Iridium Satellite has formed Iridium Communications Russia in order to pursue a license for providing mobile satellite services in Russia, Iridium announced.
  Iridium said that Russia’s harsh climates and northern sea routes, where it provides coverage, makes the region a potential growth opportunity for the company.
  “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, after having obtained all necessary Russian approvals, we hope we will be able to begin to offer services in Russia by the end of this year,” Matt Desch, Iridium CEO and chairman, said in a statement.
   Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center has partnered with Iridium since 2001 to make Iridium services available in Russia. Khrunichev, which owns and operates an Iridium gateway, said discussions are underway for joint gateway modernization.
   If successful in entering the Russian market, Iridium said it would selectively expand its network of global distribution partners by naming new service providers in the Russian market.