Paradigm Services Ltd. unveiled its new portable system designed to allow British soldiers to communicate with family and friends via the Iridium satellite network, Paradigm announced June 14.

The system, dubbed Textlink, consists of an Iridium 9505 satellite phone and a pair of ruggedized laptop computers that can send and receive e-mail, short text messages, Royal Mail and British Forces Post Office letters as well as receive news updates in text format. The data is bundled for transmission via Iridium satellites.

Textlink was developed under a contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defense to allow deployed military personnel to communicate from regions where terrestrial infrastructure was not available.

In other Paradigm news, Paradigm Secure Communications won a military satellite communications deal from Public Works and Government Services Canada to deliver military communications services to the Canadian Department of National Defense. Paradigm will provide managed secure communications services to the Canadian Navy, on an as needed and required basis.

Paradigm also will provide modem equipment and a dedicated backhaul connection between the United Kingdom and Canada. This will allow the Canadian military direct access to secure satellite communications, which will enhance communications capability in remote areas as well as facilitate Canada’s role in NATO and national operations.