Satellite Phone and Network Comparison: Thuraya, Inmarsat, Iridium

Choosing the correct satellite phone can be a big task for personal use or for your business. Now, there are more options for handheld satellite phones than ever before. The major players for handheld satellite phones are Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya.

We also understand there may be many questions you have when it comes to choosing a satellite phone. That is why we are offering a complete comparison chart at the end of this Blog.

First thing you should know is a satellite telephone connects you to an orbiting constellation of satellites instead of land based terrestrial cell sites. Satellite phones provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones including voice, short messaging service (SMS) and low-bandwidth internet access. Having this connectivity to voice and data via satellite makes a satellite phone extremely useful in times of need. The satellite phone system is not hindered by natural disasters where land services might be hindered by hurricanes, earthquakes or floods. The three major players of handheld satellite phones have their own unique satellite constellations.

The Thuraya satellite phones work on the Thuraya satellite system consisting of 2 geostationary satellites. These satellites are located over Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. Currently Thuraya does not work in the Americas. If you are traveling to the regions Thuraya covers, be sure to check out the Thuraya XT satellite phone.

The Iridium 9575 Extreme satellite phone uses a 66 low Earth orbiting satellite system that covers the entire Earth including the Polar Regions. If you are looking for a satellite phone with true global capabilities Iridium is the way to go.

Inmarsat has an extremely reliable satellite constellation of 3 geostationary satellites. The IsatPhone Pro is Inmarsat’s handheld satellite phone. The IsatPhone Pro gets great coverage over the Earth but will not work in the Polar Regions. A benefit to the IsatPhone Pro is once the phone is connected to the satellite, it is highly unlikely to drop the call. It is important to note that registering on the Inmarsat network with the IsatPhone Pro takes just over a minute because the phone needs to obtain a GPS fix before placing a call.

With a basic understanding of the 3 major satellite networks, it will be easier to choose the right satellite phone. We have an excellent comparison chart on the handheld satellite phones that you can view by clicking here. As always if you have a question we can answer call us at +1-954-973-3100

Is Tracking Your Assets More Difficult Than It is Worth?

As a Divisional manager with large asset investments or as a CIO’s looking to help enable controls, asset tracking has been long on promises but high on complexity in terms of implementation and management. An article recently exposed how one government state within a decade lost more than 1,500 items valued at over $3M with only a small portion attributed to theft, yet they recognized the need to implement a solution but also lamented at the complexity of implementation. Perhaps you and your organization are experiencing a similar dilemma.

Typical problems associated with asset tracking are…
Whether tracking a fleet of ships utilizing FleetBroadband monitoring the speed of trucks using Iridium satellite phones and pinpointing the location of agents via their Blackberry or Apple device. Managing all of these assets can be a daunting task. Logging into each individual system separately can waste valuable time and money. Some tracking solutions can be too complex making the task even more time consuming.

What makes a good asset tracking solution?
A good tracking solution tackles the business problem that it was designed to address. You will also want to make sure that it can help in the most effective and efficient way possible. When talking with providers about tracking we found that we also wanted the most functional features such as: geo-fencing, alerts based on speed or time, distress alert and safety options as well as affordable basic tracking.

Here is a listing of some key items to look for:

1. The ability to manage all types of inventory. A complete tracking solution is what you need.  Write down the functions you require, weather tracking your product en route, being notified when a vehicle leaves an area or arrives and being able to contact a driver in a remote area. Then compare your list to the tracking solution making sure it covers all your needs.
 
2. Consider the cost (both initial and ongoing). Tracking solutions incur a monthly subscription fee. This initial fee is for activation and continued licensed use of the software. Most tracking solutions have a minimal initial fee with a one year subscription term. The ongoing fees may include advanced options for tracking or special features. Another fee to consider is the airtime usage for a third party device such as tracking with a satellite or GPS subscription. Make sure the tracking cost is lower or equivalent to sending an SMS with your service subscription.
 
3. Ease-of-use: Your solution needs to be easy to learn, easy to use and easy to get going. The best software and hardware will require little to no IT support. It is very important that the tracking solution be simple to manipulate and user friendly.

Our company, an independent solutions provider of communication tools recently undertook a review of a broad base of hardware and software providers of tracking solutions for industry.

Using the above as criteria we quickly began to eliminate many of the vendors. Upon finalization of the review it was clear only one vendor has truly been paying attention to the customer requirements and has developed a comprehensive package to address this persistent yet highly valuable problem.

GSatTrack.

GSatTrack is a web based integrated tracking system that works on a multilingual platform. It brings together all the positions of every manufactured product under one location allowing you to display and manage them in a single unified interface.

