Blue Oceans Satellite Systems, based in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada, recently became an Iridium Value Added Manufacturer. The company was founded in 2003 to pursue the then-emerging Canadian market for Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), used by governments worldwide to enforce fishing regulations. In order to properly safeguard fish stocks, fishing quotas are set based on geographic zones. The on-board VMS sends mandatory vessel-specific information such as time and position data to regulatory bodies so that the government can monitor whether vessels are in compliance with fishing regulations.

Canadian waters are large and expansive. Ground based systems cannot provide effective coverage and almost all satellite systems begin to have difficulty at the more northerly latitudes. Seeing a clear advantage of leveraging Iridium’s global polar orbiting satellite constellation to provide VMS at all latitudes with a consistent low-latency performance, Blue Oceans incorporated Iridium satellite transceivers into its “SkyHawk” series of products. Previous generations of the product had used other satellite communication networks. However, due to significant challenges with obtaining reliable and timely service from those networks, Blue Oceans has adopted Iridium as the core communications media.

According to Paul Anderson, president of Blue Oceans Satellite Systems, “Under some of the most remote and difficult conditions, we found that only Iridium delivers the service quality necessary to offer VMS in all Canadian waters.”

Blue Oceans’ SkyHawk product is available in both basic and full-featured models. The SkyHawk 9612 basic model meets Canadian VMS regulations as set out by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, providing GPS-based tracking and remotely controlled reporting. Canadian certification is expected by Q1 2008.

 
?Both SkyHawk versions are designed as all-in-one, standalone outdoor units requiring only minutes to install.

The SkyHawk 9522A is a full-featured model that includes enhanced capabilities such as voice communications and internet access; fishermen operating outside cellular range place a high priority on reliable telecommunications services. Internet access enables email and data applications that can increase operational efficiencies while at sea; notably access to weather forecasting, auction prices and equipment schematics for at-sea repair of equipment.

Both SkyHawk versions are designed as all-in-one, standalone outdoor units requiring only minutes to install. The rugged polycarbonate enclosure is fully waterproof, providing reliable operation in Canada’s harsh North Atlantic marine environment.

Blue Oceans is leveraging the technology in SkyHawk to tap into new markets such as automatic vehicle location (AVL). This market provides significant additional opportunities for Blue Oceans where SkyHawk is used as either the primary or a backup device to cellular-based systems for long-haul transportation applications.

“With the breadth of capabilities and compact, rugged design of our SkyHawk product series, and the reliability and coverage of the Iridium satellite network, we’re excited by the tremendous opportunities we are pursuing to extend Blue Oceans into new, high-growth markets,” adds Anderson.
 
 
 
 
 

Iridium's new +1 Access Service

Iridium’s new +1 Access Service is gaining quick traction with Service Providers and customers alike.

Available since April 1, 2007, the +1 Access Service provides Iridium postpaid subscribers (i.e., those who are billed on a monthly basis) with a standard U.S. +1 phone number in addition to their existing 8816 phone number. Callers who dial an Iridium customer no longer need to use a two-stage dialing process (requiring multiple numbers, including the subscriber’s personal identification number), navigate through English-language voice prompts or pay high surcharge fees.

With +1 Access Service, Iridium subscribers can offer their callers a U.S.-based phone number (+1-480-XXX-XXXX) for simpler and less expensive calls. Callers pay the rate offered by their local telecommunications provider for a standard long-distance phone call to Tempe, Arizona. Iridium subscribers pay a low monthly fee and a price-per-minute for inbound calls that is slightly higher than that of Iridium’s existing two-stage dialing services. Iridium subscribers can manage their call costs and caller access by choosing to distribute their 8816 phone number or their +1 phone number. There is no activation fee and no change in subscriber costs for outbound calls. With the new service, Service Providers receive revenue on inbound +1 Access calls in addition to the incremental monthly fee revenue for +1 Access Service.

“We’ve listened to our Service Providers and their customers, and are happy to be able to offer a range of possibilities for Iridium subscribers that give them flexibility and cost-control mechanisms to tailor a calling plan to meet their needs,” said Tim Johnson, Director of Market Strategy and Pricing, Iridium. “We’re pleased with the positive response we’ve received to date. Many of our Service Providers have already added this package to their offerings and we encourage those who haven’t to find out more.”

“Being based in Florida, many of my customers rely on their satellite phones particularly during hurricane season,” said CJ Webber, CEO, The Sat Phone Store, a Stratos Distributor. “+1 Access Service is a quick and easy way to dial an Iridium subscriber during emergency situations when time is of the essence. Our customers are really excited about it.”

To add the +1 Access Service package to your SPNet account, please contact your Global Alliance Manager today.
 
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