The order follows work done by Telstra and Beam to develop communication services and technology for customers in the mining, transport, emergency services, relief aid and recreational sectors.

   The initial shipment, valued at $1.65 million, is scheduled for delivery by June 30, with the balance being ordered as required during the 12-month period. Beam was the first company to receive certification from Iridium for the docking solutions developed for the operator’s Extreme satellite telephone.

   “The new order from Telstra in the Australian market is further reinforcement of Beam’s global positioning as the leading provider of handset docking stations for Iridium and Inmarsat,” Beam Communications Managing Director Michael Capocchi said in a statement. “Due to our long and close relationship with Telstra, we have been able to develop these products to be user-friendly and reliable which is crucial for the areas where most satellite users are.”