WASHINGTON-Iridium L.L.C. reported a net loss of $205 million for the quarter ended March 31, which the company said is consistent with its expectations.
The consortium is developing a global wireless communications network based on a constellation of 66 low-earth-orbiting satellites, expected to begin commercial service Sept. 24.
In the first quarter, Iridium launched 19 satellites, bringing the total number to 62. Two more launches are planned for April, which will complete the constellation.
Iridium also said it has finished building all 12 earth gateway facilities, which are now being tested.
Voice and paging testing continued in the quarter as well, with Iridium telephony and paging equipment distributed worldwide.
Testing will continue and expand to system control and billing systems before service is launched, said Iridium. The company expects to complete and staff its customer-care facilities by the end of June in Australia, the Netherlands and the United States.
