Transceiver Nodule Prototypes Puts Iridium Closer to Launch of Its Certus Broadband

Iridium is a step closer to its Iridium Certus broadband service. The company said Wednesday it received the first broadband core transceiver prototypes for interoperability testing on the Iridium Next satellite network infrastructure. The prototypes will be used by manufacturing partners to design and build products for the aeronautical, maritime and land mobile markets that will be compatible with its broadband service. Next satellites are expected to start launching late this year, with commercial service expected by late 2016.