Global Telesat Communications Introduces the DeLorme inReach™ Satellite Communicator to UK and European Consumers

Posted on February 13, 2013 by JennaPhipps

First affordable, two-way communications solution provides GPS tracking and locating, SOS alerting and text messaging anywhere in the world using the Iridium satellite network.

Global Telesat Communications (GTCL), one of the UK’s leading suppliers of mobile satellite voice, data and tracking services today announced that it has been appointed as an authorised distributor of the DeLorme inReach™ 2-way satellite communicator and will offer it to maritime, recreational, enterprise and aeronautical users across the EU.

Featuring a truly comprehensive list of functions, inReach takes advantage of the Iridium network to ensure complete global coverage, making it the ideal safety companion for anyone travelling or working in remote areas. As a standalone product, inReach can send pre-defined text messages to designated recipients, activate remote tracking – allowing others to follow movements online – and send SOS messages to local search and rescue services. Additionally, it visually confirms that messages have been transmitted for reassurance during an emergency.

The device can also be paired with a compatible smartphone or tablet via a free downloadable app for full text messaging capabilities, enabling the user to keep in touch with family and friends or describe their situation and location in detail in the case of an accident. Using inReach in paired mode will allow the user to view progress on a route, with detailed information regarding heading, speed, and elevation. Built to last, the product is capable of being submerged in up to 3 metres of water, is buoyant, dustproof, and can operate at temperatures as low as -20°C to +70°C.

“Compared with similar two-way GPS satellite trackers and messengers on the market, it is easily the most affordable at £157.50 (ex VAT); no other product has the same range of features at that price-point. We anticipate that this will make inReach very popular for both leisure and business users alike and are pleased to add DeLorme’s satellite GPS device to our existing range of products,” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTCL.

“Launching this important relationship with Global Telesat expands DeLorme’s international presence and signifies our continued growth around the world,” said Jim Skillings, Vice President of Commercial Products. “Because of Global Telesat’s established reputation and success in the region, as well as the product’s pole-to-pole global coverage through the Iridium satellite network, inReach is uniquely positioned as the safety and communication solution of choice for people whose work or recreational activities take place every day in remote regions and other areas not covered by cell phone service.”

The DeLorme inReach has won many awards from respected outdoors and technology publications since its debut at the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, including several ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Gear of the Year’ accolades.

For more information visit http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/Delorme-inReach-Satellite-Tracker.html

About Global Telesat Communications

Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTC) is a supplier of mobile voice and data communications services via satellite. GTC provides equipment and airtime for use on all the major satellite networks including Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya allowing users in remote locations to make phone calls, connect to the internet and track assets or personnel anywhere in the world. GTC also offers a rental service for customers requiring equipment on a short-term basis.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd, Unit A1 Arena Business Centre, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FJ, United Kingdom.

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 607486.

Website: www.globaltelesat.co.uk

About DeLorme:

DeLorme is a longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS products, and most recently the company has earned numerous prestigious awards for its groundbreaking integration of GPS navigation and satellite communications. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in these fast-changing technologies distinguishes DeLorme as a provider of unique solutions for both the commercial and government markets. DeLorme is based in Yarmouth, Maine, U.S.A., and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit http://www.delorme.com.

For media information please contact:

Kim Stiver

DeLorme

kim(dot)stiver(at)delorme(dot)com

001-207-846-7018

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communications

jrhodes(at)rhodescomm(dot)com

001-757-753-1238

David Phipps

Global Telesat Communications

davidphipps(at)globaltelesat(dot)co(dot)uk

+44 (0) 1202 607486

Global Telesat Communications Launches New GSM and Satellite Tracking Application – GTCTrack

Posted on February 1, 2013 by JennaPhipps

Web-based GSM and satellite tracking portal features fully integrated GPS and geo-fencing capabilities for location, identification and tracking of single or multiple assets and personnel.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTC) today announced the launch of GTCTrack, a web based mapping application which offers a complete visual overview of a wide range of popular GSM and satellite tracking devices from more than 20 different manufacturers. Using a Google Earth interface, GTCTrack displays real-time worldwide asset location reports including position, speed, altitude and heading and also provides past location and movement history reports.

GTCTrack Online Asset Tracking Portal

Suitable for individual users or fleet managers, GTCTrack enables monitoring and remote control of equipment, machinery and other assets and the ability to locate the position and communicate with lone workers or personnel, wherever they are located in the world. GTCTrack offers geo-fencing capabilities and user alerts based on numerous events such as excess speed, location changes, power on and off and start or finish of journey.

