Mobile, truly global wifi data hotspot launched by Iridium

KTMphil

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If you need communications and are often out of mobile phone signal range or transiting countries, then you will love this.


Iridium have just launched a tiny piece of hardware, size of two cigarette boxes that will (ANYWHERE ON EARTH) act as a wifi hotspot for everyone your with's smartphone, tablet and computer.


USD$ 875 to buy the hardware USD$ 135 per month for unlimited monthly data



What is the cost of Voice calls?

The GO Surf & GO Unlimited plans include 5 mins of calling time per month. If you exceed the 5 minute allowance the cost is US$1.29 per minute.



You can do a 1 month, 1 time plan but each time you re-connect there is a USD$50 fee.






iridium-go-ProductPagebanner_Jul2014.jpeg





Flip the antenna up and you've got a wifi hotspot, it can also be used to make non-data telephone calls (brings the question of Skype/ VOIP into question, im sure that answered somewhwhere).



Overview

Iridium GO!™ is unlike anything the world has seen before. Powered by the world's furthest reaching network,this compact, rugged and portable unit creates the first ever reliable global connection for voice and data communications on up to five smartphones or tablets.
No matter where you are on the planet, Iridium GO! simplifies global communications for:

  • Pilots, boaters and truckers
  • Adventurers and explorers
  • Remote residents and vacationers
  • Emergency and first responders
  • Global and business travelers
  • Global enterprise
  • Executives and diplomats
  • Foreign missions
  • Government and NGOs
  • Military operations
  • M2M applications
  • Anyone out of cellular range

Iridium GO! App

To get access the unique services offered by Iridium GO!, the Iridium GO! application must be downloaded to your smartphone. Used in conjunction with the device, the application enables you to:

  • Make voice calls
  • Send quick GPS or check-in message
  • Configure your settings
  • Send Twitter posts
  • Set-up Wi-Fi data calls
  • Activate Emergency SOS

Iridium Mail & Web App

When paired with Iridium enabled applications such as Iridium Mail & Web, Iridium GO! can deliver even more uniquely innovative capabilities, including:

  • Compressed and optimized email and data access
  • Photo transfer capabilities via email, Facebook and Twitter
  • Social media support
  • Access weather forecasts

Get information on additional third-party optimized applications that are compatible with Iridium GO! and the Iridium network.
Standard applications that require broadband network access are not supported for use with Iridium GO!
 
A one minute video of how it works



[video=youtube_share;YbCakX3QdUw]http://youtu.be/YbCakX3QdUw[/video]
 
Iphone & Android apps are available to make configuration idiot proof


https://iridium.com/products/Iridium-GO-App.aspx?productCategoryID=29





Comparison of true, independent, global communication systems:



COMPARISONS
Iridium GO!Iridium 9575IsatPhone 2SSB / Pactor 4
CostUS$875US$1,295US$980US$1,900
Full Cost - including external aerial, cabling etc.US$1,150US$2,385US1,900US$5,000
Installation Cost$0$500$500$1,000
Size114 x 82 x 32mm140 x 60 x 27mm169 x 75 x 29mm/td>125 x 43 x 138mm
Weight295g247g316g450g
Water protectionIP65IP65IP65None
Battery Life7hrs talk/16hrs standby4hrs talk/30hrs standby8hrs talk/160hrs standbyNot available - fixed installation
Power Usage (amps)0.1 Amps0.1 Amps0.1 Amps20 Amps for full data speed due to SSB power usage
InstallationSimple and very quick setupComplexComplexVery complex
ReliabilityExcellentExcellentExcellentSubject to installation setup, HF propagation issues
Ease of UseCan connect laptop, iPhone, iPad or Android device. Simple interface with App, unlimited data plan!Need to manage connection time, Complex compression softwareNeed to manage connection time, Complex compression softwareComplex setup and software. Connection not guaranteed due to HF propagation and network with limited bandwidth
Antenna DesignFlip-up antenna - external marine aerial recommendedRetractable omni-directional - external marine aerial recommendedFold-out directional - external marine aerial recommendedBackstay antenna - installation critical for reliable usage
Network and CoverageFull global coverageFull global coverageAlmost full Global coverageLimited range and subject to HF propagation issues
SOS Emergency ButtonYesYesYesNo
SMSYesYesYesNo
GPS TrackingYesYesYesNo
Security AlarmYesNoNoNo
 
One Iridium vendor's data plan costs, as you can see still not cheap but invaluable if on expeditions



Comparison of Monthly Data Plans
Monthly costContract TermConnection FeeIncluded Data MinutesData cost after allowance per minSMS
Iridium GO!
SurfUS$951 MonthUS$50150US$0.29Free
UnlimitedUS$1351 MonthUS$50UnlimitednaFree
Iridium 9575
Monthly 100US$13512 monthsUS$50100US$1.09US$0.60
IsatPhone 2
Monthly 100US$10012monthsUS$50100US$0.85US$0.43









[h=5]Is there a plan with more voice minutes included?[/h]Yes, you can get the GO Unlimited Plus plan which costs US$199 per month, which includes 100 mins of calling time per month. If you exceed the 100 mins allowance the cost is US$0.99 per minute. However, to justify upgrading to this plan from the GO Unlimited plan, you would need to make in excess of 55 more minutes of voice calling each month.








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