Iridium, the satellite phone company, today announced a new satellite phone and hotspot designed to connect users in even the most remote locations.

Iridium, the satellite phone company, today announced a new satellite phone and mobile hotspot designed to connect users in even the most remote locations. The Iridium Extreme and the Iridium AxcessPoint tap into Iridium’s satellite network to provide users with service anywhere in the world.

The Iridium Extreme is the one of the most advanced, rugged satellite phones currently on the market. It's the smallest and lightest handset model from Iridium so far, with the ability to accurately locate users anywhere on the planet. It meets Military Standard 810F for durability and features the first dedicated, two-way emergency SOS button on a satellite phone.

The Extreme also offers online tracking portals, with fully integrated GPS and location-based service capabilities for Web-based location identification and tracking. Location-based services include the ability to track an Iridium Extreme user’s real-time status and location, zooming to street level via online maps, scheduling regular check-ins, providing emergency services, and geo-fencing.

Iridium also announced the AxcessPoint, a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot that connects BlackBerry and Android devices to the Iridium network using an Iridium Extreme or Iridium 9555 satellite phone. Support for iOS devices is expected to come via a free app later in the year. By connecting a USB cable from the Extreme or the 9555 to the AxcessPoint, it becomes a wireless hotspot to which users can connect a BlackBerry or Android device. Since the AxcessPoint taps into Iridium's satellite network, it can provide users with service in many locations where they would otherwise be off the grid. According to Iridium, data speeds are around 26-27kbps.

In addition to the AxcessPoint, Iridium is launching AxcessPoint Connect, which effectively turns any Windows laptop into a global Wi-Fi hotspot when connected to an Iridium Extreme or Iridium 9555. It's a free downloadable application for use with the Iridium Direct Internet software connectivity tool.

Pricing is not yet available, but Iridium claims the AxcessPoint will be available later in the year for under $200, plus standard airtime charges. The Iridium Extreme begins shipping today, and should be available through the company's service partners soon. No pricing has been announced.