“Having reviewed feedback from our customers we are pleased to offer an advanced and simple to use online mapping solution which works with all of our popular GSM and satellite tracking devices” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTC. “Whether you are tracking a vehicle in the UK using GSM or an employee in a remote part of Africa using satellite, GTCTrack offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for monitoring all of your valuable assets in one easy to use portal.”

A range of more than 70 different tracking devices are currently compatible with GTCTrack, including Shout Nano, Globalstar SmartOne, Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro, Iridium Extreme, Apple iPhone, Blackberry and most other popular GSM and satellite based tracking products. These devices determine their location by triangulating a position using GPS and then transmitting this information via GSM or Satellite to a central server for processing. The information transmitted from the device is then available to view through GTCTrack.

Traditionally, tracking device manufacturers tie the user to their own proprietary software but GTCTrack has been developed to allow the monitoring of a wide range of devices through just one software platform, allowing activities to be viewed on one single unified interface. It has been load tested to handle over 36,000 positions from over 400 tracking units in just 35 seconds and can be easily adapted to be compatible with most GPS tracking devices.

See www.GTCTrack.com for more information.

About Global Telesat Communications

GTC is a UK based company with a global customer base shipping equipment to almost anywhere in the world and offering competitive pricing, personal service and fast shipping on all of our products.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd, Unit A1 Arena Business Centre, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FJ, United Kingdom.

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 607486.

Website: http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk

Free tracking code for all new SPOT activations – great for Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Purchase a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger before 31 December and you will receive a free tracking code worth €39.00 which when entered upon activation will enable automatic 10 minute tracking on the device.

The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger not only provides an essential means of communication with friends and family but more importantly emergency assistance when you need it as the device is capable of notifying emergency services of your GPS location when you need assistance. Once the SOS button is activated SPOT will send your co-ordinates to the local emergency services and will continue to send the distress signal every 5 minutes until cancelled or the batteries are depleted.

To take advantage of this offer all you need to do is purchase your SPOT before 31 December 2012 and email your GTC invoice along with your ESN number to eusales@findmespot.com who will send you a free tracking code.

1,900 Rescues Initiated with SPOT Satellite Messenger Products

Posted on August 6, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Spot LLC proudly announces that their family of SPOT messenger devices, including the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and SPOT Connect, have initiated more than 1,900 emergency rescues worldwide. Since 2007, hundreds of hikers, snowmobilers, boaters, pilots, skiers, remote workers and motorists have been assisted by professional rescue personnel thanks to SPOT’s 100% satellite technology. These devices provide users with connectivity in remote off-the-grid areas, beyond the range of cell phone towers and VHF radio frequencies. SPOT allows users to check-in and share their locations with contacts back home. In life-threatening emergencies, users can send SOS messages with their GPS location to the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). “SPOT devices can take the search out of search and rescue,” said Russell Gubele, President and Command Officer of Mountain Wave Search and Rescue near Mount Hood, Oregon. “Being notified of an emergency with the location coordinates allows us to conduct our rescue efforts extremely efficiently saving valuable time and resources. As a result, more people are rescued from often life-threatening situations – saving lives, time and money.”

After an SOS message is received, IERCC immediately verifies the incident and notifies the appropriate authorities including local Search and Rescue teams. Rocky Henderson of Portland Mountain Rescue said, “SPOT not only makes things easier for us, I believe it also helps prevent unnecessary search and rescue missions from happening. Being able to let friends and family know that you are okay is a big deal.”

SPOT Rescue Highlights (2007-2012):

A Scout troop leader was crushed by a falling horse in Mount Hood National Forest and airlifted to safety by the National Guard.
The US Coast Guard rescued two people after their plane suffered a hard emergency landing on an uninhabited island southeast of Cordova, Alaska.
An Arkansas photographer with a broken pelvis, collar bone and ankle was rescued from a steep ravine after falling 30 feet in Ozark National Forest.
A backcountry skier was located and rescued after being trapped at high elevation in Norway during a severe winter storm.
Grand Canyon hikers initiated an air rescue for a member of their party suffering from severe heat exhaustion.

U.S. Forest Service Purchases 6,000 SPOT Devices

Posted on June 28, 2012 by JennaPhipps

SPOT LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. today announced that the United States Forest Service recently purchased 6,000 SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger devices,commonly referred to as SEND units, for the purpose of employee safety. In addition to the devices, the U.S. Forest Service has purchased a year of service provided by the Globalstar satellite network.

