WASHINGTON-Motorola Inc. said it will maintain some service to the Iridium satellite system for a limited period of time to allow subscribers in remote regions time to obtain alternative communications.
The company did not give a specific time limit. To continue service, though, Iridium L.L.C. gateway providers in those regions must continue their operations as well, Motorola noted.
In the meantime, Motorola is pursuing plans to de-orbit the satellites, which is expected to take up to eight months.
“Motorola is extremely disappointed that Iridium has not succeeded in its effort to emerge from voluntary bankruptcy,” the company said in a statement. “Motorola and other Iridium investors have worked very hard to support Iridium’s efforts to reorganize and continue operating the business. Unfortunately, that has not happened.”
Ending the long-held silence maintained throughout the final days of the bankruptcy court process, Iridium executives made a final statement regarding the matter themselves.
“I am deeply saddened by this outcome,” said Randy Brouckman, Iridium chief operating officer. “I particularly regret the impact this will have on our customers. Iridium achieved significant milestones, and I want to thank the more than 160 countries that licensed the service and the distribution partners around the world who helped market Iridium.”
