U.S. State Department Buys 1,000 Motorola Satellite Series Phones; Iridium System Used to Enhance Official Communications Around the World
Business Wire - July 20, 1999 09:43
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 1999--Motorola Commercial, Government
and Industrial Solutions Sector Tuesday announced that the U.S. Department of State has placed an
order for $1.4 million in Motorola Satellite Series(TM) 9500 portable phones and accessories for use
with the Iridium Global Communications System.
The U.S. Department of State and other U.S. government agencies plan to use the equipment to
expand their communications capability and enhance their security posture abroad.
These agencies implement the President's foreign policy agenda and provide important services to
American citizens. The State Department maintains about 260 diplomatic and consular posts that also
provide the necessary infrastructure for about 30 other U.S. Government agencies.
Motorola's United States Federal Government Markets Division consulted with the Department of
State in order to facilitate the sale of the Motorola Satellite Series portfolio of communications
products and accessories.
Motorola Worldwide Information Network Services (M-WINS), a business division of Motorola's
Space Systems and Services Division, will provision the Iridium services through the U.S.
government-dedicated Iridium gateway located in Hawaii.
"The State Department's purchase of these phones and services is a significant endorsement for world's
only global satellite-telephone system," said Bill Turkaly, Vice President and General Manager of
Motorola's U.S. Federal Government Markets Division.
"Considering the importance of the State Department's mission, Motorola is honored to play a role in
meeting its unique communications needs," added Ron Taylor, vice president and general manager of
Motorola's Space Systems and Services Division.
M-WINS assists users in determining their requirements for subscriber equipment and service and, if
necessary, offer customized communications solutions. M-WINS' customers receive global customer
care support, technical assistance and access to the most current product releases.
"The Iridium system delivers instant, reliable wireless telephone service around the world, and we are
the only telecom provider that can do it independent of terrestrial networks," said Sue Kennedy, vice
president of sales and marketing for Iridium LLC.
"This unique competency can be vital to any global enterprise that has concerns about the reliability of
local telephone networks in the event of a crisis. We are delighted that the U.S. State Department has
recognized this and has chosen the Iridium technology to enhance its telecommunications capabilities
worldwide."
About Iridium
Iridium LLC. became the world's first global satellite phone and paging company on Nov. 1, 1998.
The network of Low-Earth Orbiting satellites, combined with terrestrial cellular systems, enables
subscribers to communicate in remote locations around the world using one phone and pager, one
phone number, and pay for it all through one monthly bill.
Customers access participating local cellular networks when available and use the Iridium satellite
network when outside terrestrial cellular coverage. Iridium North America is the sole owner and
operator for Iridium services in North America.
Iridium North America is actively selling services through integrated wireless service providers and
distribution partners providing customers the ability for unique service that permits any type of
telephone transmission - voice, paging, data and fax - to reach its destination virtually anywhere on
Earth, at any time.
Iridium North America is headquartered in Tempe, Ariz. and serves the United States, Bermuda,
Guam and Puerto Rico. Iridium North America is backed by telecommunications leaders Motorola
Inc., Sprint Corporation and Iridium Canada Inc.
Iridium World Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ: IRID) is the public investment vehicle of Iridium
LLC. For additional information regarding the Iridium system, please visit the website at
iridium.com or call 1-888-IRIDIUM.
About Motorola
Motorola (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and
embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion. For more information, please visit the
Motorola Web site at motorola.com.
For additional information regarding Motorola Worldwide Information Network Services, please visit
its Web site at m-wins.motorola.com.
Satellite Series is a trademark and Motorola and the Motorola logo are registered trademarks of
Motorola Inc., (R) Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. All other companies and products listed herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. (c) 1999 Motorola Inc. ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED.
Iridium is a registered trademark and service mark of Iridium IP LLC.
CONTACT: Motorola Public Affairs
Barb Sacks Millman, 480/441-3662
www.mot.com/sstg
or
Iridium LLC Public Relations
Michelle Lyle, 202/408-3818 |