The SPOT devices are rugged, pocket-sized satellite-based personal trackers that work in places where cell phones and two way radios fail.

SPOT messengers have initiated more than 1,800 rescues worldwide since Globalstar introduced the product in 2007. Outside Magazine recently named SPOT one of the Most Influential Outdoor Gear Items of all-time, placing it in the same category with the Swiss Army Knife and the Jeep S.U.V.

Globalstar Announces Results for First Quarter 2012 — Reports Continued Growth in Adjusted EBITDA

Posted on May 11, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Globalstar, Inc., yesterday announced its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. Key highlights include:

Globalstar reports positive Adjusted EBITDA for the second consecutive quarter and a substantial increase over the same period in 2011.
SPOT service revenue increases approximately 27 percent from the first quarter of 2011 to the first quarter of 2012.
Globalstar continues deployment of new satellites and expects call connection rates for key markets to reach more than 80 percent this summer as four additional second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service from May through July.

Revenue

Globalstar reported revenue of $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2012 compared to $18.3 million in the first quarter of 2011. Excluding one-time nonrecurring revenue of $2.0 million from the termination of the Company’s Open Range partnership recognized in the first quarter of 2011, revenue increased by $0.5 million, or 3 percent, in the first quarter of 2012.

The primary driver of the revenue increase in 2012 was SPOT service revenue, which grew by $1.1 million, or 27 percent, in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 2011. As expected, Duplex service revenue was lower in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, but was in line with revenue in the last quarter of 2011. The Company anticipates Duplex revenue growth later this year as additional second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service.

The Company expects call connection rates in key markets to increase substantially in the near-term as four new second-generation satellites are scheduled to be placed into service over the next three months. With these additional satellites in operation, call connection rates are anticipated to increase to over 80 percent by August. The Company projects further increases as additional satellites are placed into service throughout the remainder of the year. The Company expects increasing service levels to drive both usage and new subscriber additions.

Revenue from subscriber equipment sales in the first quarter of 2012 was $4.1 million, substantially unchanged from the same period in 2011.

Adjusted EBITDA

Globalstar reported positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to negative Adjusted EBITDA of $2.5 million in the same period in 2011. This represented an increase of $3.9 million over the first quarter of 2011. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA resulted from an increase in revenue of $0.5 million (excluding the one-time nonrecurring revenue from the termination of the Company’s Open Range partnership) and a decrease in operating expenses of $3.4 million (excluding EBITDA adjustments). The decrease of approximately 21 percent in operating expenses was due largely to the implementation of a more focused business strategy, as well as the continuation of operational improvements and streamlining initiatives introduced in late 2011. The Company reported expense reductions in the quarter throughout its major operating areas.

Net Loss

The Company reported a net loss of $24.5 million for the current quarter, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to an increase of $4.1 million in depreciation expense and a noncash derivative loss of $6.5 million compared to a derivative gain of $6.4 million in the same period in 2011. The higher depreciation charges resulted from the Company placing additional second-generation satellites into service over the last 12 months. The derivative loss resulted primarily from an increase in the Company’s stock price in the first quarter of 2012. Interest expense was also higher in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 due to a reduction in capitalized interest.

“Overall we are pleased with the results for the quarter. Revenue for the quarter was in line with our expectations, while Adjusted EBITDA exceeded our internal forecasted results” said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. “We are working hard to translate our significantly improved service quality into Duplex sales growth and improved margins, while maintaining the cost discipline we put in place in late 2011. We continue to believe that we will experience positive revenue growth in the second half of the year.”

Operations and Other Matters

Other items of interest in the quarter include the following:

