24/7 technical support for vessels worldwide
Iridium Certus · Satellite phones · Airtime
Global satellite voice and data for commercial vessels, offshore units, fishing vessels, expedition ships and yachts. From an Iridium 9555 handheld satellite phone to a fully integrated Certus terminal, Satcenter supplies, installs and manages the right Iridium solution for your vessel.
L-band satellite service
Iridium Certus is a satellite communication service that provides voice and IP data through the Iridium network. It connects vessels far beyond the reach of mobile networks, including remote oceans and polar waters.
The service runs over Iridium's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation on L-band frequencies. L-band is relatively resistant to rain fade, which makes Iridium Certus a dependable communication link in heavy weather, when higher-frequency Ku-band and Ka-band services can be affected.
An Iridium Certus installation typically includes:
Different terminals offer different data speeds, voice lines and integration options. Satcenter brings these elements together into a working onboard system, configured around your operational needs.
Network, service and devices
A constellation of 66 cross-linked LEO satellites that supports several services and equipment types, with coverage of the entire planet.
A voice and IP data platform. Maritime terminals from Intellian, Cobham SATCOM, Thales and Lars Thrane give vessels access to it.
Portable devices such as the Iridium 9555 and Extreme 9575 for calls and messaging. They do not provide the IP connectivity of a Certus terminal.
A handheld phone suits a person who needs portable communication. A fixed Certus installation suits a vessel that needs permanent voice and data.
Pole-to-pole coverage
Iridium is the only commercial satellite network with true pole-to-pole coverage, including the Arctic, Antarctica and the geographic North Pole. Its satellites travel in polar orbits, which extends coverage into high-latitude waters where geostationary satellites sit too low on the horizon or cannot be seen at all.
Cross-links between the satellites pass communications through the constellation before they reach a ground gateway, so a vessel does not need a nearby ground station to stay connected.
This makes Iridium particularly relevant for:
Global network coverage still requires a correctly installed antenna with a clear view of the sky. Masts, cranes, funnels and other onboard structures can obstruct reception. Satcenter assesses antenna position, cable routes and environmental conditions during the survey to achieve reliable performance.
Primary or backup link
Iridium Certus can be a vessel's main connection for essential voice and data, or operate alongside Starlink, OneWeb, VSAT and coastal 4G/5G.
On vessels with a higher-capacity internet service, Certus provides a separate communication path for selected operational applications. Satcenter configures automatic failover so that approved traffic switches to Iridium when the main connection becomes unavailable.
Typical applications over Iridium Certus:
We set traffic priorities and access rules around the available bandwidth and airtime plan. Background downloads, software updates and unrestricted crew traffic can be blocked while the vessel runs on its backup connection.
Multi-WAN failover
Many vessels today already combine two internet connections, for example Starlink with VSAT or OneWeb, or a satellite service with 4G/5G near the coast. In these setups Iridium Certus is commonly added as the third connection: the last line of communication that stays available when every other link is down.
Because Certus bandwidth is limited and airtime is charged by usage, the router only lets approved traffic through: bridge and office telephony, operational email, weather routing, ECDIS and AIS-related updates where required, remote monitoring and support access. Crew internet, streaming and software updates stay blocked until a higher-capacity connection returns.
Satcenter configures the failover rules, traffic priorities and firewall policies on routers such as Peplink, MikroTik and Marpoint, tests the switchover during commissioning and monitors it afterwards. See also our maritime IT services and maritime cybersecurity.
Certus 100, 200 and 700
Iridium Certus is designed for dependable operational communication with compact satellite equipment. Available speeds depend on the service class and the terminal.
| Service class | Maximum download | Maximum upload | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certus 100 | 88 kbps | 22 kbps | Voice, messaging and light operational data |
| Certus 200 | 176 kbps | 176 kbps | Essential IP connectivity and voice |
| Certus 700 | 704 kbps | Up to 352 kbps | More capacity for operational data and multiple voice lines |
These are maximum service capabilities. Terminal specifications vary: some Certus 700 terminals support a maximum upload speed of 176 kbps. Actual performance depends on the equipment, the service plan and operating conditions.
For general crew internet, large downloads and regular video streaming, Satcenter combines Iridium Certus with a higher-capacity service such as Starlink, OneWeb or VSAT.
Maritime Iridium terminals
We help you compare terminal options based on your vessel's trading area, bandwidth needs, installation space, telephone system and budget.
The Intellian C700 is a fixed maritime terminal for Iridium Certus 700. It supports download speeds of up to 704 kbps, upload speeds of up to 352 kbps and up to three simultaneous high-quality voice lines. Its solid-state antenna has no moving parts. The C700 can serve as the primary operational connection or as a companion to a higher-capacity satellite service. Satcenter supplies and installs the C700, integrates it with the vessel's network and telephony and configures its role within the overall communication system.
For vessels operating in extreme cold, Intellian offers a dedicated C700 Winterized version. The outdoor antenna is designed for an extended operating temperature range of -50°C to +55°C, with a heating device and the winterization kit supplied as standard. The Winterized version addresses extreme temperatures; polar coverage itself comes from the Iridium network. We help determine whether your operating conditions require winterized equipment.
The Intellian C200M is a compact maritime terminal for Iridium Certus 200, with upload and download speeds of up to 176 kbps. It provides voice and essential data in a smaller installation and can run as a standalone system or alongside VSAT and other onboard connections. A good choice for essential communications or a compact backup terminal.
