GMPCS exhibits new “KA-band” FlyAway Uplink Solutions at NAB

Despite the advancements in LTE and bonded-cellular technologies, the need for “guaranteed” bandwidth and truly mobile satellite equipment is greater now than ever for media organizations— especially when cellular networks get congested or traditional Internet networks are not available. As part of its ongoing response to this need, GMPCS, a leading global satellite communications provider, has introduced a new line of KA-band uplink field kits — packaging portable IP-based FlyAway suitcases or vehicle-based DriveAway terminals for Satellite News Gathering applications.

GMPCS’s DiNGo™ and KAnine™ systems represent state-of-the-art advances in KA-band satellite communications with optional video transmission technologies. GMPCS Pipeline™ bundles feature the latest IP-based encoders, satellite modems and mobile antenna systems as well as the respective KA-band airtime services – for true one-stop-shopping. The portable/suitcase kits or vehicle/roof-mount solution easily enable almost all IP-based applications such as live video streaming, file-transfer, e-mail, phone/IFB and web browsing.

“KA-band has reduced not only the size and weight of traditional FlyAway terminals, but has also substantially decreased the capital and operational costs for guaranteed broadband via satellite,” announced John Stoltz, Director of Media Sales for GMPCS. “With our KAnine™ suitcase FlyAway package or the DiNGo™ vehicle-mount DriveAway system, a story can be transmitted for broadcast when cellular networks are not available and more affordably than traditional satellite uplinks.”

Packaged with a camera, portable encoder and the lightweight KA-band flyaway terminal, such as the Cobham EXPLORER-3075, field users are able to encode, edit, and uplink archived or real-time video. When utilizing the latest Satellite-IP modems from ViaSat, iDirect & Hughes and respective regional KA-band service, guaranteed bandwidth speeds up to 10Mbps can be achieved for live streaming, Internet communications, IFB and other mobile office applications. The Cobham EXPLORER terminal also allows for a hardware upgrade path to the new global KA-band service from Inmarsat, called Global Xpress®, which will be available next year.

These mobile SNG systems exhibited by GMPCS are the next generation of “mobile one-man uplinks.”

GMPCS Personal Communications will showcase this technology at the NAB Show® in Las Vegas, Nevada at their booth # SU-10102

Maintaining Vital Communication for Oil and Gas in Remote Facilities Leveraging Satellite Technologies

Increased volatility in the industry is moving companies to look at ensuring all aspects of production are as effective and risks are managed effectively.

With increased exploration, particularly in remote locations such as off-shore drilling the need to enable communication, for both monitoring and human capital reasons have become key concerns for leadership teams of Oil and Gas companies.

Our series of articles over the next few weeks will address how satellite technology is being used by many companies to enhance operations and how to evaluate it in the context of your business operations for both reliability and cost effectiveness.

Topics we will cover include:

• Enabling exploration teams stay in touch with the progress of oil exploration and discoveries
• Determining suitability of satellite technology for 24/7 monitoring of remote wells and pipeline activity
• Leveraging satellite communication as part of recruitment and retention strategies for remote workers
• Using satellite technology as part of emergency procedures

We will cover the following technology landscape during our series:

• GSPS: The fit of handheld devices in Oil and Gas and understanding the pricing complexities of pre-paid and post-paid
• BGAN/Data: How to enable portable remote data connectivity using transportable satellite devices
• M2M: How satellite technologies can be used for high reliability monitoring purposes in remote locations with limited power and cell coverage
• VSAT: How fixed satellite services can be a cost effective means to provide internet bandwidth to a camp or remote office.

GMPCS is a specialist in enabling remote and hostile environment communication. With over 10 years and 10,000 customers worldwide we have enabled companies to succeed in providing secure and reliable communication to enable business continuity. For further details on our services for the Oil and Gas market please visit our website www.gmpcs-us.com or contact Tanga Williams in sales at 954-725-1012.

BGAN Link From Inmarsat Offers an Alternative to VSAT

Inmarsat has launched BGAN Link as an alternative to VSAT at similar price points. BGAN Link is a new service for predictable high-volume usage in fixed locations. Evolving from Inmarsat’s Maritime ‘Very Large Allowance’ concept, BGAN Link is for users who have a requirement for high volumes of standard IP data in one location. BGAN Link provides companies working in a remote area for sustained periods of time with a data connection speed of up to half a megabit, suitable for standard office-type applications such as email, internet and intranet access, and VPN access to corporate networks.

BGAN Link is an affordable alternative to VSAT with unique benefits. The service uses Inmarsat's reliable L-band satellite network which is much more resilient than Ku band in areas prone to rain or snow (as it is not affected by rain fade).  The low cost of BGAN hardware and its small size makes it perfect for semi permanent and permanent installations.  The easy setup of the BGAN means that there is no technical expertise needed and a broadband connection is established within minutes.  Also, Inmarsat's extensive list of countries where the BGAN is approved for use reduces licensing issues.

The BGAN Link service is designed to help control your budget with predictable fixed monthly costs.  Inmarsat offers BGAN Link packages of 5, 10, and 15GB per month.  New regional plans for Latin America and Sub Sahara Africa will be launched in August.  These will be even more competitive and include discounted 3, 5, 10 and 15GB per month plans.  Users can be limited to their monthly allowance or be allowed to exceed it.  Users who wish to exceed their monthly allowance are simply charged for the additional usage at the same competitive rate as the in-bundle per MB rate.  Users are permitted (for a fee) to move the BGAN Link up to 4 times a year making it a perfect solution for semi permanent camps.

With pricing at a fraction of the mobile BGAN rates, BGAN Link is a very compelling offer to anyone who needs fixed or semi fixed remote communication.

BGAN Link works on the Class-1 BGAN terminals such as the Thrane & Thrane Explorer 700 and Hughes 9201.  If you are interested in BGAN Link, please contact GMPCS Personal Communications for full application details and terms and conditions.