Gino Picasso News

Xantic has announced that the basic version of AMOS Connect is now capable of working over the Iridium platform. A free of charge CD of this premium quality email service can be ordered from Xantic’s website or the software can be directly downloaded and installed. By optimally handling ship/shore satellite communication, AMOS Connect basic offers substantial cost savings of up to 85%, both Ship-to-Shore and Shore-to-Ship. It provides an ultra-efficient satellite communications protocol, including error correction, which is specifically designed for ship-to-shore communication. Use of the AMOS Connect basic version with Iridium shows data throughput rates on the Iridium network of up to 4.8 kbps.

Iridium Satellite LLC announced that it predicts its constellation of satellites will retain mission functionality into the next decade, based on internal analyses of satellite and operational data, as well as an external study by an independent company. Iridium contracted with The Aerospace Corporation of El Segundo, Calif., to conduct the study, based on several years of actual on-orbit reliability data provided by Iridium. Incorporating assumptions of planned future software and operational improvements, the analysis indicated that the Iridium constellation would likely remain viable into the next decade. "Based on our observations and The Aerospace Corporation's analysis, we are confident that the Iridium satellite constellation will deliver services to customers through mid-2010.

Iridium Satellite LLC announced that Australia's Telstra Corporation Limited has signed a service partner agreement to market and sell Iridium services. The multi-year deal enables Telstra to retail Iridium services and equipment to strengthen rural and remote communications throughout Australia. Both parties anticipate a new level of interest in Iridium services across the continent's rural and remote regions. Iridium Satellite's CEO, Gino Picasso, said high costs previously posed a major barrier to those entering the satellite services market. Eighty-six percent of the world's landmass and all of its oceans are in areas without wireless or landline service coverage. Iridium addresses the situation by providing coverage in all ocean areas, air routes, and landmasses, including the Poles.

Global wireless communications operator, Iridium Satellite LLC, has signed a service partner agreement with Australia's Telstra Corporation Ltd. to market and sell Iridium services. The multi-year deal enables Telstra to retail Iridium services and equipment to strengthen rural and remote communications throughout Australia. With competitive pricing and complete coverage of Australia, both parties anticipate a new level of interest in Iridium services across the continent's rural and remote regions. Iridium Satellite's CEO, Gino Picasso, said high costs previously posed a major barrier to those entering the satellite services market. Telstra will provide Iridium services on a non-exclusive basis in Australia.

Xantic and Iridium Satellite LLC have announced the signing of a major agreement by which Xantic will offer Iridium's voice and data services through its worldwide network. The move complements Xantic's mobile satellite offering for customers requiring remote communications solutions. It will also strengthen Iridium's global distribution capabilities. "Iridium's mobile communications services and world-wide coverage complements our fixed satellite offerings," commented Xantic CEO Knut Reed. Xantic serves customers worldwide in multiple markets, including maritime, peacekeeping and aid organisations, oil & gas, government and transportation.

Iridium Satellite LLC announced that Oslo, Norway-based Telenor Satellite Services has signed a service provider agreement to market and sell Iridium services. Under the agreement, Telenor will offer Iridium's voice and data services through its extensive worldwide dealer network. The agreement further strengthens Iridium's global network and user base while complementing Telenor's comprehensive portfolio of satellite communications solutions. "The addition of Telenor to Iridium's roster of service partners supports our ongoing strategy to provide organizations and individuals with remote communications capabilities that are not available from terrestrial-based wireless services," said Gino Picasso, CEO of Iridium Satellite LLC.

Stephen N. Carroll has assumed the position of President and CEO of Iridium Holdings, parent company of Iridium Satellite LLC. Gino Picasso, President and CEO of Iridium Satellite LLC will remain in his current position and report to Carroll. New President and CEO Stephen Carroll said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Iridium further down the road of success. Before joining Iridium, Carroll most recently was a co-investor with the Soros Private Equity Group where he served as Chairman of Storm Telecommunications of New York and London as well as Chairman of ACCESS 7, a Germany-based VPN/IP telecommunications company. He…

Iridium Satellite LLC, provider of global satellite voice and data communications, announced that it has launched Short Messaging Services (SMS) to commercial Iridium subscribers. The Iridium SMS service will allow subscribers to send and receive up to 160 characters per message to and from other subscribers anywhere around the globe. Subscribers will also be able to send and receive messages via e-mail addresses. SMS messages sent can be stored up to 8 days until delivered. The service will be supported over the Iridium 9505 handset and the Iridium 9522 L-band transceiver. Iridium plans to make the service available to and from cell phones within the fourth quarter of this year.

When Iridium, the $5 billion satellite company, fell into bankruptcy on March 18, 2000, it went down as one of the costliest corporate fiascoes of all time. More than one year later, Iridium is back in business, though under completely new ownership. Iridium raised a few eyebrows and a fair share of skeptics with its decision to launch its global satellite communications services. How could the new company prosper when the previous one — using the same technology had failed? Enter Gino Picasso, the company's CEO. Up front and honest, Picasso says that the new Iridium is no pipe dream. Speaking via telephone from a restaurant near Iridium's Tempe, Ariz. offices, Picasso shared his visions and ideas with MR/EN regarding the future of the new company.

Iridium Satellite LLC, which bought the assets of bankrupt Iridium LLC in December 2000, announced the successful deployment of five new spare satellites. This launch marks a significant milestone in the resurrection of the Iridium service and brand. Less than a year after launching commercial service and nearly two years since the original company closed its doors and planned to destroy the satellite constellation, Iridium Satellite has taken a significant step to extending the life of its global satellite communications network into 2010 and beyond. Launched by The Boeing Company on a Delta II launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Feb.