The Alaska Department of Interior has awarded a contract to Infosat Communications to establish an automatic tracking system for aircraft using the Iridium satellite network for air-to-ground data links. Currently, 28 aircraft are being equipped with satellite data terminals compatible with the U.S. Forest Service & Department of the Interior's web based tracking system.  These terminals will provide automatic inflight tracking of the aircraft using Iridium's short-burst data (SBD) service.  The system will provide for automatic recording of routes and mileage for government owned and operated aircraft within the State of Alaska. "The Iridium short-burst data service is ideal for this sort of application," said Mukhtar Rahemtulla, Infosat senior vice president and general manager.  "Through the use of Iridium's short burst data and Latitude Technologies' Skynode Tracker unit, the Alaskan government will realize significant cost savings in communication.  The cost per position report on the Iridium-based system is less than 5 cents per transaction."  "Iridium's constellation of low-orbiting satellites provides a robust, reliable, cost-effective solution for tracking and monitoring aircraft throughout the remote regions of Alaska, including the far northern latitudes," said Don Thoma, Iridium executive vice president. About Iridium Satellite Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions).  Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available.  Iridium makes this possible through its constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites.  The company also has 13 spare satellites in-orbit.  The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, and heavy construction.  Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense, and sells equipment and services through 44 service providers.  In addition, 28 value-added manufacturers build Iridium-based products, and 22 value-added resellers build and sell Iridium-based solutions. About Infosat Infosat Communications, Inc. is a leading satellite telecommunications system integrator and services provider. With offices across North America, Infosat serves business and government with a wide range of fixed and portable satellite telecommunications products.  Infosat is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Canada, the world's most experienced commercial satellite operator. About Latitude Technologies Latitude Technologies develops, manufactures and sells the LMC (Latitude Mobile Controller) family of products, operates the LWS Sentinel data management service and provides telematics and remote-communication consulting services, including custom application development and onsite technical support.