Profile of Iridium

As a market leader constantly innovating beyond the

traditional bounds of satellite communications, Iridium is
advancing the way global enterprises conduct daily mission-
critical activities. With a strong track record as an innovator in
terms of technology, partnerships and solutions, Iridium offers
the only truly global coverage for satellite communications.
Leadership in the industry is reflected through the company’s
efforts to proactively address broad emerging markets, such as
the machine-to-machine (M2M) market. A consistent pattern of
growth is another hallmark of Iridium’s leadership. Even with
the economic challenges of 2009, the company continues to
demonstrate growth in the satellite communications sector.
 History of Iridium
 The company derives its name from the chemical
element iridium.
 Based in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A., Iridium Satellite
LLC, a privately held company
 The research on satellite phones were started in 1987-
88,but the service started in May 1998
 The number of satellites projected in the early stages of
planning was 77 but could start only with 66 satellites
 Is the provider of truly global satellite voice and data
communications solutions with complete coverage of
the entire Earth including oceans, airways and even
Polar Regions
 At a current annual growth rate of 137 percent, Iridium's most
rapidly expanding business segment is the machine-to-machine
sector.

 Iridium is a profitable company with the constant acquisition of new

customers and partners both domestically and abroad in some of the
furthest reaches of the planet.

 Iridium is also planning for the future sustainability of its

constellation, making major investments in network enhancements
and launching the Iridium NEXT  initiative, its next generation
satellite constellation, which will be fully operational by 2016. 

 Presently active in various parts of U.S.A , Russia and various other

European countries and other players are INMARSAT AND
THURAYA
 What Satellite Phones Are?
A satellite phone is a telephone-like device that sends
radio signals direct to a satellite then down to a land
earth station from where the call can be directed to
the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as
well as a cellular network. The reverse is also true.
Any land-line or cellular network can call satellite
phones. The major telecommunication satellite
constellations are: Global star, Inmarsat, and Iridium.
As an example Global star has 48 satellites and
Iridium has 66 that orbit the earth. There is no single
phone that works everywhere except a satellite phone
Satellite phones use incredible technology to provide
global coverage at reasonably low costs.
 Advantages of Satellite Phones
 Consistent service.
Cell phone towers are subject to power outages, poor weather, vandalism and
natural disasters. Satellites are immune to these problems. 

 Emergency service.
Cell phone networks often become overloaded in case of disaster and stop
functioning. Satellite service does not. 

 Durability.
Cell phones and other communication devices are often frail and not fit for
outdoor or heavy duty use. Satellite phones are resistant to water and shock
and are built to last.

 Helps in connecting to far off places where there is no cellular services mainly
villages as it doesn’t need any towers and is cost efficient and is also GPS
enabled.
 Indian Economy
 India’s current GDP is 8.6% which shows growth in
economy.
 Political Stability
 Increase in standard of living of people
 The total foreign investments attracted in 2009-10
amounted to USD 66.5 billion.
 Shifting of more and more people from primary
sector to secondary and tertiary sector.
 Increase in purchasing power of people
 Growth in infrastructure
 Fourth largest by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
 Indian Telecom Industry
 The Indian telecommunications industry is one of the fastest growing in the
world.
 According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of
telephone subscriber base in the country reached 653.92 million as on May
31, 2010, an increase of 2.49 per cent from 638.05 million in April 2010.
 With this the overall tele-density (telephones per 100 people) has touched
55.38.
 The wireless subscriber base has increased to 617.53 million at the end of
May 2010 from 601.22 million in April 2010, registering a growth of 2.71 per
cent.
 The booming domestic telecom market has been attracting huge amounts of
investment which is likely to accelerate with the entry of new players and
launch of new services.
 Further, the Indian telecom sector is expected to witness investment of
around US$ 40 billion during the current fiscal.
 Advantages To Indian Consumers
 Low call rates as compared to others but depends on plan

 High Connectivity

 GPS Enabled

 Easy Access to Net

 Rural Consumers

 Access across the globe

 Very Effective in emergency conditions

 Benefits To The Company
 Low Initial Cost

 Capturing New Market

 Very Less Competition

 First Mover Advantage

 Core Competence

 Vast Coverage
 Barriers To Entry
 License needed from the Govt.

 Security Threat

 Threat to domestic service providers

 Cost of satellite phone sets is very high

 Conclusion
Iridium is one of the companies providing satellite
phone services across the globe and India could
also be a great business market for them.Even they
could enjoy the first mover advantage which could
be of great benefit to any company engaged in
production of any product.India is one of the
fastest developing economy in the recent past with
also the growth in telecom sector and increasing
population could be a really profitable market for
Iridium.
 Thank you

Prateek Batra
Bhavjot dhaliwal
Parneet bhinder
Mayank chawla
Davneet batra