SPOT service revenue during the first quarter was approximately $5.3 million, an increase of approximately 27 percent compared to the same period in 2011. Due to the continued success of Globalstar’s SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™and related consumer products since their introduction in November 2007, Globalstar has received orders to ship over 370,000 SPOT retail devices to over 10,000 points of distribution in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Southeast Asia. The award-winning devices have also been responsible for the initiation of more than 1,800 rescues around the world.
During the quarter Globalstar solidified its long-term supply chain for its SPOT and Simplex data-based asset tracking devices by completing the transition to new contract manufacturers. Previously announced shipment delays of SPOT devices, which negatively impacted hardware revenue early in the quarter, were largely resolved by the end of March.
During the first quarter, Globalstar continued to deploy its second-generation satellites and witnessed increased voice and data traffic on the network. Subscribers can expect further significant improvements in network coverage and service reliability throughout the remainder of 2012 as additional satellites are placed into service. The Company anticipates the fourth launch of the last six satellites for the second half of 2012, as Globalstar remains on track to become the first MSS provider to launch, deploy and utilize a second-generation constellation of LEO satellites to service new and existing customers around the world.
As announced in March 2012, Globalstar obtained an amendment to its COFACE Facility Agreement which, among other things, deferred the beginning of the repayment period by approximately one year to the second quarter of 2013. This amendment significantly improves the Company’s liquidity position in 2012 and beyond.
During the quarter, ADS-B Technologies, LLC (ADS-B Tech) continued development of its ALAS Next Generation Air Traffic Surveillance product (ALAS). ALAS utilizes the Globalstar satellite network to provide real-time aircraft surveillance data from remote areas where a conventional line of sight connection to a terrestrial ADS-B ground station is not possible or impractical. In April, ADS-B Tech successfully demonstrated the capability of the system verifying the feasibility of space-based air traffic surveillance using Globalstar’s constellation of LEO satellites. Globalstar is pleased with the recent test results and the global revenue opportunity such an air traffic management system represents. Globalstar’s unique “bent-pipe” architecture and global network of ground stations provides the only satellite network that can handle the air traffic surveillance data both reliably and with no latency concerns.
Globalstar enthusiastically supported recommended actions by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the proposed development of terrestrial broadband services utilizing the MSS 2 GHz band. The FCC further stated that it intends to address issues pertaining to the ATC rules for Globalstar’s Big LEO band in a separate proceeding at a later date. Mr. Monroe added, “As Globalstar completes the launch and deployment of its second-generation constellation, we look forward to participating in that future proceeding and anticipate receiving similar flexibility to offer terrestrial services within the Big LEO spectrum band.”

Iridium Unveils World’s Smallest Two-Way Satellite Data Transceiver

Posted on May 9, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Smaller, Lighter, Global M2M Device Extends Even Further the Ways People and Assets Can Connect Everywhere

The Iridium 9603 is 70 percent smaller by volume, and half the board footprint of the Iridium 9602.

Iridium Communications Inc., today unveiled the world’s smallest, commercial, two-way satellite data transceiver – the Iridium 9603. Announced at International CTIA Wireless 2012, the Iridium 9603 is a data module designed for embedding into machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for remote asset tracking, monitoring and alarming in defense, government, enterprise and consumer markets where existing larger transceivers could not fit.

“With the 9603, Iridium is disrupting the global M2M market by becoming relevant to new customer segments such as personnel tracking for consumers and governments as well as fleet, vehicle and heavy equipment tracking and monitoring,” said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. “Through this product evolution, Iridium continues to drive forward its Iridium Force strategy of facilitating personal portable communications through our innovative approaches to reduce the size of our data and voice/data modules. The 9603 opens up a whole new set of ways for people and assets to make vital, two-way connections reliably, in near real-time. This device, which is smaller than a matchbook, further enables Iridium’s vital communications service with the same rich feature set in a terrific value proposition. And of course, Iridium is the only telecommunications carrier in the world that can offer 100 percent pole-to-pole coverage through its meshed network of 66 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites.”

The Iridium 9603 is 70 percent smaller by volume, and half the board footprint of the Iridium 9602. The Iridium 9603 breaks down design barriers and enables Iridium’s 275 partners to embed global connectivity in hand-held personal tracking devices and even smaller vehicles, containers, devices for field monitoring, command and control applications, and unattended sensors.

“With the terrestrial M2M market now growing faster than ever, Iridium and its partners are dramatically increasing the prospects for satellite M2M along a similar path with this new development,” said Robin Duke-Woolley, chief executive officer of Beecham Research. “The major reduction in size of the 9603 transceiver will encourage smaller end user devices with embedded satellite connectivity. This type of technology innovation moves satellite M2M into application areas traditionally considered to be the preserve of terrestrial wireless and will further accelerate Iridium’s fast growth in the Mobile Satellite Services market.”

In its recent first-quarter earnings release for 2012, Iridium announced its sixth consecutive quarter of approximately 50 percent M2M subscriber growth. The company now draws nearly one-fifth of commercial service revenue from this fast-growing market segment and reported a 29 percent year-over-year increase in M2M unit sales volumes.

