Communication from Polar Regions - the only answer is Iridium!

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Jyoti Xenel

We often are approached by customers who are undertaking expeditions or scientific projects in the Northern or Southern Polar regions. Consequently, they need advise for the best satellite communications to report back their news and findings. As Iridium is the only truly global satellite network, find out how our customers use their products in these regions.

Free Press: Journalism Beyond the Traditional Bounds of Geography

Iridium's latest blog details how cinematographer and editor reported and sent a 2.5 minute HD quality news story.

Kenneth Sorento and journalist Martin Breum were required to report back to the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) while undertaking an polar expedition to the Arctic seabed.

Therefore, the team prepared and worked with Sorento a technician at DR to develop a method of compressing the file. They were able to compress the video from 2.23 GB to 40.6 MB and cut it into three parts. DR receives and combines the files to air the story soon after, with very little loss in quality.

North-Pole-Expedition_Iridium_antenna-168x253

The Iridium Pilot Data Terminal and Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone assisted the team in their journey.

Alex Hibbert's Epic Journey through the North West Passage

GTC customer Alex Hibbert and his team are currently undertaking an expedition to ski, walk and swim 1800 miles fully unsupported (no resupplies or power-assistance) across a treacherous terrain of sea ice! This is the longest ever journey both man-powered or unsupported.

Iridium 9575 Extreme

The team knew that the unpredictable nature of the sea ice. Therefore, they would need a reliable form of communication at all times and so we supplied the Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone (pictured). The Iridium Extreme offers emergency SOS with notification services and works anywhere in the world. This reassure the team that they could call for help if they ever find themselves in danger.

Read the Full Story: Alex Hibbert begins his epic journey through the North West Passage

Antony Jinman reaches North & South Pole

In January last year Antony Jinman fulfilled his childhood dream of reaching both the North and South Pole.

Antony is the founder and CEO of Education through Expeditions (ETE). This social enterprise inspires young people to learn more about the world around them and follow their dreams.

AJ South Pole 1

Antony embarked on this expedition not only to achieve his own lifetime goal, but as a means to inspire and educate children.

We lent a DeLorme inReach SE to Antony so that his expedition could be completely interactive. Additionally, school children from all over the country would be able to ask him questions and track his progress online. The DeLorme inReach SE can send and receive messages and tracking signals from anywhere in the world. Also, as it is designed for maximum durability in harsh environments, it is the perfect travel companion for Antony on his solo expedition.

Read the Full Story: Antony Jinman Has Completed His South Pole Missions

Contact Us

Have you used your Iridium phone or terminal to communicate in Polar areas? Let us know your story!

Leave a comment

NewCommentFormDrop

You Might Also Like...

Garmin GPSMAP H1 vs H1i Plus vs 67 vs 67i: The Ultimate Comparison

Garmin GPSMAP H1 vs H1i Plus vs 67 vs 67i: The ...

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Guy Arnold

Garmin’s GPSMAP series has always been the gold standard for rugged handheld navigation. The launch of the new GPSMAP H1 and H1i Plus marks a big leap forward, with upgraded displays, storage, and durability. But...

SmartOne Solar vs SmartOne C: Which Globalstar Tracker Should You Choose?

SmartOne Solar vs SmartOne C: Which Globalstar ...

Posted on September 01, 2025 by Guy Arnold

When it comes to reliable satellite tracking, Globalstar’s SmartOne Solar and SmartOne C stand out as two of the most trusted options for businesses and individuals who need dependable asset visibility and workforce safety. Both...

Stay Connected Anywhere: The Complete Guide to SPOT Satellite Devices

Stay Connected Anywhere: The Complete Guide to ...

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Guy Arnold

The wind is picking up. You’ve been following a mountain trail for hours, miles from the nearest road, and your phone’s screen taunts you with No Signal. Somewhere in the distance, clouds are rolling in....

Video Post: How ZOLEO SOS Works

Video Post: How ZOLEO SOS Works

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Guy Arnold

When you’re far from mobile coverage, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator keeps you connected. One of its most critical features is the dedicated SOS function, which connects you to a 24/7 emergency response team via satellite, even...