.: Unlike other satellite telephony system, IRIDIUM provides complete coverage of the planet's surface, including over oceans and polar regions.

.: The system uses 66 low orbit satellites, orbiting in polar planes at 780 km altitude. The subscriber is always in the coverage area of one satellite; the call from the subscriber is routed from the satellite in that area towards other satellites, until it reaches the satellite above the destination subscriber or a gateway which routes the call to a terrestrial destination.

.: The mobile terminals are small and lightweight and comparable in size ti GSM mobile phones. For enhanced mobility, solar cells and car kits are also available.

.: Applications:

      � Maritime transport
         � voice, fax, data
      � Aviation
         � voice, fax, data
      � Industry - geological survey, oil rigs, mining, hydro energy, etc
         � SCADA
         � voice, fax, data transfer