DeLorme Announces Retail Availability of inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator

YARMOUTH, Maine, Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DeLorme, the innovation leader in navigation technology, today announced that its eagerly-awaited inReach™ satellite communicator is now available for purchase at retail and online.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111115/NE07043 )

With 90% of the Earth's surface lacking any cell phone service, inReach is the first affordable communication solution for anyone who works, travels or engages in outdoor activities in off the grid environments.  

The inReach, which has already won multiple innovation awards, delivers an arsenal of remote communication features previously unavailable in the consumer market, including send-and-receive text messaging, interactive SOS, message delivery confirmation, and true global coverage.

The inReach can be used as a standalone messenger to send pre-loaded text messages or to trigger an SOS alert. It can be also paired with either an Android phone or a DeLorme PN-60w handheld GPS to enable two-way personal and SOS messaging. In case of emergency, users can describe their situation so proper resources are deployed, and both user and responders can provide ongoing updates until help arrives.    

Message delivery confirmation is available with either a solo or paired inReach, along with remote tracking (which allows others to follow the user's travels online), and the ability to post messages to Facebook and Twitter.

"By affordably enabling reliable communication literally the world over, inReach dramatically expands what's possible for recreation and professional endeavors in remote or high risk environments," said Jim Skillings, DeLorme vice president for commercial products.

Since first announcing the inReach earlier this year, DeLorme has received enthusiastic interest from backpackers, mountaineers, hunters, anglers, sailors, pilots, snowmobilers and other outdoors enthusiasts. Inquiries have also poured in from government agencies and companies that deploy workers in isolated areas of the world.  

The core communications component of the inReach is the Iridium® 9602 short-burst data (SBD) transceiver.  Through it, the DeLorme inReach provides two-way connections through the world's furthest reaching communications network.

"The inReach has the potential to be a 'game changer' in satellite communication," added Patrick Shay, Iridium vice president and general manager for data services.  "It represents an excellent example of how our partner ecosystem is launching innovative, global, two-way communications services through Iridium that advance and enhance the communications options available to remote travelers and workers alike."

Compact and lightweight, inReach is also waterproof, floatable, and impact-resistant. In addition to Iridium satellites, inReach also connects with the Global Positioning System (GPS) for remote tracking and embedding precise location coordinates in sent messages.

To date, inReach has earned awards from Outside Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, GearJunkie.com, and most recently, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovation honors.

Suggested retail price for inReach is $249.95, with satellite subscriptions beginning at $9.95 per month.

It is available in the U.S. and Canada at better retail and online outlets (http://www.delorme.com/reseller/resellers_popup.htm) offering electronics or outdoor recreation gear. To learn more go to www.delorme.com or www.delorme.com/media for images and additional information.

About DeLorme:

DeLorme is a longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS products, and most recently the company has earned numerous prestigious awards for its integration of GPS navigation and satellite communications. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in these fast-changing technologies distinguishes DeLorme as a provider of unique solutions for both the commercial and government markets. DeLorme is based in Yarmouth, ME, and is home to Eartha, the world's largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit www.delorme.com.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe.  Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time.  Together with its ever-expanding ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications.  The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network – Iridium NEXT.  Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM.  

SOURCE DeLorme