Iridium Communications Inc. has announced the expanded commercial availability of its Satellite Time and Location (STL) service to parts of Europe and the Asia Pacific region. This expansion is driven by increasing demand and aims to provide an alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution to protect critical infrastructure against GPS and Galileo spoofing and jamming.
The Iridium STL service, capable of operating globally, is designed to ensure the fidelity of timing systems with a signal 1,000 times more powerful than GPS. This makes it particularly suited for indoor use without the need for rooftop antennas, offering a secure and cost-effective solution for sectors such as transportation, energy grids, data centers, telecommunications networks, and financial services.
Market Demand and Expansion
The expansion follows a significant rise in GPS jamming and spoofing activities in Europe and parts of Asia, posing serious threats to critical infrastructure. The newly available STL service will be marketed by Iridium’s partners in these regions, helping to safeguard essential systems and improve operational security and efficiency.
“We’re cognizant of the threats facing GNSS-reliant critical infrastructure around the world and our responsibility to deploy the antidote as quickly as possible,” said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. He emphasized the importance of expanding market availability for the STL service, particularly following Iridium’s acquisition of Satelles.
The STL solutions are designed to be small, cost-effective, and easy to install, with technology partners increasing their focus on the new markets. These solutions can be integrated into existing GNSS-reliant systems or used as stand-alone units.
Global Reach and Future Plans
With the expanded authorization, Iridium STL can now be purchased by companies in North America, parts of Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. The company plans to continue scaling and training sales and support staff to further extend the service’s global reach.
Iridium’s commitment to enhancing PNT solutions demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing emerging threats and supporting critical infrastructure worldwide. Further expansions are anticipated as demand continues to grow.
