Iridium introduces Iridium Edge for global asset management, safety applications

Iridium Communications, the only communications company with 100% global coverage, has officially launched Iridium Edge, its new, cost-effective global asset tracking, safety and fleet management device. A plug-and-play designed solution, Iridium Edge enables companies of all sizes to rapidly expand their IoT applications beyond cellular coverage. With over 80% of the earth lacking cellular connectivity, Iridium Edge is an ideal device for companies in need of a reliable, global IoT solution.

Iridium Edge has already been approved for use in major global markets, including Australia in the Asia Pacific region, with additional markets planned. Iridium Edge can be used to add satellite connectivity for cellular-based applications, or as a fixed location satellite-based monitoring device. The global nature of the device extends the range of coverage to the most remote of locations, providing reliable connectivity, and allows companies to quickly take advantage of new opportunities in countries or regions previously less accessible.

“We’ve heard from many partners who are eager to expand their IoT applications to parts of the world where they don’t currently exist, but may not be able to justify the business case to develop that solution themselves,” said Tim Last, VP and GM, IoT at Iridium. “Iridium Edge has reduced that barrier to adoption and is as easy to integrate as existing cellular solutions on the market today, with one key difference, adding Iridium Edge takes them global.

Source: Iridium. The Iridium Edge device.

“The cost and development effort of adding satellite to a cellular solution has been reduced, and the simplicity of integrating Iridium Edge with existing solutions creates an opportunity for extending IoT to the rest of the world not currently served by reliable connectivity.”

Iridium Edge is a rugged, environmentally sealed device designed to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions, typical of remote, unattended installations. The device contains a robust automotive power supply, an Iridium modem and certified antenna, housed within a waterproof enclosure measuring 130mm x 80mm x 30mm. Due to the unique design of the Iridium constellation, which features a network of interconnected satellites creating a web of coverage, Iridium Edge can provide connectivity while avoiding blockage problems commonly associated with other satellite solutions. Blockage mitigation is especially important in mobile terrestrial deployments as many global fleets operate in various conditions, including mountainous or occluded urban environments.

Iridium Edge is fully compatible with the original Iridium constellation as well as Iridium’s next-generation constellation, Iridium NEXT. The new constellation will also enable Iridium Certus, the Company’s state-of-the-art communications platform supporting a portfolio of critical communications solutions for all industry verticals. Iridium Certus IoT capabilities will include faster speeds and higher throughputs, delivering low-latency satellite connectivity for tracking, monitoring, data and voice and asset management functions.

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