of the essential 66 satellites stops functioning properly. The Iridium logo has 7 dots and it is speculated that it refers to the original figure of 77.
Motorola satellite communications and its business ambitions behind the project to create a system of satellite communication and the need for raising venture capital to finance the project was responsible for the creation of a separate Iridium company in 1998. Though the technology proved to work and Iridium and its constellation of satellites managed to provide reliable satellite communication service, Iridium failed to attract sufficient customers because of the high costs for getting a satellite connection and they filed for bankruptcy in 1999. Amid fears that the satellites would be brought down, it was bought by private investors, the company renamed as Iridium Satellite LLC and restarted in 2001. Though call charges are very high for satellite phones, satellite phones come in handy as they provide unlimited roaming capabilities as one can use them from aeroplanes, ships, Polar Regions and remote areas. In fact, all places on earth are covered by satellite phones.
Iridium satellite communications are used a lot by the United States Defence department. Iridium satellite phones are extensively used at the Polar caps and on mountaineering expeditions. Iridium satellite communications can also be used for internet access and the bandwidth is around 28 kilobits per second. Iridium claims that they provide 10 kilobits per second of data transfer for their direct internet service.
Motorola satellite communications are not a separate entity in themselves but what is now known as iridium was initially a part of Motorola satellite communications. Motorola played a major role in the creation of the world’s first global satellite communications and thus the Iridium service is also sometimes referred to as Motorola satellite communications.
Iridium satellite communications use the virtual country codes +8816 and +8817 and each subscriber is given an 8 digit number prefixed by one of these two country codes. Like all satellite communications system, Iridium terminals need a relatively clear line of sight to the sky for connectivity. There may be problems in deeply forested areas or in mines.
These are some of the basic details about Motorola satellite communications.
Topics: Commercial Satellite Communications, Iridium Satellite Phone, Military Satellite Communications, Mobile Satellite Communications, Satellite Communications, Satellite Phones |
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 am
[…] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe initial project was designed by Motorola. Now, Iridium uses Motorola handsets only though at one point of time, Iridium also used Kyocera handsets. Motorola satellite communications are primarily satellite phone services through the … […]
February 24th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
[…] In the end, selecting satellite communications technology services that are easy to setup and run, very consistent and are scalable, should be a company’s focus. Hiring and employing staff trained and equipped to answer your questions and aid in the planning and implementation process, as well as operations is needed. Organizations should look for low maintenance and cost efficient choices. Identifying and anticipating future growth is a requisiteand planning for scalability in the satellite communications network is required. In today’s fast moving and very fluid business situation companies must maintain constant communications with customers, vendors, partners and clients. Selecting satellite communications technology answers and partnering with a supplier that keeps connectivity at their center can be intimidating, but armed with the correct data a establishment can be well on its way to steady connections. ———- Joe Brochin offers Small Business telecommunications and IT technology solutions and writes articles periodically about communication satellites and satellite communication technology like` the articles found at Communications Satellite News and Information. […]