Iridium Satellite LLC announced the commercial availability of its mobile satellite data services, including dial-up connectivity and direct-Internet connections. Following the successful launch of voice services in March, the availability of data services solidifies Iridium's unique position as the only provider of truly global, truly mobile communications solutions. "For many of our target customers, the data capability has been the missing link in their remote communications plans. The ability to send and receive e-mails, data files and to conduct basic Web services, will prove invaluable for users in the field. For the first time, users will be able to access the Internet and World Wide Web from any part of the globe, thanks to Iridium's only truly global network," said Gino Picasso, CEO of Iridium. "We are committed to enhancing the value of our network for Iridium customers and data and Internet services are one more example of this effort." Iridium's easy-to-use data services offer an important communications tool for government and military users and for vertical markets such as maritime, aviation, oil and gas, mining, construction, forestry, nongovernmental organization/relief and yachting/leisure. To fulfill industrial market requirements, Iridium's dial-up data capability provides connectivity to corporate data users at 2.4 Kbps, while Iridium's direct-Internet data services provide an optimized connection to the Internet at 10 Kbps, independent of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). "Iridium is absolutely dedicated to continued system enhancements bringing innovative services to these vertical markets," said Mark Adams, iridium's chief technology officer. "Our data services, providing reliable Internet connectivity where no data and Internet alternatives existed, terrestrial or otherwise, is the first of several innovations. For example, the direct Internet service offers a Smart Connect~(TM) feature that allows the user to maintain an always-on mode, without incurring continuous airtime charges."
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