doing some research on data rates
present iridium web page speeds is 9kbit/sec according to iridium web page. (approx - 3 -10 minutes to load a web page- 6 times slower than a 56kbit modem)
some one else says 108kbit/sec
Launching in 2015
$3 bill Next iridium has
The constellation will provide L-band data speeds of up to 1.5 Mbit/sand high-speed Ka-Band service of up to 8 Mbit/s.
competitor
has 50 times faster speed and global;
Inmarsat, which offers the popular FleetBroadband network, will begin launching Global Xpress satellites later this year. The $1.5 billion initiative will offer global coverage and download speeds of up to 50 Mbps. FleetBroadband doesn’t work in the Arctic or Antarctic.
“Global Xpress will combine ultra-high bandwidth and exceptional service quality with global coverage and seamless mobility. Vessels will have access to data speeds of up to 50 Mbps through a 60 to 100 cm antenna, up to 50 times faster than speeds Iridium NEXT can deliver,” Coles said.
Need to compare Prices of sim card between both companies. But wont know until new services are available.
So my conclusion is
1. data rates 50 times slower
2. "Iridium Go" can only connect to iridium satellites
3. Redport routers can connect to iridium.- direct competition to Iridium Go.
4. Redport routers are more versatile and can connect to Compatible Satellite Equipment
Works with all standard satellite equipment including: