Iridium, Icom Release Handheld Satellite Radio Offering

Iridium Communications and Icom have introduced a portable satellite radio with a push-to-talk feature designed to help users communicate anywhere in the world.

IC-SAT100 transmits voice communications between groups of people and features  speakers that allow individuals to exchange information even in areas with high levels of ambient noise, Iridium said Monday.

Both companies built the device in response to a demand from government organizations, emergency responders and other customers for a system that integrated satellite-based PTT with land mobile radio communications. The radio can integrate with LMR systems via an interoperability gateway called the VE-PG4.

“The industry spoke, and we listened,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Iridium.

“This new satellite PTT device is unlike anything ever offered commercially in terms of capability, and it would not have been possible without the great partnership we've built with Icom, who are de-facto experts and leaders in the LMR industry,” Hartin added.