GSatTrack supports the largest amount of assets and now works on 70+ GPS enabled devices including iPhones, satellite phones, FleetBroadband and BGAN. With GSatTrack you are able to do more than just track one of these devices. You will be able to do a remote configuration and over the air firmware updates, receive alerts based on speed, overlay geo-fences and have direct access to critical safety information, anywhere, anytime. Also GSatTrack allows you to integrate a panic button for assistance in dangerous situations increasing personnel and fleet safety.

The GSatTrack service is based on a modular system making it extremely affordable. You start with the basic tracking service and add additional features as necessary. Therefore you only pay for what you need and nothing more.
 
Companies benefit from the easy to use software that GSatTrack offers. A GSatTrack application can be downloaded onto a Smartphone or tablet allowing for real time tracking information. This App is another feature that makes GSatTrack stand out above the rest. A CEO can tap on the App to view all company assets and their actions on one simple to use interface.
 
Defining Your Needs.
If asset tracking is on your list of corporate priorities consider contacting us so we can walk through your specific needs to determine if this is the right fit for you. If it is, we’d be happy to arrange a demo day and enable you with some devices. Contact a sales representative here to arrange your quote or demo. For more information on GSatTrack and other communication needs view our site at www.gmpcs-us.com

BGAN 9502 SCADA Solution From HUGHES

The world’s most cost-effective, all – IP BGAN machine-to-machine satellite terminal with low power consumption.

In 2009, Hughes introduced the Hughes 9201-M2M satellite IP terminal, a single –box, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)-ready, machine-to-machine version of the highly successful 9201 terminal, certified for operation on the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN). Rugged and easy to use, the Hughes 9201-M2M is fully IP compatible and configured for self-contained SCADA operation via a standard Ethernet interface.

This year Hughes introduced the most cost-effective IP SCADA solution with exceptionally low power consumption, the Hughes 9502 BGAN. With reliable connectivity over the Inmarsat service, the Hughes terminal delivers affordable, global, end-to-end IP data connectivity enabling applications in industry sectors such as environmental monitoring, SmartGrid, pipeline monitoring, compressor monitoring, well site automation, video surveillance, and out-of-band management to primary site communications.

The exceptional low power consumption (<1 W idle) makes it possible to provide end-to-end IP connectivity to sites that are off the grid. At less than a penny or two per kilobyte, customers cannot find a better value from comparable technologies.

The Hughes 9502 includes 10 meters of RF cabling, granting the user freedom to position the antenna remotely and away from the transceiver in complex installations while securing the SIM card inside a premise or enclosure to better protect against unauthorized use, theft, and vandalism.

With increasing security demands regarding SCADA and critical infrastructure protection (CIP) in the US, there is increasing use of satellite-based communication. This has the key advantages that the infrastructure can be self contained (not using circuits from the public telephone system), can have built-in encryption, and can be engineered to the availability and reliability required by the SCADA system operator. Earlier experiences using consumer-grade VSAT were poor. The Hughes 9502 BGAN provide the quality of service required for SCADA.

Allow GMPCS to help get your SCADA device online via satellite in remote areas. You can contact our solutions team at: solutions@gmpcs-us.com or call +1-954-973-3100

The Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro improves remote safety

With the latest IsatPhone Pro firmware from Inmarsat, your IsatPhone Pro satellite phone can become an emergency personal alert device. The personal alert feature allows users to send their GPS coordinates and short message to predetermined recipients. The IsatPhone Pro subscriber can save time and money with the personal alert option. This new feature is similar to the SOS button on the Iridium Extreme satellite phone.

The personal alert feature enables a user to send their GPS position, along with a short pre-configured message, as an email or text message, to a maximum of 10 recipients. Personal alerts can be sent quickly whilst maximizing reliability. This is achieved by restricting the alert to one 160 character message, and mailing to each recipient separately. Each message sent is charged separately.

The personal alert is made up of the following elements:

•  Last GPS fix, time of GPS acquisition and fix accuracy
•  Time that the personal alert was triggered on the phone
•  Email address of the recipient if the alert is sent as an email
•  A short message predefined by the user, written in Latin characters

It is fairly simple to set up and activate the personal alert on the IsatPhone Pro satellite phone. To do this, make sure that you have the latest version of the IsatPhone Pro firmware. To check your firmware, choose menu > settings > about. You should have Firmware version v5.0.0 or higher, if not contact GMPCS tech support at 954-973-3100

To set up and activate a personal alert, select Extras > Personal alert > Edit personal alert. Select Configure personal alert, and edit the recipients and the message.

