Choosing an Iridium Data Package
Written by Matthew Clark-Massera
Updated at January 31st, 2023
Digital Matter offer Iridium Data bundles for devices using the Telematics Guru platform.
The package you need depends on your requirements, and the amount of time the asset will spend out of coverage.
| 3KB | this for light compliance, where tracking outside mobile coverage is essential for safety etc, approx 150 messages per month, for vehicles that “may” go out of coverage |
| 8KB | This plan is the normal, approx 400 messages per month, for vehicles that go out in and of coverage regularly but not for particularly long periods |
| 15KB | This plan is approx 750 messages, for vehicles that go out of coverage often but are generally based in mobile coverage |
| 30KB | is approx 1500 messages, for vehicles that go out of coverage a lot and stay out (exploration, remote camps, construction and civils equipment). |
You can also use the attached spreadsheet to estimate the amount of monthly uploads you will get over Iridium based upon time spent out of coverage and device settings.
This will help with choosing your plan and adjusting your settings to stay within the upload limit, to avoid overage charges.
NB: This calculator is basic, and doesn't account for trip start/stop uploads, or uploads due to digital input changes. Use as a guide only - your time spent out of coverage/in trip will vary regardless.