IMT Iridium Chat has been released by Iridium now for the GO exec, with iOS and Android Apps available. IMT Iridium Chat enables instant messaging, media and location sharing from your phone or tablet via a GO exec device or any internet connection with other IMT Iridium Chat app users.
Important Note: To send and receive IMT Iridium Chat messages, both the sender and receiver must be using the app. You do not require a GO exec device to use the app via the internet.
Before you start
To use the IMT Iridium Chat app:
Your GO exec must be powered on.
You must have an active GO exec SIM card, and the LED light on the touchscreen is pulsing green.
Your GO exec must have the latest Firmware 2.1.0-19 or later.
To update your GO exec firmware, please see: Update your GO exec Firmware.
Download the IMT Iridium Chat App
The IMT Iridium Chat App is available for iOS and Android devices only.
Open your mobile or device's camera and scan the QR code below to download the iOS or Android GO exec App. Alternatively, open the links below or search the App Store or Play Store for the IMT Iridium Chat app.
Installation and setup of IMT Iridium Chat
Step 1 - Permissions
Upon opening the app, accept the IMT Iridium Chat app requests to enable permissions for notifications, contacts, your location, camera and Bluetooth.
Step 2 - Registration & Linking to your GO exec
Your cellular phone number is used as registration for IMT Iridium Chat, not your GO exec phone number.
Add your cell number and enter the SMS code sent to authenticate it.
Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device and connect to Iridium Wi-Fi.
Tap the Settings Wheel in the top right corner of the IMT Iridium Chat app.
Under Device > tap Link to Iridium GO exec device.
The app will search for your GO exec device.
Tap the device name when found e.g. IRDM025470.
The app will connect to the GO exec and request a Chat Linking Code.
On your GO exec touchscreen, tap the Settings Wheel > Use Chat Linking Code.
Upon successful linking of the device you will return to the main Chat page of the app.
Using the IMT Iridium Chat App
Tap the + button in the bottom right corner to start a new chat. The first time you do this, the app will scan the contacts you have enabled to find other IMT Iridium Chat users you can message. Tap the user to message them immediately or tap to invite a new user and send the app link to someone else.
Other users of the app can use any internet or cellular connection to register and use the app.
If you do not see your contact immediately in the list, please invite them or open your iOS Settings > Apps > Iridium Chat and check that your Contacts permissions are enabled.
Why use the IMT Iridium Chat App?
Here are four key reasons to use the IMT Iridium Chat App instead of Standard Chat Apps:
Unlimited app-to-app messaging is included in all Iridium GO! exec rate plans
Uses IMT via Bluetooth to enable real-time connectivity
Inbuilt image compression tool - Small message size means high speed and efficiency on the network
Store and forward is built into firmware, a real-time messaging experience
Important Note: The GO exec SOS function will use IMT Iridium Chat if both SOS and Iridium Chat are set up on the device. When an SOS is triggered, the unit will automatically attempt to send an SMS message via IMT to IERCC. This is an important reason to setup IMT even if you do not intend to use it.
As compared with Standard Chat Apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage and Telegram:
Uses IP Data on the Iridium GO exec and is designed for high-speed internet
Connects via Wi-Fi to the Iridium GO exec
Unlimited use when coupled with the GO exec PredictWind or Unlimited data plan
Requires user-initiated data sessions
Other useful information
Iridium Chat can link to up to 10 Iridium GO! exec devices, but it can only be BLE connected to four at any one time.
Iridium Chat supports group chat for up to 50 members.
All messages are capped at 1,000 characters.
All images are compressed to up to 95kb.
Your Iridium Chat account is valid for up to 90 days after last use. After this time the account and any chat backups associated with it will be deleted and you will need to register a new account.
Iridium Official FAQs
To read more, please visit the IMT Iridium Chat FAQ page: Frequently Asked Questions: Iridium Chat