The IC-SAT100 can be used to communicate in remote areas where there is no cellular, radio or landline network infrastructure, or when natural disasters or war have rendered existing terrestrial infrastructure unusable. It is therefore intended for use by governments, military forces, humanitarian, multinational, energy-exploration organisations and those that do not wish to or unable to develop their own infrastructure.
According to Icom, the latency of PTT communication is roughly 500 milliseconds. The Iridium satellite network covers the globe, consisting of 66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, and it in combination with the IC-SAT100 could allow, for example, someone at the North Pole to speak to someone at the South Pole.
The IC-SAT100 is IP67 rated for dust/water-proofing and meets MIL-STD 810G. It has a BP-300 Li-ion battery pack that can supply approximately 14.5 hours of operation on a single charge. The device also has a 1.5 Watt internal audio speaker to provide clear communications, even in noisy environments, and is compatible with existing Icom accessories.
Icom has also introduced the VE-PG4, a radio-over-IP (RoIP) gateway that is based on LTE technology acts as a gateway which acts as an interconnection to various devices including PMR, LTE/PoC Radio, IP Phones and also maritime and aviation radio.
"The IC-SAT100 build is based upon our design and manufacturing experience in virtually every kind of radio we have produced since 1954. It is our first satellite PTT radio, but with the extensive support from Iridium, we are bringing the right product to the market with the quality and reliability Icom is known for," said Hiro Nakaoka, executive officer & director international sales department at Icom.
“The industry spoke, and we listened. There is a clear demand for this type of Iridium Connected product," said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Iridium. "This new satellite PTT device is unlike anything ever offered commercially in terms of capability, and it would not have been possible without the great partnership we've built with Icom, who are de-facto experts and leaders in the LMR industry. Icom has created a small, lightweight and very high performing radio that's perfect for LMR users. We look forward to many more collaborations with Icom in the future."
