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Why Iridium GO! is still the easiest & best satellite device for Offshore sailors
20 Comments1) The Best Value on market
- Unlimited data US$139.95/Month
- Unlimited SMS texts
- 150 minutes free voice calling (outbound calling)
- Free Satellite Email client for iOS/Android
- Comes with Wifi hotspot/firewall built in
2) New Satellite Network
Iridium has made a 3 billion dollar investment in 66 new satellites in one of the largest technology upgrades ever completed in space. The new Iridium network is almost complete, and we understand will be fully operational by November 2018.
- With the new satellite network you can expect a reliable connection with no dropouts, for better consistency in your Offshore App downloads.
- With the latest firmware, and the new Satellites you can expect a 50% data speed increase on the new Satellites from 12 KBytes/min to 18 KBytes/min. Faster weather downloads!
- Better voice quality on the new Satellites
3) Rugged and reliable
The Iridium GO is ruggedly engineered with an IP65 waterproof and dust rating. This is the same rating as the Iridium 9575 Extreme phone. By using your mobile phone to make the call, SMS or email the Iridium Go can remain in a fixed location on your boat, to be secure and safe.
4) Emergency Situation.
With a built in battery the unit can be quickly unplugged in an emergency to throw in your grab bag. With the free GEOS service provided with every Iridium GO!, rescue services can be coordinated when you press the emergency button on the unit.
5) Full global coverage
Iridium is the only Satellite network in the world with complete global coverage, so you are fully covered where ever you decide to go – there are no limits in coverage!
Check you are on the latest firmware to get the benefits of the NEXT Satellites.
Buy Now from US$699 or US$999 with Iridium Fixed Installation Kit.
can i use this for 1 mth each year for a 1 mth payment
Hi Alan,
Yes you can, we have a 1 full calendar month minimum term for the airtime.
Would like more information on how to use this device. For example, does it direct connect to a laptop or tablet to see the information it receives and if so, how? Are there other plans than “unlimited data”? We are seasonal cruisers and don’t really need the unit 8 months out of the year. Can a subscription be used only seasonally? Does the unit need a clear view of the sky or will it operate below deck without the fixed mount kit? How are SMS texts sent, via a regular cellphone? Seems like there are several other electronic units that are needed for this to be fully functional. Any other information available as to what else is needed?
Hi Brian,
The Iridium Go creates a local wifi hotspot on board which you can connect your laptop or tablet too. Please see https://www.predictwind.com/iridium-go/?satellite for information on the other plans we offer, the Unlimited plan is very popular as you are unlikely to get overages, unless you are a big talker:)
The airtime plans are monthly so 8 months or 2 months it doesnt matter, you not locked in for a year so seasonal use is no problem. Like all satellite devices the Iridium Go needs to be able see the satellites, we strongly recommend the marine package with external antenna for ease of use and best performance.
SMS are send from a smartphone or tablet via the Iridium GO app. You only need a smartphone to be fully operational, not extra electronics required.
If you have any questions that are not answered on our website please contact support@predictwind.com and we will be more than happy to help.
Kind Regards
Nick Olson
We’ve used our Iridium GO! for over three years and two oceans since purchasing from PW in early 2015. It continues to provide reliable service for our data needs as an actively cruising family, and has only performed better over time (keep up those firmware updates!). I can’t wait to see how speeds improve when the new network is 100% on – I really think we’ve been experiencing the benefit of the new constellation already!
Thanks for the feedback Behan:)
What is the new network ?
Hi there,
Iridium call their new network the ‘NEXT’ satellites. It is fully operational and 66 new satellites plus 9 spares are now in orbit providing full global coverage.
If you have any other questions please make contact with our support team any time at support@predictwind.com
Is the Iridium Go data speed sufficient for (a) Video calls and/or (b) voice data calls?
Do you need an active subscription on your iPhone to access the Iridium Go hotspot?
Thx
Hi Charles,
The data speed is 2.4 Kbits/s (12 Kbytes/min).
At this data speed video calls and voice data calls are not possible. If your main requirement is SMS, satellite telephone calls, email & weather data (using PredictWind Offshore App) the data speed is acceptable, especially when you have the US$139.95/month unlimited data plan.
If you have any other question please contact support at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/
Thanks
Keryn McMaster, PredictWind.
