Ground Control has introduced Iridium Certus 100 airtime plans designed for drone applications, providing reliable connectivity for missions across various industries.
Satellite connectivity is essential for BVLOS operations, as traditional RF and cellular networks may fail beyond visual range, resulting in dropped links, latency spikes, and safety hazards.
To mitigate these risks, many aviation authorities require a secondary communication channel for BVLOS flights. For example, the EASA mandates redundant systems to ensure operational resilience, while the UK Civil Aviation Authority calls for dual-link systems in BVLOS operations.
Satellite networks offer coverage independent of terrestrial infrastructure, but not all networks are the same. Low latency, the time it takes to send and receive a command, is critical. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks are preferable because they are closer to Earth, reducing data transmission time.
Iridium’s satellite network operates in Low Earth Orbit and uses the L-Band radio frequency. L-Band signals are highly reliable and can penetrate poor weather conditions, making it ideal for mission-critical applications.
With Iridium Certus 100, operators receive 22/88 Kbps of bi-directional data, low latency, and complete pole-to-pole coverage, ensuring drone telemetry, sensor data, and command/control signals remain solid. It can be used as a primary or failover means of communication.
Ground Control’s airtime plans capitalize on its decades-long partnership with Iridium to provide data bundles that scale from single drone deployments to larger fleets. Whether customers prefer monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go options, or annual commitments, each plan features transparent rates, with volume discounts available for larger-scale operations.
Customers with an Iridium Certus 100-compatible device can activate their plan through Ground Control, eliminating the need for additional purchases or installation.
During emergency missions, drones with Iridium Certus 100 can relay critical data from disaster zones or search sites, enabling faster decision-making. Researchers can also use it for long-range environmental monitoring, regardless of geographic isolation. For jurisdictions requiring communication redundancy, these plans provide a reliable secondary link, ensuring aircraft remain controllable if the primary link is lost.
With reliable satellite connectivity and built-in redundancy now accessible, BVLOS operations can be more feasible. Ground Control’s UAV-specific Iridium Certus 100 airtime plans support safer, extended operations and new business opportunities.
