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A narrow valley in Picos de europa mountain range, northern Spain.

Iridium Supports Longest Solo Bike Crossing Of Antarctica

Antarctica people and bike

A Record-Breaking Journey

 

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) proud to announce its support of Omar Di Felice and the Antarctica Unlimited Project, the longest solo riding attempt by bicycle on the continent. 

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The Italian ultra cyclist, well known for his difficult solo-biking treks in some of the world’s most remote locations, has travelled to Antarctica to cycle across the continent in an effort to set a record while spreading climate change awareness.

Enduring a journey in such an extreme environment requires Omar to use durable equipment and a reliable network that can withstand harsh conditions. Along his route, Omar has at his disposal an Iridium Extreme® and Iridium GO! exec®, both of which feature military-grade housing and use Iridium’s truly global, weather-resistant, L-band network—making them the perfect communication solutions for his journey. The devices are used primarily for safety and overall communication purposes, allowing Omar to get in contact with whomever, whenever, from anywhere, throughout his journey.

Omar Di Felice sitting outside his orange tent on the Antarctic ice, using a device while solar panels rest on the tent roof.

“It is the biggest and most ambitious project of my life. It’s not a secret that Antarctica is one of the world’s most remote and unforgiving places. When I was in the beginning stages of building this project, I knew my safety had to be top of mind,” said Di Felice.

Ultra cyclist Omar Di Felice kneeling in the snow beside his sled and expedition gear during his Antarctica ride.

“I was incredibly grateful to discover that devices connected with Iridium’s network could reach Earth’s polar regions. The Iridium Extreme has given me unmatched peace of mind knowing that I can signal for an SOS and reach help in a moment’s notice. It’s also been very useful to have the chance to share pictures with those following my journey via the Iridium GO! exec.”

The Iridium Extreme and Iridium GO! exec are portable, water-resistant (IP65 rating), and robust satellite communication devices that operate over the Iridium satellite network. 

Hand holding an Iridium GO! exec satellite communication device against a snowy Antarctic backdrop.
Di Felice’s Iridium GO! exec

Iridium Extreme allows users to voice call and signal for SOS anywhere in the world, enabling off-grid outdoor enthusiasts, such as Di Felice, to focus on what’s in front of them without being disconnected from emergency services.

Iridium GO! exec provides satellite connectivity for your smartphone. The reliable tandem of the device and the Iridium GO! exec App allows users to share pictures, text message, e-mail, and browse the Internet from their own smartphones.


Follow Omar’s journey here (Italian).

 

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.