As part of standard satellite network operations and maintenance Iridium periodically resets the Iridium L-Band count. This function was last completed in the 4th quarter of 2007 when the Iridium Time epoch date was changed to March 8, 2007, 03:50:21.00 GMT, and Iridium plans to reset the count again  May 11, 2014, at 14:23:55 UTC.

The function of this change is referred to as a “re-epoching”, and consists of a one-time large decrease in Iridium time (corresponding to the difference between the old and new epochs), followed by the normal steady incrementing on each 90-millisecond frame. Following the re-epoch, all mechanisms used for converting Iridium time to UTC or local time based on the previous epoch will no longer work.

The UTC date and time epoch of the new Iridium Time era (era2) will be May 11, 2014, at 14:23:55.

The UTC date when Iridium Time Re-Epoch activities will begin (changing the L-Band downlink broadcast from ERA1 to ERA2) is June 17, 2014 at 14:00:00

What does this mean to Iridium Partners? 

To ensure continuity of service and to prepare for the re-epoching, please visit the support site and download the appropriate detailed information. Support Documents