The value

A significant new revenue stream
The Iridium Extreme Push-To-Talk (PTT) system has allowed the low-earth orbit leader to disrupt the satellite communications space, creating a completely new market segment and providing a valuable new revenue stream.

Technology breakthrough: near-instant connection
Iridium Extreme PTT is the world’s first global ‘walkie-talkie’ style service. The novel radio modem functionality and signal processing we developed makes it possible to establish a connection between designated group members in under two seconds, anywhere on the planet.
Iridium Extreme PTT was recognised as the Top Emergency Response Innovation at the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA) 2016 Mobility Satellite Innovation Awards, for its ability to provide rapid and reliable communication between emergency organisations globally.

Intuitive user experience conceals powerful features
We developed a cloud-based Command Center interface that puts the power of the Iridium system at the customer’s fingertips.
The user interface makes it exceptionally easy to undertake complex tasks like configuring users, talkgroups and coverage areas in seconds, actually redeploying satellite resources by simply drawing coverage shapes on a map.
Brand reinforcement through outstanding reliability
We developed robust proprietary radio protocols that continuously track and lock onto the next available satellite, reinforcing Iridium’s reputation for stable, uninterrupted two-way communication.
Superior product performance
To achieve exceptional audio clarity, we developed an enhanced digital error correction system to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio, achieving radio sensitivity twice that of a typical mobile phone.
Our involvement
Our system architects worked with Iridium to specify and architect the new PTT service in its entirety. Several all-new system components were needed to fulfil the requirements.
After the system design was completed, we developed the necessary handset firmware, carrier-grade telecoms infrastructure and online Command Center to fulfil the system requirements.
During development, static analysis tools and targeted test campaigns using our proprietary regression test system helped ensure quality and minimise development time, whilst the various development partners held regular system-level integration and test events. As well as building confidence in the system, this also provided a further feedback loop into the development teams.
Post-deployment, we continue to support Iridium in addressing any concerns highlighted in operational service, such as understanding system behaviours through to software updates.
The challenge

Ensuring performance through advanced modelling , simulation and testing
The satellite signals received by handsets are only around 10 times more powerful than the natural heat of the Earth. Increasing levels of global noise, Doppler shift and satellites travelling at 17,000mph make radio signal reception extremely challenging. To overcome this, we invested in many hundreds of teraflops of simulation power, test infrastructure and advanced modelling techniques to ensure comprehensive radio design testing.

Pushing the boundaries of handset technology
To achieve a fast and reliable ‘walkie-talkie’ style connection, we redeveloped the radio signal processing in the pre-existing handset to incorporate eight demodulators – all within the constraints of the existing hardware. This significantly increased the hardware’s bandwidth, allowing each handset to be assigned to up to 15 talkgroups simultaneously.

Delivering security without impacting customer experience
To meet Iridium’s security requirements, our engineers developed an advanced key management system with an encrypted overlay. This allows the customer Command Centre to manage synchronisation of encryption keys for thousands of users connecting across hundreds of talkgroups from every corner of the planet.
Iridium Extreme PTT is fully interoperable, allowing different organisations to securely share channels and talkgroups. This enables, for example, police and fire services to co-ordinate their emergency and disaster response efforts
The team

Tales of the team
"The Iridium constellation consists of 66 cross-linked low Earth orbit satellites. Orbiting 500 miles above the earth’s surface at a speed of 17,000mph, each one covers more than 9 million square miles."
Richard Traherne, executive sponsor

"The gateway infrastructure was built using a high-availability Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) platform comprising 8 x 6-core CPU blades."
Stewart Marsh, gateway infrastructure lead

“The handset modem required the design of a custom ASIC incorporating two of our Sapphyre signal processing engines. This slashed the digital circuitry cost by 90% and its board area by a similar factor, compared with the standard component.”
Peter Goldsmith, digital baseband lead

"If we were to add up all the time each individual has spent working on this project, the total would be an incredible 93 years."
Andy Cleland, program manager

"The cellular coverage we all take for granted covers less than 10% of the Earth’s surface. Iridium Extreme PTT's market is the remaining 90%."
Mark Norris, technical authority