Once your IsatPhone Pro is set up for personal alerts the quickest way to send a personal alert is to press * and # simultaneously for at least 2 seconds from the main screen. The antenna must be deployed and your IsatPhone Pro connected to the satellite to successfully send personal alert messages. Any questions regarding this new feature, please call GMPCS 954-973-3100.

Tips and Tricks for Iridium Satellite Phones

Prior to embarking on a trip and relying on a satellite phone for your communications; you should make sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the main functions of your satphone. The user’s guide and quick start guide that your phone comes with is a good place to start, however there are a few tricks that you may not know when it comes to your Iridium satellite phone. Be sure to read these three simple ways you can get more out of your Iridium. These tips work for all Iridium handheld phones. (Iridium Extreme, Iridium 9555, Iridium 9505A ext.)

1. How people can reach you

Your Iridium satellite phone number is an international phone number, so when family and friends dial you directly they might incur heavy international phone rates. Iridium offers a 2-stage dialing option that only uses a caller’s long distance service when calling the satellite phone. To make a voice call to an Iridium phone from a regular (landline) phone, follow these steps:

• Dial: (+)1-480-768-2500 This call is a long distance call to the Arizona Iridium gateway.
• You will hear "Welcome to the Iridium Satellite Global Network"
• Then enter the Iridium 12 digit satellite phone number. (Ex: 8816-31xx-xxxx)
• Your Iridium phone must be on, and “registered” with a satellite to receive calls (otherwise it will go to your voicemail)

Another option for contacting someone with an Iridium satellite phone is sending a free SMS text message from the internet. The GMPCS site offers a quick link on the right side of the home page that allows you to send a SMS message via the internet. Simply select the satellite phone carrier’s logo and fill out the required fields and send your message. Iridium offers a FAQ guide about this service here.

2. Check your available prepaid minutes for free

If you are using prepaid airtime service for your Iridium phone you can check your available prepaid minutes very easily. You will have to register your satellite phone on the network with a clear view of the sky, then dial 2888 and press the green send button. After a short moment an automated message will come on the line and tell you your remaining balance, the amount of days left until the SIM expires as well as the expiration date. You can also get this same information by texting the 2888 number.

3. Setting up voicemail without using Iridium airtime

At any time you can check your Iridium voicemail or set up the voicemail message from a landline phone. From a landline phone dial the Arizona Iridium gateway number 1-480-768-2500. After you hear the welcome message, dial your satellite phone number beginning with 8816-XXXX-XXXX. You will then hear the voice mail prompt or your previous recorded message. Interrupt this message by pressing the star key (*). Then enter your Iridium satellite phone password (the default is last 7 digits of your satellite phone number). Now listen to the voicemail prompt for your options. When you do this from a landline you will be using your long distance service and not the Iridium satellite airtime.

If you have any questions on these services please call +1-954-973-3100

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.

Inmarsat BGAN Terminal From Hughes Awarded

The Hughes 9201 BGAN broadcasting live video via Inmarsat

After receiving the 2011 product of the year award a few months ago from Satellite Spotlight, the Hughes 9202 BGAN is proving its value. Satellite Spotlight gave the award to Hughes for the 9202 land portable satellite terminal because of Hughes’ commitment to quality and excellence while addressing real needs in the marketplace. The Hughes 9202 has been a popular selling BGAN, and is packed with features.

The Hughes 9202 is the smallest Class-2 BGAN terminal, offering users IP connection speeds up to 464 kbps over the Inmarsat network. One of the most unique and exclusive feature to this unit is the built-in, multi-user Wi-Fi access. Therefore users have the option to send and receive IP traffic via Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi. As with all BGAN models, the Hughes 9202 is IP-based, delivering selectable, dedicated Quality of Service (QoS) levels. For more information and pricing, you can view the Hughes 9202 product page.

Hughes has had such great success with the 9202 on the Inmarsat network it will be interesting to see what they have in store for the future of their only Class-1 BGAN, the Hughes 9201. We expect that it may be harder to get your hands on the Hughes 9201 later this year. Industries such as the broadcast media, mining and oil/gas industry rely on the Hughes 9201. So it we’ll see what Hughes has in store for this established BGAN.

If you are interested in the Hughes 9201 terminal, now may be the best time to purchase one. The main difference with Hughes 9201 model compared to the new one; is that the Hughes 9201 is a Class-1 BGAN. A Class-1 BGAN allows higher bandwidth speeds up to 492kbps. Also, on a Class-1 terminal, multi-user functions allow users to perform more than one task simultaneously. For instance, it is possible to send store-and-forward video via Standard IP, while simultaneously using Streaming IP for a live broadcast. The Hughes 9201 is currently available with more details and pricing on the Hughes 9201 product page.

For a helpful comparison chart on more Inmarsat BGAN options, click here.