Truly Global Vessel Tracking

Vessel tracking requirements stretch from recreational sailors wishing to maintain communications with their families,
through to government-enforced vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

If you are a yacht owner, or participate in / organize yacht races, we'd recommend speaking to our sister company,
YB Tracking, as they're specifically set up to serve your needs.

However, if you manage a fleet, or you're a VMS provider looking for a hardware partner, you're in the right place!

“The RockFLEET device is a high-quality product that has proven easy to install and operate, but still offers the sophisticated data and coverage that the Queensland fishing industry requires.”

Peter Bolger CEO, Pivotel

Iridium-Global-Coverage-Map-2023

Iridium Coverage Map

Our preferred vessel tracking devices utilize the Iridium satellite constellation for three key reasons: global coverage, low latency, and high reliability.

The Iridium satellite constellation is in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which means that your location data and messages will typically be sent and received in less than one second.

Their cross-linked network of 66 satellites means that not only is there usually three to four satellites passing overhead at any given time, they also send data between each other. That means you don’t need to ‘point’ your satellite device; the signal will be received and transmitted from anywhere on the globe with a clear view of the sky.

Find Out More About Iridium Coverage

Short Burst Data Service Plans and Pricing

We use the Short Burst Data (Iridium SBD) service on the RockFLEET and RockSTAR, because it’s extremely cost-effective for tracking and basic messaging. That said, we’re fully aware that the pricing displayed below doesn’t ‘translate’ easily to actual usage, and would encourage you to call / email us to discuss your requirements, so we can quote for your airtime individually.

Annual Plans
Pay-As-You-Go Plans - Line Rental
Pay-As-You-Go Plans - Running Costs

Satellite airtime isn’t cheap, and we pride ourselves on delivering great value for our customers. So, rather than having a small number of plans that will either see you rack up expensive overage fees, or pay for data you don’t use, we tailor our plans to every customer. These are example plans only; let us know what your data requirements are and we’ll make a plan that suits you.

Also, please note that our annual plans are available for any SBD device; our Pay-As-You-Go plans are exclusive to Ground Control manufactured devices.

Example Plan:
Low Usage
Mid Usage
High Usage
Price Per Month (USD):
$15.00
$35.00
$140.00
Inclusive Data:
5,000 bytes
25,000 bytes
250,000 bytes
Overage Rate:
$3.00 per 1,000 bytes
$1.60 per 1,000 bytes
$0.75 per 1,000 bytes
Activation Fee:
$25.00
$30.00
$25.00
SKU:
GC-SBD-5KB-1
GC-SBD-25KB-1
GC-SBD-250KB-1

Our pay-as-you-go plans offer great flexibility for development purposes, and are available for the RockBLOCK 9602 and RockBLOCK 9603 plug-and-play satellite transceivers, the RockSTAR personal tracking device, RockFLEET vehicle tracking device, and the RockAIR aircraft tracking device.

Line rental allows the SBD device to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network. Credits are used each time you transmit.

Device:
RockBLOCK 9602, 9603, Plus
RockSTAR
RockFLEET, RockAIR
Price Per Month (USD):
$17.00
$23.00
$23.00
Hybrid Satellite / Cellular Service:
n/a
n/a
+ $13.00 per month

Line rental allows the SBD device to exchange information with the Iridium satellite network. Credits are used each time you transmit. One credit is used per 50 bytes (or part thereof) of message sent or received. One credit is also used if you check your mailbox and there are no messages waiting (a mailbox check).

Be sure to check out our SBD Pricing page for full details of our Pay-As-You-Go service plans.

Bundle:
50 Credits
100 Credits
1,000 Credits
10,000 Credits
Per Credit (USD):
$0.20
$0.19
$0.12
$0.08
Bundle Price (USD):
$10.00
$19.00
$124.00
$825.00

Benefits of Iridium Short Burst Data Service

We're SBD experts, having designed and manufactured IoT and tracking devices leveraging this service for well over a decade. If your data volumes are low, and you can optimize your transmissions, this is the most cost-effective way to transmit your data.

Flexible Connectivity Solutions

Our SBD products are ideal for remote weather stations, ocean drifters and buoys, monitoring of oil pipelines, controlling and reporting on equipment in the middle of nowhere. For basic telemetry and command/control applications where mobile signals don’t go – they’re ideal.

Truly Global Coverage + Low Latency

Iridium has 66 satellites in orbit around the Earth, allowing coverage anywhere on Earth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No other satellite network has truly global coverage. Messages sent via Iridium take just seconds to reach you, via e-mail or directly to your web-service.

Cloudloop Platform and Applications

All our devices are provided with access to our web-based monitoring and management system, Cloudloop. which simplifies your data, device and subscription management. If you have your own management system, and want to integrate data from our products, that's OK.

Customized Airtime Service Plans

Satellite airtime is more expensive than cellular - most of the time! - but we make it affordable. We have great prices, and we also tailor all of our airtime plans to our customers' requirements, so you only pay for the data you use, and avoid expensive overage fees.

Need help finding the right product?

That's what we're here for. With offices in the US and UK, and over 20 years' experience delivering satellite and cellular connectivity, we can help you make the right choice for your requirements and budget.

Email or call us, or complete the form, and we'll provide objective, expert advice.