[Motorola] Motorola Iridium Satellite Phone

[motorola@mailman.qth.net]

My Understanding (Via NORAD) is that 80 % of the Irridium system has been 
deactivated, and 10% have already dropped out of orbit. LEO devices cannot be 
sent back into orbit to replace them under new ITU and ISSA guidelines for 
'space traffic'. This was due in part to Motorola thinking everyone would go 
right out and buy a $3000 'cell' phone. Motorola's Irridium Systems lost 
their shirt and Motorola decided to quit pumping over $2 Million a year into 
the system. 
       For a short period of time, the folks who enjoy gazing at stars were 
blaming the Irridium Satellites on the HAM community, stating this was their 
new OSCAR program. Motorola, not wanting to be sued by them, let this rumor 
continue. 
73 de John W6HNC