The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is establishing an Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium)-based satellite phone service for motorists on the Trans-Labrador Highway. Roadpost of Mississauga, Ontario, is supplying Iridium 9555 satellite phones and services through its dealer Newfound Mobility Solutions. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched this new Iridium-based satellite phone program for the Trans-Labrador Highway to replace and upgrade previous communications services from other providers. Through this program, local hotel operators will offer Iridium phones as loaners to motorists traveling along the highway. The phones will be pre-programmed to direct calls to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, which will coordinate necessary emergency responses directly or through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Trans-Labrador Highway is made up of more than 950 miles of asphalt and gravel road, with very few turnoffs or stops, in a remote region of northeastern Canada.

As part of North America’s summer season, Iridium has launched its third annual “Test Your Satellite Phone” initiative, to encourage satellite phone users to prepare now to ensure that one of their most critical lifelines in a disaster — their satellite phone — works properly. The Iridium Test Your Satellite Phone initiative asks all satellite phone owners to call a special U.S.-based number — +1-480-752-5105 — to test their satellite phones. Callers will hear a recorded message confirming that their call was completed and offering quick tips on proper handset usage. Iridium does not charge customers for air time on their satellite phone when they call this number. Non-Iridium customers should consult with their service providers to determine what charges may apply. If customers find that their phones are not operational through this process, they should call their respective service provider.