Iridium Satellite Signs Deal with Telstra

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. The company will work closely with its Asia Pacific market coordinator, Quadrant Communications, to market and sell Iridium services including voice, data and text messaging. Telstra will also support the entire range of specialty equipment built for use with the Iridium system.

Quadrant Iridium Ltd., which is a significant investor in the Iridium project, facilitated the negotiations with Telstra. Under the deal, Telstra will purchase equipment and airtime from Iridium and will resell services through its existing distribution network. Like all service providers in Iridium's global network, Telstra will be responsible for providing the crucial link to the customers by acquiring, provisioning and supporting their use of the service.