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Iridium Satellite LLC Release date: August 6, 2007
Israel's Magen David Adom and New Zealand's Red Cross Opt for Iridium
BETHESDA, Md. - August 6, 2007 - IridiumŽ Satellite is pleased to announce that Magen David Adom in Israel and The New Zealand Red Cross, both members of the International Red Cross, have purchased Iridium satellite communications equipment for use in relief efforts. Iridium is ideal for backing up land-based, cellular and radio telecom services when they are down in crisis situations. In addition, unlike many other systems, Iridium is interoperable with all other emergency communications systems, including UHF and VHF radios, as well as others.
"Iridium is the logical satellite service of choice for these organizations' emergency communications," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Iridium Satellite. "Recent disasters have revealed the extreme vulnerability of fixed landlines and cellular phone networks, leaving first responders in affected areas unable to communicate with each other or with the outside world. Iridium is a critical mobile solution that can play a key role in more efficient and effective emergency planning, emergency response and disaster cleanup."
Magen David Adom purchased Iridium 9505A handsets for emergency back-up if the communications infrastructure is compromised in Israel or other remote locations where the organization is called to assist in rescue missions. The organization is also exploring options to equip their headquarters with indoor satcom units. The purchase was made through local Iridium Satellite partner, Gilat Satcom.
"Instant communications play a vital role in our disaster relief efforts," Dr. Noam Yifrah, chairman, Magen David Adom. "Having reliable back-up communications that will work when we need it both at home and in remote locations is critical to our success."
The New Zealand Red Cross also purchased Iridium 9505A handsets and is distributing the majority of them to various Red Cross National Societies in the Pacific including Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga. These phones were made operational within minutes of arriving in the Solomon Islands for use during the recent tsunami, for example, when land-based communications were unavailable. Each Iridium phone is housed in a "talking briefcase" that includes a SolStarŽ Solar Charger, spare battery and external waterproof charging socket. The briefcase remains watertight even when the Iridium handset is being charged from an external source, and the phone is ready for use once the briefcase is opened. The purchase of Iridium handsets and airtime was through Wright Technologies, a New Zealand-based hardware and air time dealer for Applied Satellite Technologies (AST).
"In the event of a disaster, Red Cross aid workers of Pacific Red Cross National Societies will be able use the phones to communicate with each other, or to the outside world, anywhere in the world," said Andrew McKie, operations manager, New Zealand Red Cross. "The Iridium satellite phones are simple to use and do not rely on fixed structures, such as masts and aerials. The recent tsunami demonstrated the importance of independence from fixed structures. It is essential to have this extra communications back-up."
About Iridium Satellite
Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The Iridium constellation consists of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites and has multiple in-orbit spares. The constellation operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world. The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, transportation and utilities. Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company also designs, builds and sells its services, products and solutions through a worldwide network of more than 150 partners.
About Gilat Satcom
Gilat Satcom (www.gilat.net) is an international Broadband satellite service provider, supplying Internet, data and voice services to telecommunication providers, private businesses and government organizations in more than 40 countries worldwide. Gilat Satcom is traded on the London Stock Exchange (AIM symbol: GLT), with headquarters in Israel and an office in the United States.
About Wright Technologies
Established in the early 1950s, Wright Technologies Ltd is a premier supplier of marine and land-based electronic equipment and services. Wright Technologies supplies a wide variety of satellite and other communication and navigation systems for yachts, fishing vessels, larger ships and ports, as well as providing maritime and land-based defense solutions. Wright's factory trained and professional service staff is based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand. They provide a 24-hour service and can fix or diagnose all electronic problems on board vessels. Service personnel are available to work in any location in New Zealand, the South Pacific and further a field.
About SolStar
SolStarŽ Energy Devices, founded in Albuquerque in 2003, develops and markets portable solar energy chargers for mobile satellite communications devices and general electronics including phones, terminals, radios and laptop computers. SolStar's worldwide customer base includes leading satellite services companies, Global 1000 domestic and international companies, and governmental entities including the U.S. Department of Energy, FEMA, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. SolStar is an Iridium Value Added Manufacturer (VAM) and provides certified chargers for all Iridium phones (models 9500, 9505, 9505A).
Press Contacts: Liz DeCastro Iridium Satellite LLC +1(301) 571-6257 liz.decastro@iridium.com
Bonnie Lieb The Sage Agency +1(703)421-1905 bonnie@sageagency.com
Company Information:
Name: Iridium Satellite LLC
Address: 6701 Democracy Boulevard
City: Bethesda
State: MD
ZIP: 20817
Country: USA
Phone: 301-571-6200
http://www.iridium.com
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