International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) has introduced a Configuration Identity Module (CIM), an external SIM card reader that holds 2 SIM cards and acts as a remote configuration storage unit for use with the NxtLink 120A and 220A Iridium transceivers. The CIM will allow operators to maintain SIM card information (IMEI, MSISDN, & Telephone Number) on the aircraft regardless of the NxtLink transceiver installed. By maintaining the Iridium SIM card information on the aircraft, this will allow quick line changes for system upgrades or troubleshooting. Because the external SIM card reader is not physically located inside the transceiver unit, operators can switch service providers without removing the transceiver. They will be able to do so by simply inserting new SIM cards in the CIM.

“This new CIM unit reduces the complexity of maintaining aircraft sensitive information such as the aircraft telephone number for flight dispatch, air traffic control, and flight department operations. This also simplifies the process of changing service providers or replacing or upgrading hardware,” noted Jeff Saucedo, ICG’s vice president of sales. “Previously, the aircraft telephone number was associated with the NxtLink transceiver and not the airplane. The CIM now links the telephone number directly to the to the aircraft tail number. The CIM also reduces aircraft down time by allowing the technician to switch out SIM cards or LRUs quickly and efficiently.”

ICG’s NxtLink 120A incorporates two Iridium transceivers with an internal CTU that permits a regular telephone connection for voice and data. It’s the logical choice for flight decks that desire MCDU dialing services and direct audio control panel connection. The NxtLink 220A is a three-transceiver device which combines dual channels of global voice and data-link service with a third Short Burst Data (SBD) channel. Both the 120A and 220A devices offer pre-emption and priority features to permit the flight crew to always access a channel.