The Iridium 9603 is a single board transceiver that offers low latency and duplex data connectivity, permitting reliable two-way communications to and from remote devices. This not only allows users to reliably transfer location and status information, but also to remotely adjust device parameters such as reporting intervals. For example, two-way data communications enables first responders to stay in constant touch during emergency situations with personal location and tracking devices that support two way messages as well as tracking and location updates.

The Iridium 9603 complements the Iridium 9602 in a portfolio of available Short Burst Data (SBD) devices, offering development partners multiple hardware options for enabling customer solutions via the Iridium global network. This board-mounted “black box” provides the device interface through a single multi-pin interface connector and an antenna connector.

Five long-standing Iridium partners served as beta partners in the early testing and integration of the Iridium 9603. These companies are actively incorporating the device into their products, some of which are scheduled to launch as early as June 2012.

Global Telesat Communications now offering GSM personal and asset trackers

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

The RX-3 Lone Worker device offers a fast and efficient alerting service for employees in vulnerable working situations.

We are pleased to announce that we are now offering a range of GSM personal and asset trackers available to buy online at www.globaltelesat.co.uk.

Tracking devices which transmit information such as current location, time, and past movements and are ideal for remotely monitoring the location of valuable assets such as boats, vehicles or machinery or for letting friends, family or colleagues know your precise location when travelling to remote or dangerous areas.

Until now we have only offered satellite tracking devices which send on GPS coordinates through satellite networks. We are pleased to offer the GSM tracking products to those who are not venturing into areas without mobile phone reception. If you wish to track somebody or something that will always be within a GSM coverage area we recommend this type of tracker as they are less expensive, smaller in size and can sometimes work inside buildings.

Competitive airtime pricing is available for our range of GSM trackers at just £15 per month for unlimited messaging.

As with all our products we are happy to personally advise you on which product may suit your requirements. Please contact us for further assistance.

Over 1,500 Rescues Initiated with SPOT Satellite Messenger Products

Posted on December 14, 2011 by JennaPhipps

Outdoor enthusiasts including hikers, boaters, pilots and skiers are among those saved since debut of SPOT technology in 2007.

Spot LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. and leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, today announced that SPOT messenger devices, including SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and SPOT Connect, have initiated more than 1,500 emergency rescues worldwide. Many of these rescues resulted in lives being saved both on land and at sea. Today’s announcement comes at the company’s four year anniversary since launching the world’s first satellite messenger product, the SPOT Personal Tracker.

SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

SPOT provides connectivity to adventurists, travelers, weekend warriors and workers when spending time outdoors or traveling in remote areas. SPOT allows users to check-in and share their locations with their contacts back home. In life-threatening emergencies, users can send SOS messages with their GPS location to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). Because SPOT uses 100% satellite technology, it works off-the-grid beyond the range of cell phone towers and VHF radio.

SPOT Connect

“SPOT devices can take the search out of search and rescue,” said Russell Gubele, President and Command Officer of Mountain Wave Search and Rescue near Mount Hood, Oregon. “Being notified of an emergency with the location coordinates allows us to conduct our rescue efforts extremely efficiently saving valuable time and resources. As a result, more people are rescued from often life-threatening situations – saving lives, time and money.”

Of the 1,500-plus rescues that have taken place in 105 countries, 55 percent were in the United States. California, Colorado, Utah, Alaska and Florida are the states with the highest number of SPOT SOS activations. Canada accounted for 22 percent of the overall rescues launched by SPOT devices. This year, rescue officials have responded to 546 SPOT-initiated requests of which 402 were land-based, 117 were at sea and 27 were aviation related.

SPOT devices allow you to view waypoints online via Google Maps.

SPOT Rescue Highlights (2007-2011):

Four fishermen were rescued from their sinking vessel by the US Coast Guard 20 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.
A Scout troop leader was crushed by a falling horse in Mount Hood National Forest and airlifted to safety by the National Guard.
A downed motorcyclist suffering compound fractures was air lifted to a nearby hospital from a desolate California highway.
Two stranded climbers were rescued by helicopter from the 3,567 meter-high (11,703 feet) peak on Mount Goodsir in Yoho National Park, British Columbia.
The US Coast Guard rescued two people after their plane suffered a hard emergency landing on an uninhabited island southeast of Cordova, Alaska.
An Arkansas photographer with a broken pelvis, collar bone and ankle was rescued from a steep ravine after falling 30 feet in Ozark National Forest.
A backcountry skier was located and rescued after being trapped at high elevation in Norway during a severe winter storm.
In Nevada, a man working alone was injured and trapped under heavy machinery. He was extricated and transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
A 20 year-old college student was rescued after falling 200 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park.
A hiker suffering a severe medical emergency was rescued in Australia and transported to the nearest medical facility for surgery.

