Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Iridium Launches Product and Service Offering in Brazil through Alliance with Omnilink
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BETHESDA, Md. - October 30, 2006 - Iridium Satellite LLC of Bethesda, Md., U.S.A. announces it is officially launching delivery of its products and services in Brazil through an alliance with OmniLink of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Anatel, the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency, has confirmed operational authority for the full suite of Iridium products and services throughout Brazil.
This partnership will drive the only truly global, mobile satellite communications service into the largest market in South America. OmniLink, the leading manufacturer of smart vehicle tracking systems in Brazil, will now serve as an Iridium value-added reseller. Through OmniLink, Iridium will provide its global data and voice communications services in Brazil, starting with the transportation market. The ANTT in Brazil (also known as The Agencia Nacional de Transportes Terrestres or The National Land Transport Regulatory Agency) estimates potential for the transportation tracking sector includes 1.5 million load vehicles circulating the country. OmniLink already has more than 20,000 vehicle tracking units installed in Brazil, including cars, trucks, buses and other means of professional transportation.
Through this partnership, Iridium will now serve as a main data communications network for the new OmniLink smart tracker system - the "RI 1480 MAX." The RI 1480 MAX is designed for the transportation market - for land, rail, air and water-based transportation and vehicle tracking. The system combines the GPS technology traditionally used in vehicle tracking with wireless data communications via both cellular networks and the Iridium satellite network. Vehicles using the system tap a GSM/GPRS network when it is in range. However, when a vehicle leaves a cellular network area, the OmniLink Smart Coverage Tracking Control System automatically sends its data via the Iridium network with no intervention of either the driver or the base station operator. The RI 1480 MAX system provides transportation companies with a fast, efficient and low-cost way to communicate with their fleets.
"Partnering with Iridium allows OmniLink to provide highly interactive data communications applications, where data traffic volume is high and response times extremely critical," said Cileneu Nunes, president of OmniLink. "Typically, these applications are in the security and logistics arenas. Iridium's data services provide an advanced, reliable, cost-effective platform for asset tracking and monitoring in the Brazilian market. We have already seen strong interest from customers that want to better understand the state and location of their assets."
"We are pleased to partner with OmniLink in entering the Brazilian marketplace," said Matt Desch, Chairman and CEO, Iridium Satellite. "Brazil represents a very important market for mobile satellite communications, and we expect to see rapid growth over the next few years in response to built-up demand. The inherent quality and service built into the Iridium system allows us to surpass the competition in both reliability and price. OmniLink's commitment to quality and service fits in perfect with our global model."
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 of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites 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 transportation, maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment and utilities. Iridium provides services 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 100 partners.
About OmniLink
Established eight years ago, OmniLink is a leading company in smart vehicle tracking systems, for employing the most advanced technology of satellite and cellular telephony tracking. It is the first Brazilian company to develop a cellular telephony-based vehicle tracking system. Operating in partnership with the country's main risk managers, telecommunications operators and manufacturers of electronic components, OmniLink today has clients comprising the country's largest distribution, transport and wholesale companies, equaling more than 20,000 trackers in operation.
Press Contacts:
Liz DeCastro
Iridium Satellite
+1-301-571-6257
Liz.DeCastro@iridium.com
Regina Pimenta (on behalf of OmniLink)
Pimenta Comunicacao
+55-11-6858-9191
regina@pimenta.com
