Iridium gets green light from Russia regulator

Iridium has secured approval from the Russian Government Commission Expert Opinion for its subsidiary Iridium Communications Russia to enter the Russian market. The satellite operator formed its Russian unit in May 2009 to pursue a license for providing…

Iridium has secured approval from the Russian Government Commission Expert Opinion for its subsidiary Iridium Communications Russia to enter the Russian market. The satellite operator formed its Russian unit in May 2009 to pursue a license for providing MSS services in Russia.

Prior to gaining approval, Iridium sold its services in Russia via a collaborative agreement with Khrunichev Space Center, a partnership that has been in effect since 2001. Khrunichev owns an Iridium gateway and discussions are underway for gateway modernisation and operations. Following the approval, Iridium plans to add new service providers for the Russian market.

Matt Desch, Iridium CEO, said: “We are looking forward to seeing Iridium become a part of the Russian telecom market – a vibrant market that is open to the type of innovation Iridium delivers. Strong demand for Iridium services in Russia has driven and underpinned our efforts in resuming activities in the country and we continue to work diligently with the Russian authorities to complete this effort.”