Mobile, truly global wifi data hotspot launched by Iridium

[KTMphil]

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.

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!

 

[KTMphil]

A one minute video of how it works



[video=youtube_share;YbCakX3QdUw]http://youtu.be/YbCakX3QdUw[/video]

 

[KTMphil]

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
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	Iridium GO!	Iridium 9575	IsatPhone 2	SSB / Pactor 4
Cost	US$875	US$1,295	US$980	US$1,900
Full Cost - including external aerial, cabling etc.	US$1,150	US$2,385	US1,900	US$5,000
Installation Cost	$0	$500	$500	$1,000
Size	114 x 82 x 32mm	140 x 60 x 27mm	169 x 75 x 29mm/td>	125 x 43 x 138mm
Weight	295g	247g	316g	450g
Water protection	IP65	IP65	IP65	None
Battery Life	7hrs talk/16hrs standby	4hrs talk/30hrs standby	8hrs talk/160hrs standby	Not available - fixed installation
Power Usage (amps)	0.1 Amps	0.1 Amps	0.1 Amps	20 Amps for full data speed due to SSB power usage
Installation	Simple and very quick setup	Complex	Complex	Very complex
Reliability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Subject to installation setup, HF propagation issues
Ease of Use	Can connect laptop, iPhone, iPad or Android device. Simple interface with App, unlimited data plan!	Need to manage connection time, Complex compression software	Need to manage connection time, Complex compression software	Complex setup and software. Connection not guaranteed due to HF propagation and network with limited bandwidth
Antenna Design	Flip-up antenna - external marine aerial recommended	Retractable omni-directional - external marine aerial recommended	Fold-out directional - external marine aerial recommended	Backstay antenna - installation critical for reliable usage
Network and Coverage	Full global coverage	Full global coverage	Almost full Global coverage	Limited range and subject to HF propagation issues
SOS Emergency Button	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
SMS	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
GPS Tracking	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Security Alarm	Yes	No	No	No

 

[KTMphil]

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 cost	Contract Term	Connection Fee	Included Data Minutes	Data cost after allowance per min	SMS
Iridium GO!
Surf	US$95	1 Month	US$50	150	US$0.29	Free
Unlimited	US$135	1 Month	US$50	Unlimited	na	Free
Iridium 9575
Monthly 100	US$135	12 months	US$50	100	US$1.09	US$0.60
IsatPhone 2
Monthly 100	US$100	12months	US$50	100	US$0.85	US$0.43

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[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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