Iridium has extended its relationship with KDDI Corporation by making it an authorized service provider for the Iridium OpenPort high-bandwidth maritime satellite communication service in Japan. KDDI has secured Japanese product type approvals and will distribute Iridium OpenPort units and service into the Japanese merchant shipping and commercial fishing fleets.

"KDDI has been a valued Iridium service provider since 2005, and the ability to include KDDI as our Iridium OpenPort distribution partner will significantly augment its portfolio of Iridium-based products," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of global distribution channels, Iridium. "We expect to see strong growth for Iridium OpenPort in the substantial Japanese maritime satcom market."

"Iridium OpenPort is an excellent product that meets a growing need for higher-capacity voice and data in today's maritime industry," said Yuzuru Takayama, general manager, MSAT Business Solution Sales Department, KDDI Corporation.

"With its multiple independent phone lines, IP-based architecture, scalable data services to 128 kbps, and low equipment and usage costs, Iridium OpenPort is an ideal solution for shipping companies and fishing fleets. In addition, Iridium's global coverage means that ships will be in constant touch wherever they sail, even including high Polar Regions."

As of March 16, 2010, Iridium delivered and activated more than 1,500 terminals on a wide range of vessels, including large ocean-going ships, naval craft, commercial fishing vessels and private yachts.