Ruggedized Satellite Gateway tracks assets worldwide.

Press Release Summary:



Satellite Gateway, for tracking and monitoring assets in harsh environments anywhere, incorporates Iridium-based Quake Global Q9612 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver. Operating on 12 or 24 V vehicle electrical systems, system can be installed on variety of off-road, on-road, and fixed-site equipment. Gateway interfaces with external devices through RS232 protocol and transmits data through Iridium satellites.



Original Press Release:



Phoenix International Introduces Iridium-Based Satellite Gateway for Remote Asset Tracking and Monitoring



Ruggedized Module Enables Reliable, Real-Time Data Links in Harsh Environments Globally

FARGO, N.D. - Phoenix International, a John Deere Company, today introduced a new addition to its product line of advanced integrated telematics solutions with its Satellite Gateway for tracking and monitoring assets anywhere in the world. The new Satellite Gateway incorporates the Iridium-based Quake Global Q9612 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver. The transceiver combines the global coverage of the Iridium satellite network with the low latency of the SBD service.

"Iridium's global coverage and low-latency, two-way SBD links provide an ideal solution for companies with equipment operating in places that are not reliably served by terrestrial wireless networks or other mobile satellite systems," said Chuck Needham, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Phoenix International. "We have added increased power conditioning and transient protection, and integrated the Iridium-based QUAKE Q9612 into a hardened package designed to meet the toughest requirements for vibration, shock, temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions."

The Phoenix Satellite Gateway is designed to be installed on a wide variety of off-road, on-road and fixed-site equipment. It operates on 12V or 24V vehicle electrical systems and has extensive built-in electrical safeguards. It interfaces with external devices through RS232 protocol and transmits data through the Iridium satellites, making it available to a customer's backend application.

"There is growing demand for better real-time visibility over construction equipment, agricultural machines, generators, heavy-duty trucks and other equipment operating in remote areas, to boost productivity, reduce repair and maintenance costs, combat theft and optimize efficient asset management," said David Wigglesworth, director of Iridium's data services. "Machine-to-machine (M2M) is our fastest-growing area of business at Iridium, thanks to relationships with companies such as Quake Global and Phoenix International, who are developing value-added solutions around our SBD service for a wide range of applications."

"Quake Global is a committed Iridium partner and is very proud to have our Q9612 transceiver selected by Phoenix International for their satellite tracking application," said Polina Braunstein, QUAKE President and CEO. "By coupling high performance hardware with Iridium's robust global network, Phoenix International has developed a solution that can serve these industrial markets in exciting new ways."

About Phoenix International (www.phoeintl.com)

Founded in 1987 and based in Fargo, N.D., Phoenix International has nearly 900 employees and operates five manufacturing plants and design facilities. The company specializes in designing, testing, manufacturing and supporting integrated solutions for industries that require quality electronics in harsh physical and electrical environments. Acquired by Deere & Company in 1999, Phoenix International is now the Electronics Center of Excellence for John Deere.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A. and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

About Quake Global (quakeglobal.com)

Founded in 1998, Quake Global designs and manufactures industrial M2M modems and controllers for asset monitoring, advanced data acquisition, and machine, process and motion control through satellite, cellular, GPS and other emerging technologies. QUAKE(TM) is the only manufacturer of network agnostic modems, providing its customers with a unified communications protocol for data coverage across multiple global satellite and terrestrial networks from a single device. From its headquarters in San Diego and through a network of international distributors, the company provides products and design services to OEMs and other companies in the heavy equipment, aviation, maritime, and trucking industries, as well as in utility, oil & gas, rail and container applications. QUAKE provides high-quality subscriber communicators for Bell, British Petroleum, Caterpillar, Faria Watchdog, Inc., Fleet Management Solutions, Hitachi, Hyundai, Komatsu, Marine Instruments, Sumitomo, Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction, among others.

The Satellite Gateway is a rugged, mobile satellite communications device designed and manufactured by Phoenix International.

Press Contacts:

Deb Jensen

Phoenix International

+1 (701) 451-3826

djensen@phoeintl.com

Marie Knowles

Iridium Communications Inc.

+1 (703) 287-7476

Marie.knowles@iridium.com

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