The SAILOR 4300 supports global IP connectivity and up to three simultaneous voice lines. Iridium lists its Certus 700 configuration with download speeds of up to 704 kbps and upload speeds of up to 176 kbps. Its compact antenna and below-deck unit integrate easily into existing communication systems. We supply, install and commission the SAILOR 4300, including antenna cabling, LAN integration, telephone connections and failover configuration, and confirm the supported service configuration in your quotation.
Satcenter advises on the right VesseLINK system and integrates it into the vessel's communication and IT infrastructure.
Lars Thrane builds fixed maritime systems that combine satellite telephony and IP data.
We supply and install these systems, connect compatible telephones and integrate their data service with the vessel's network.
Portable communication
A permanently installed terminal is not always necessary. For portable calls and messaging, Satcenter also supplies Iridium handheld satellite phones and suitable accessories.
The Iridium 9555 is a compact satellite phone for voice calls and SMS beyond mobile network coverage. It suits captains, engineers and field teams who need a portable device, and vessels that want an additional, independent telephone.
The Iridium Extreme 9575 adds integrated GPS, location sharing and a programmable SOS button in a rugged handheld design. It suits users who need portable satellite communication with location and emergency-assistance features. SOS functionality requires proper setup and registration.
Depending on the handset, we advise on compatible docking stations, external antennas, chargers, spare batteries and mounting options. Inside a steel hull the satellite signal cannot reach the phone, so a docking station with an external antenna keeps the handset usable indoors, on the bridge or in the engine control room.
Installation & commissioning
Satcenter provides the engineering work that turns satellite equipment into a practical onboard communication system. Our installation scope can include:
We plan attendance around the vessel's schedule, with engineers based in Rotterdam and Istanbul and international attendance by arrangement.
Managed connectivity
Troubleshooting of terminal, network and voice faults without waiting for the next port call.
Terminal and network settings kept up to date, with firmware maintenance where appropriate.
Regular checks of data and voice usage so the airtime plan matches how the vessel actually uses Iridium.
Firewall rules and application access policies that keep unwanted traffic off the Certus link.
Periodic communication tests to confirm the switchover to Iridium works when it is needed.
Round-the-clock support from our engineers, plus onboard attendance and fault investigation.
Airtime & SIM
The right airtime solution depends on how the system will be used. A vessel that keeps Iridium mainly as a third failover connection has very different requirements from one that uses it daily for operational data and telephone calls.
Satcenter assesses expected usage, voice requirements, backup traffic and the number of vessels involved. We arrange suitable SIM and airtime solutions and explain the allowances, usage charges and service terms before activation, so there are no surprises on the first invoice.
Distress and safety
Iridium Certus connectivity and Iridium GMDSS serve different requirements. GMDSS provides dedicated maritime distress and safety services and requires an approved system configuration.
A standard Certus terminal or handheld satellite phone does not automatically count as an approved GMDSS installation. Approved systems such as the Lars Thrane LT-4200S and Intellian C700 GMDSS add Distress Alert, Safety Voice and SafetyCast; see our Iridium GMDSS systems page. For Inmarsat-based safety services, see Inmarsat maritime connectivity.
FAQ
Answers to the questions shipowners, superintendents and captains ask us most about Iridium at sea.
Yes. Iridium's satellite network covers the geographic North Pole, the Arctic, Antarctica and the oceans between them. Reception requires suitable equipment and a clear antenna view of the sky.
No. Polar coverage comes from the Iridium network. Winterized hardware is chosen for extreme environmental conditions: the Intellian C700 Winterized is designed for outdoor operation down to -50°C.
Yes, and this is one of its most common uses. With Starlink or VSAT as the primary link and 4G/5G or a second satellite service as the secondary link, Iridium Certus acts as the third connection. The router switches essential voice and data to Iridium automatically when both other links are down.
Yes. Satcenter integrates Certus into the vessel's network and configures it as an additional connection for selected applications with automatic failover.
Up to 88 kbps download with Certus 100, 176 kbps in both directions with Certus 200, and up to 704 kbps download with Certus 700. It is designed for voice and operational data, not for streaming or crew internet.
Both make voice calls and send SMS over the Iridium network. The Extreme 9575 adds a rugged housing, integrated GPS, location sharing and a programmable SOS button.
Depending on the terminal and the telephone system, integration is possible through SIP, analogue interfaces or a compatible PBX. We check compatibility before installation.
Yes. We provide equipment supply, installation, commissioning, network integration, airtime and ongoing support, with the service scope tailored to your vessel.
Connectivity
Get in touch
Send us your vessel name, operating area, existing communication equipment and voice or data requirements. We will prepare a proposal covering equipment, installation and service. You can also reach us at info@satcenter.tv or +31 (0)85 560 71 20.
A vessel in Rotterdam moved from an Intellian V100 VSAT system to Starlink, Intellian OW10HM OneWeb and KVH TracNet Coastal 5G, with a new communications rack, KVH CommBo...
Replacement of the Iridium Certus antenna and below-deck unit on an LNG carrier in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with firmware update, voice and data activation, applicatio...
Installation of an Intellian OW10 OneWeb terminal and Starlink High Performance Gen 2 on a vessel in Rotterdam, combined with KVH TracNet LTE backup and a complete review...
We value your privacy
We use analytics cookies to understand how our website is used and to improve it. You can accept or decline, essential cookies are always on. Read our privacy policy.