US-based company Iridium Communications has announced the live testing of its Certus 9770 transceiver for faster satellite data.

The first ten approved beta partners are now creating new solutions based on the Iridium Certus 9770.

The testing of operational beta units will help refine the new transceiver and the solutions before moving them to service activation.

The first ten partners testing the devices are Beam Communications, Blue Sky Network, Cobham, Lars Thrane, Marine Instruments, McQ, NAL Research Corporation, SkyTrac Systems, Telespazio and Wireless Innovation.

The Iridium Certus 9770 transceiver is a new generation of small-form-factor satellite-enabled device that will aid in expanding satellite services to new markets. It is expected to be made available to more Iridium licensed technology and distribution partners in the first quarter of next year.

The latest among Iridium core technology components, Certus 9770 transceiver is designed for speeds from 22Kbps to 88Kbps. It is capable of transferring IP data more than 35 times faster than previous devices.

Iridium CEO Matt Desch said: “This new breed of device is the start of a shift in what defines small-form-factor satellite communications technology.

“These are highly mobile, lower-cost solutions that feature native IP technology at speeds capable of delivering a true internet, email, high-quality voice, photo and even some video capabilities.

“When you combine that with our truly global coverage, we’re creating a cost-effective and reliable ecosystem of new products in a new L-band speed class, mid-band, that is unlike anything that exists from the satellite community today.”