Emergency responders in global disasters would now be able to contact medical services units or even loved ones without getting conked out.
A constant, reliable lifeline in the form of continuous communication is the goal of two companies, Iridium Communications and Cambridge Consultants, according to Business Weekly UK. Both firms are currently in the process of developing a system geared to support Iridium's PTT communications technology.
The communications tech would make use of Iridium's network of 66 cross-linked orbit satellites to expand the walkie-talkie to a global telecom service, once activated. The high-speed response needed for groups of people holed up in difficult environments would be the central focus of the adaptive technology.
Another Iridium concept, Iridium NEXT, is also undergoing completion and at the same time compatible to the push-to-talk communications technology. Also, NEXT is expected to complete by 2017.
With the Iridium PTT service, on-point coverage via Iridium's satellite system would curb the limits with traditional PTTs in terms of coverage and signal range. Chief Commercial Officer for Cambridge Consultants Richard Traherne said that the concept might sound uncomplicated, considering Iridium's satellite expertise; however, he feels it is one of those latest breakthroughs.
Cambridge News further reported that for Cambridge Consultants to configure the network, the company had developed a cloud-based program aside from a new handset and satellite modem. Voice and data traffic would be safely sent from the walkie-talkie user via Iridium's satellite network and head to its gateway. Real-time broadcast would then be enabled between the satellites and allow the listening party to receive pertinent data aside from hearing conversations.
Traherne also said that every satellite would cover up to 8,000 meters per second, as it continuously changes position, making the project a really complicated system design mission. The sensitive nature of the innovative tech also required zero margin for errors, added Traherne.
