FCC grants Iridium access to 3.1 MHz of additional spectrum

Iridium Satellite LLC announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expanded Iridium?s spectrum with access to an additional 3.1 MHz to meet the increasing demand for Iridium?s satellite voice and data services. This important ruling confirms the clear and discernible need for additional spectrum for Iridium as it continues to see increases in demand for its innovative products across all the market segments it serves.

Iridium CEO Carmen Lloyd noted, “The FCC?s willingness to expand the spectrum available to Iridium recognizes that our rapid and sustained growth has clearly outgrown our original spectrum allocation. We welcome today?s ruling and are pleased that the FCC recognizes the important growth in Iridium?s business and its need for additional spectrum to fulfill its customers? needs.”

The FCC had previously given Iridium temporary authority to operate in a segment of the band on an emergency basis, and today?s FCC action formalizes this arrangement. “This will enable us to continue serving our customers with a high level of reliability, and ensure that we are well-equipped to continue our growth and expansion,” added Lloyd.

The FCC also issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to examine the feasibility of granting Iridium access to a further 2.25 MHz of spectrum. According to Lloyd, “Iridium looks forward to the continued recognition of the critical role that this additional spectrum will play in meeting both present and future demand for our customers.”