Iridium Satellite LLC is upgrading and enhancing its in-network service to make it easier for fleet operators to take advantage of the Iridium-to-Iridium calling and the prepaid crew calling programs. Iridium in-network service handles satellite calling charges by routing calls directly between the shipboard Iridium terminal and a fixed Iridium terminal ashore. The system transmits the calls via satellite without going through a gateway or switching station, thereby avoiding additional charges from public switched telephone networks.

The shoreside Iridium terminals can be connected into the building’s central telephone switching system so that satellite calls can be initiated and received at phones throughout the facility.