The ProTECTS (Promotion of Two-Way Emergency Communication and Tracking Systems) Alliance held its first organizational meeting, in Phoenix, Arizona, immediately following the annual Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) Partners Conference in late January.

"The 38 member companies and organizations in attendance at the ProTECTS Alliance inaugural meeting demonstrates the global need for dialogue on two-way communication standards," said Patrick Shay, chairman, the ProTECTS Alliance and vice president of data services, Iridium. "The ProTECTS Alliance is intended to serve as a bridge connecting industry, government, the international search-and-rescue (SAR) community and end users. Our first meeting provided a forum to discuss the many important issues affecting this rapidly growing market."

Since its inception in late 2009, the ProTECTS Alliance has more than doubled its membership to 38 companies in representation. Membership is open to mobile satellite companies, service providers, product developers, manufacturers, system integrators, network operators, resellers, distributors, retailers, users, consultants, SAR organizations, first responders, trade associations, regulatory bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGO). The meeting featured presentations from three outside speakers and also included a review of the ProTECTS Alliance charter and an open discussion of the group's goals and priorities. Iridium will serve as a facilitator for the ProTECTS Alliance and will provide assistance in hosting meetings and distributing information through the new Iridium web site, scheduled to launch later this month. Members and other interested parties may obtain copies of the presentations from the meeting or learn more about the ProTECTS Alliance by emailing [email protected]. The next ProTECTS Alliance meeting is scheduled to take place in the spring. Details will be available in early March on the Iridium website.