Avionica has announced the availability of satLINK, an Iridium satellite-based voice and data communications alternative. 

Avionica president Raul Segredo indicates the product's introduction could not be more timely, "Verizon's impending exit from the in-flight telephone business is another excellent reason to consider satLINK Iridium communications: it provides a convenient, cost effective service solution for emergency air-ground communications, like in-flight medical emergency management".

satLINK may be installed with either a dedicated audio handset, or integrated into the aircraft’s audio system using the audio panel , headset, and mic push-to-talk keys for control. Either way, each aircraft can be addressed with a unique telephone number, ensuring it can not only place calls, but also be selectively called.

satLINK not only provides an Iridium connection, it also manages communications traffic, routing it based on network availability and criticality, ensuring the most economical transmission of data. Since over 60% of ACARS transmissions often occur on the ground, significant savings can be achieved by routing them over 802.11 wireless.

Unlike ACARS, Iridium data channels are dedicated. ACARS is shared, and as more and more customers are signed under flat-fee contracts, availability can only decline.

satLINK provides gateway connectivity between a variety of aircraft communications network types, including ARINC 429, ARINC 618, ARINC 619, Ethernet, and 802.11 wireless. secureLINK bridges all these networks to Iridium and to each other. A shared or (optionally) dedicated audio channel is also included. satLINK can provide GPS position data to the Ethernet bus, as well as an 802.11 cabin wireless access point.

Launch Customer Miami Air will commence installations with the impending Avionics Support Group Boeing 737NG STC, followed by other contracts already stretching into late 2007.

FMI: www.avionica.com