Iridium Communications Inc. announced today the commercial launch of its Iridium Certus broadband service, the first new capability activated from the company's $3 billion Iridium NEXT satellite replacement program.

Iridium Certus is a platform designed for the development of specialty applications and is the world's only truly global broadband service, offering on-the-move internet and high-quality voice access. The service enables mobile office functionality for deployed teams and two-way remote communication for assets, autonomous vehicles, trains, aircraft and ships at sea. This also includes safety-of-life services, where Iridium Certus is suited for the critical communications needs of teams operating beyond the reach of cellular coverage, including first responders and search and rescue organizations. The initial service is targeted at maritime and terrestrial applications, with Iridium Certus aviation solutions expected later in 2019, once certified.

Iridium Certus is an L-band user network. Aside from operating on the global satellite constellation, Iridium says that the Certus terminals are smaller in form factor, will offer higher speeds and are more cost-effective than competitive L-band broadband offerings. Terminals are being built by Cobham (maritime), Thales (maritime, aviation and land-mobile), Collins Aerospace (aviation), L3 (aviation), Gogo (aviation) and Satcom Direct (aviation). And to date, 35 service providers are authorized by Iridium to provide the service around the world.