Upon receiving an SOS message, GEOS immediately verifies the incident and notifies the appropriate authorities including Search and Rescue, the US Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Highway Patrol, State Emergency Management centers and International Agencies. Each year, hundreds of hikers, snowmobilers, boaters, pilots, skiers, remote workers and motorists receive necessary aid from professional rescue personnel who otherwise may not know of the situation or the victim’s location.

Rocky Henderson of Portland Mountain Rescue said, “SPOT not only makes things easier for us, I believe it also helps prevent unnecessary search and rescue missions from happening. Being able to let friends and family know that you are okay is a big deal.”

Spot LLC recommends being equipped with the proper knowledge, skills and gear like the SPOT Messenger to help prepare for outdoor activity. Research weather conditions, bring food and water, wear proper clothing and share trip details with others before leaving. For more information on outdoor preparedness and SPOT Messenger products and services visit findmeSPOT.com /Prepared.

Read complete SPOT rescues stories at www.findmeSPOT.com/en/spotemergency.

Iridium + GEOS… In An Emergency, Press That SOS Button

Posted on December 7, 2011 by JennaPhipps

Iridium has announced the GEOS emergency response service is now available to Iridium Extreme satellite phone customers. At no additional cost to customers, Iridium has integrated the GEOS service into the SOS button on the Iridium Extreme. Launched in September 2011, the Iridium Extreme is the most advanced, rugged satellite phone in the market and is the first to offer an SOS button. As part of the Iridium ForceSM vision for future personal mobile communications, this GEOS service is an enhancement to the phone’s location-awareness services available at launch.

The Iridium Extreme satellite phone - now with enhanced SOS services

This first-ever, integrated satellite phone emergency service sets the standard for providing ultimate peace of mind to lone workers and adventurers alike. A quick press of the SOS button automatically dials the GEOS emergency response center, providing a connection to a live support representative. Where the market used to settle for just one-way SOS alerting, customers now can maintain contact with the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) during their emergency for reassurance that help is on the way. The GEOS service adds an important partner into the community supporting the Iridium Force vision. GEOS also adds a layer of performance to the dependable, reliable Iridium Extreme platform. GEOS receives emergency alerts and notifies Response Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities via a global, 24/7/365 service through its IERCC in Houston, Texas. The IERCC has translation capabilities for up to 200 languages. It has coordinated thousands of responses in more than 100 countries since 2007.

Iridium Extreme customers must register at www.geosalliance.com/iridium to initiate this emergency response service. Through the service, customers can verbally provide crisis details to SAR professionals, as well as send location data for response coordination with local public authorities. The Iridium Extreme SOS button functionality meets international standards for satellite emergency notification devices (SENDs). Although the GEOS service is included as an offering for Iridium Extreme customers who register, the programmable SOS button also can be set to instead call or message an alternate number. For instance, some corporations or organizations may prefer to have emergency calls routed to their internal response center or another SAR provider. There are no additional charges to access the basic GEOS service. Purchase of an Iridium Extreme phone and a valid subscription is required. Standard usage charges apply for the emergency phone call, or for SMS or location messages sent. Customers also can opt for enhanced, paid SAR or medevac subscriptions through GEOS.

“The GEOS service is one of the many new innovations we are delivering to partners,” said Joel Thompson, vice president, product management, Iridium. “Iridium worked with a select group of portal providers who developed location tracking and messaging services for the launch of the Iridium Extreme. Since then, the Iridium Extreme has seen much greater demand from customers than we had anticipated and we wanted to provide them an additional level of protection. With the launch of the GEOS Emergency Response service, Iridium Extreme customers now have several options to manage their communications during an emergency situation. Since the SOS button is programmable, customers have the ability to use the GEOS service if their organization does not offer such a service. We wanted to ensure that anyone using the most rugged satellite phone on the planet had an option to reach a highly trained professional in an emergency situation.”

“The GEOS IERCC has really raised the bar with respect to emergency response centers in terms of professionalism and reach,” said Mark Garver, CEO of the IERCC. “We staff it with qualified first responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, former military personnel and law enforcement professionals. These personnel have handled emergencies first hand. That is why we can truly stand by our motto, ‘So Others May Live To Tell About it’.”

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