Satellite operator Iridium has just announced a comprehensive plan for funding, building and deploying its next generation Satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The service, which among other things will offer faster internet data speeds, has been in development since 2007 and the first launch is anticipated for 2015.

Iridium's fixed price contract with Thales Alenia Space provides for the construction of the originally planned 72 operational satellites and in-orbit spares, plus an additional 9 ground spares (81 total), which provide greater risk mitigation for satellites that fail.



Little is known about what kind of new packages Iridium might offer, although it is not focused on providing broadband Satellite services to residential users. However it will be interesting to see whether their internet data products improve with the upgraded network.