Iridium rises from the ashes

NEWS The company said it will offer voice-only services for an initial three-month test period, due to start 30 March, to ensure the satellite network is fully functional. Data services and internet connections are to be reintroduced by the summer. Iridium was established by Motorola nine years ago. The company sent its first satellites into orbit in 1997 and launched telephony services in November 1998. The company has consistently been beset by financial, consumer and technical difficulties. Its assets were finally sold in October 2000. The new holding company was thrown a lifeline in December of last year in the form of a substantial order from the US Pentagon.