[Satellite TODAY 01-06-11] Iridium Communications has introduced an updated version of its Direct Internet software package to connect to the Internet using the Iridium 9555 and Iridium 9505A satellite phones as well as the Iridium 9522B L-band Transceiver, the mobile satellite service provider announced Jan. 5.
     The Direct Internet 3 package aims to enhance Internet connectivity by using new data compression, caching and network optimization techniques powered by SlipStream SP6.0 with Now Imaging compression technology.
    Iridium said the software package update is part of its effort to enhance its offerings in preparation for Iridium Next, the company’s next-generation satellite constellation expected to begin launching in 2015.