MCLEAN, Va., March 14, 2022 – Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) partner Cobham SATCOM, a market-leading provider of radio and satellite communications solutions, has received regulatory approval from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to allow for Japanese adoption of its Iridium Connected^® SAILOR 4300 terminal. With this approval, those operating Japanese flagged vessels can now utilize the high-performing, truly global L-band connectivity that the SAILOR 4300 provides.

Powered by Iridium Certus 700, the SAILOR 4300 enables mariners to access affordable, weather-resilient, and fast internet speeds at sea through Iridium’s truly global satellite network. Whether it serves as a primary ship communications solution or as a VSAT companion service, the SAILOR 4300 supports reliable voice and data applications for mariners’ everyday use. The small form factor terminal will be of particular value to Japan’s extensive merchant and fishing fleets, which require rapid, reliable, and cost-effective connectivity.

“We are proud the SAILOR 4300 is helping enhance safety at sea and operational efficiency in Japan,” says Iridium Executive Vice President, Bryan Hartin. “Crew members on board vessels equipped with Iridium Certus terminals can enjoy faster web surfing and reliable use of smartphone applications such as WhatsApp, LINE, or Viber, even in poor weather.”

The approval of SAILOR 4300 L-band follows the MIC’s trio of regulatory approvals granted to Iridium, including the regulatory approval of Iridium Certus^® broadband. Unique in the satellite industry, Iridium Certus is the only broadband service that provides truly global, weather-resilient coverage for on-the-move internet and high-quality voice access.

Regardless of a vessel’s location at sea, Iridium Certus 700 delivers high-speed L-band connectivity, enhancing ship business applications, IoT services and connected ship communications. Crew members on board vessels equipped with Iridium Certus terminals can also enjoy faster web surfing and reliable use of smartphone applications such as WhatsApp or WeChat, even in poor weather. 

A copy of the full announcement from Cobham can be found here: Japan approves use of Cobham SATCOM’s SAILOR 4300 L-band, unlocking high-performing connectivity across its fleet

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium^® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus^®. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.