Options for Accessing IMT
There are two Iridium modules that utilize the IMT service: the 9770 and the 9704. However, they’re quite distinct in terms of functionality, and their airtime is priced differently. The 9770 module can send data over both IMT and Iridium Certus 100, so has the capability to use both message and IP-based transmissions. The 9704 module only sends via IMT; there is no IP option.
The trade-off is that the 9704 is smaller, lighter, and uses far less power than the 9770. It weighs about the same as its SBD-based predecessor, the 9603N module (12 g vs 11.4 g), but is 34% smaller than the 9603N.
How Does IMT Pricing Compare to SBD Pricing?
In our assessment, SBD is lower cost if you’re sending less than 7-10 KB of data per month. IMT via the 9704 module is best if you’re sending up to 55-60 KB of data per month, and IMT via the 9770 module is most economical if you’re sending over 60 KB of data per month.
This is a little over-simplified, and doesn’t take into account commitment, pools, hardware cost, power consumption, physical size, antennas etc., but serves as a guide.
Devices Utilizing the 9704 Module
Alternatively, Iridium has created a developer kit for the 9704, designed to onboard new Iridium customers. This takes some additional work, but as experts in this technology, we're here to help.
Devices Utilizing the 9770 Module
The RockREMOTE Mini and Mini OEM are satellite-only, but can flip between IP and message-based services depending on the application. Both are optimized for low power draw, making them suitable for solar / battery powered use cases.
Why Isn’t the ‘Bare’ 9704 Module Listed Here?
Working with the bare 9704 module is reserved for companies collaborating closely with Iridium, or an Iridium partner, and there are comprehensive certification requirements. For this reason it’s not offered up for sale online, but if you are interested in developing with the bare module, please get in touch.
100 KB
data per message ↑
100 KB
data per message ↓
~10 s
latency (variable)
Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) Airtime
Right now, you’ll pay a different rate for utilizing IMT via the 9704 module vs. the 9770 module. Excluding all other variables (hardware price, contract length etc.), if you’ll be using between 10-55 KB of data per month, then IMT via the 9704 module is more cost effective. Over 55 KB per month, and IMT via the 9770 module is lower cost.
Free Access to Cloudloop Subscription Manager and Cloudloop Data with Any Plan
Free Access to Cloudloop Subscription Manager and Cloudloop Data with Any Plan
Is Iridium Messaging Transport right for your project?
Ground Control has worked closely with Iridium since the very beginning of Certus 100 / IMT, and we are experts in this technology.
Complete the form or email hello@groundcontrol.com, and one of our expert team will be happy to provide a custom recommendation for the best airtime for your particular application.
We will respond to your inquiry within one working day.