Displaying items by tag: Iridium

O3b Networks - the company planning a global network of low earth orbit broadband satellites - is set to take on long time maritime communications market leader, Inmarsat, with a broadband service for ships that it claims will offer much higher bandwidths that presently available.

Iridium, the operator of a global network of low earth orbit communications satellites has introduced technology that turns its handheld satellite phone into a WiFi hotspot, enabling any WiFi enabled smartphone to connect to the Internet via the Iridium satellite network.

Handheld satphones really came into their own in the wake of Cyclone Yasi, with a new product from Inmarsat proving a viable alternative to those from dominant player Iridium. But which is best? That depends on which consultancy you believe.