Hi
Your article (dated Sept 2018) mentions that the data speed was increased by 50% to 18Kbytes/min following the upgrade to Iridium’s NEXT satellite network. This is contradicted in the posted reply to Charles on Feb 14 2020n saying these are still at 12Kbytes/min.
Please confirm current data download speeds of Irdium Go!
I have also read elsewhere that the Iridium Go! will not benefit from Iridium’s stated Data speeds for the NEXT satellite network of up to 512Kbps, but new future products will.
Any idea when these new products are being released? Is there a new replacement for Iridium Go! coming?
Many thanks
Hi Richard,
Thanks for making contact, I have replied to you via email.
Older Iridium Go’s running the older firmware are still seeing data speeds of 12Kbytes/min, however we recommend everyone updates to the new firmware to see the slightly faster speed of up to 18Kbytes/min fully utilizing the new NEXT satellites.
We believe there will still be a market for the Iridium Go unit and the unlimited data plan for years to come. If your mail requirement at sea is weather, sms, email and voice calling the Iridium Go is still an excellent, cost effective option.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to start a new conversation at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/
Se pode fazer vixeo chamadas e usar faccebook queria saber se e rapida a internete
Se você usa um dispositivo de satélite Iridium GO, NÃO é possível usar o Facebook e acessar a Internet rapidamente.
A velocidade dos dados é de 2,4 Kbits / s (12 Kbytes / min).
Nessa velocidade de dados, você pode navegar apenas em sites baseados em texto. Se o seu principal requisito for email e dados meteorológicos (usando o PredictWind Offshore App), a velocidade dos dados será aceitável, especialmente quando você tiver um plano de dados ilimitado de US $ 139,95 / mês.
As chamadas telefônicas não são afetadas pela velocidade dos dados.
Entre em contato diretamente com support@PredictWind.com se você tiver mais alguma dúvida, teremos prazer em ajudar.
———-
If you use an Iridium GO satellite device it is NOT possible to use Facebook and access fast internet.
The data speed is 2.4 Kbits/s (12 Kbytes/min).
At this data speed you can only browse text based websites. If your main requirement is email & weather data (using PredictWind Offshore App) the data speed is acceptable, especially when you have the US$139.95/month unlimited data plan.
Phone calls are not affected by the data speed.
Please contact support@PredictWind.com directly if you have any further questions, we are happy to help.
i would like to keep using my iridium 9555 phone as modem to connect to predictwind, is it possible ?
Hi there,
Yes, you can access PredictWind GRIB files and routing via the 9555 phone, you would need to do email request.
You may want to consider an ‘Optimizer’ which connects to your 9555 phone and creates a Wi-Fi hot spot so you can direct download PredictWind files.
The reasons to buy an Optimizer are as follows:
*Sets up a Wi-Fi hotspot for easy connection of laptops, phones & tablets.
*The Optimizer contains all the software device drivers, so all software interface issues are eliminated.
*The Optimizer contains a firewall to prevent unwanted windows downloads (for example) over your satellite connection.
*Get weather downloads directly into the PredictWind Offshore App, so you do not need to go through the numerous steps for an email request.
You can purchase an Optimizer from http://www.globalmarinenet.com/product/redport-optimizer/ The cost is only US$149, and you do not need the XGate software, or any other subscription services.
If you do not want to buy an Optimizer, and have email set up for your satellite connection, you can retrieve all weather data using an email request. This works but there are more steps to the download process.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to start a new conversation at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/
Can you recommend say a 7inch tablet for your predictwind app
Thanks Michael.
Hi Michael,
In purchasing a tablet we recommend staying with the major brands such as Samsung or Apple. There can be issues with the cheaper brands/models. If possible install the PredictWind or Offshore App in the showroom, and check the Wind Maps display without any error messages.
Apple devices require iOS 11.4 or later
Android devices require Android 6 and above.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to start a new conversation at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/ or by emailing us at support@predictwind.com.
Could you tell me if it’s suitable for ice charts. I am planning a trip to Greenland.
Hi John,
I’m sorry, but we do not supply ice charts in PredictWind. The Iridium GO can send/ receive emails, so if you can source ice charts that can be sent via email (perhaps using Sail Docs) then yes, it is possible.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do not hesitate to start a new conversation at https://www.predictwind.com/contact-us/ or by emailing us at support@predictwind.com.