Iridium To Provide Communications Service Along Canadian Trans-Labrador Highway

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is establishing an Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium)-based satellite phone service for motorists on the Trans-Labrador Highway. Roadpost of Mississauga, Ontario is supplying Iridium 9555 satellite phones and services through its dealer Newfound Mobility Solutions.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched this new Iridium-based satellite phone program for the Trans-Labrador Highway to ensure they had the most reliable communications capability possible. The Iridium solution replaces and upgrades previous communications services from other providers. Through this program, local hotel operators will offer Iridium phones as loaners to motorists traveling along the highway. The phones will be pre-programmed to direct calls to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, which will coordinate necessary emergency responses directly or through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Trans-Labrador Highway is made up of more than 950 miles of asphalt and gravel road, with very few turnoffs or stops, in a remote region of northeastern Canada.

“Iridium is the only mobile satellite network capable of providing reliable coverage across the region – and anywhere in the world, actually,” said Morris Shawn, president of Roadpost. “Motorists can be confident they will be in communication with the outside world –especially in an emergency situation.”

“We are confident that the Iridium phones will provide a more reliable and consistent performance communication lifeline, which is very important as it is the only means of communication on a long, desolate stretch of highway,” said Trevor Taylor, transportation minister for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Businesses, governments, citizens and travelers in remote locations rely on Iridium in their daily lives because they work in the large, open areas beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless phone networks,” added Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium.

As part of North America’s summer season, Iridium has launched its third annual “Test Your Satellite Phone” initiative, to encourage satellite phone users to prepare now to ensure that one of their most critical lifelines in a disaster – their satellite phone – works properly.

The Iridium Test Your Satellite Phone initiative asks all satellite phone owners to call a special U.S.-based number – +1-480-752-5105 – to test their satellite phones. Callers will hear a recorded message confirming that their call was completed and offering quick tips on proper handset usage. Iridium does not charge customers for air time on their satellite phone when they call this number. Non-Iridium customers should consult with their service providers to determine what charges may apply. If customers find that their phones are not operational through this process, they should call their respective service provider.