[Satellite TODAY 12-09-11] Satellite technology developer Track24 has won a contract to supply the Canadian government with short burst data (SBD) services from MSS operator Iridium Communications, Track24 announced Dec. 8.

   Track24 said the contract was issued by Shared Services Canada (SSC) to deliver Iridium SBD-based devices, airtime and support, while minimizing procurement costs and delays. The deal allows Canadian government departments and agencies to deal directly with Track24 without having to undergo procurement processes for every instance in which they require the same technology and service.

   In a statement, Track24 Director of Canadian Satellite Services Giles Peeters said the award was issued in response to growing requirements for secure military and government communications that have beyond line-of-sight capability gaps.            

   “The need for satellite services in military, security or even high risk commercial situations is obvious, as it is a low-cost, highly-reliable and secure way of communicating and transmitting data, regardless of global positioning and availability of GSM networks. We are already talking orders with a number of government departments across Canada who will capitalize on the benefits that these satellite solutions can provide,” Peeters said.