Iridium Gets GMDSS Service OK From FCC
Watercraft equipped with an Iridium global maritime distress and safety system mobile satellite service have to keep the unit on and set to receive calls whenever the vessel is underway and the radio isn't being used to communicate, just as…
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ships equipped with Inmarsat GMDSS service do, the FCC Wireless Bureau said Friday, approving Iridium's ask that it be allowed to provide GMDSS service (see 1910030047). The bureau rejected Inmarsat arguments Iridium approval should come after a rulemaking, saying Iridium's requested waivers aren't of such complexity that its GMDSS service risks disrupting the FCC regulatory framework for maritime communications. Also as a condition of approval: ships with an Iridium earth station have to maintain a continuous watch for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, the same as required of vessels equipped with an Inmarsat ship earth station.