What Time Does Your Satellite Phone SIM Card Expire?

If you have an Iridium or Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro satellite phone and are using a prepaid airtime card from GMPCS you already know about the expiration date. But did you know that the official expiration date for a SIM card is at 00:00:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)? Or that Iridium always uses GMT and Inmarsat UTC. For our purposes, there is no difference between the two indicators.


Because of this, you will need to be aware of the time zone where you are located and whether or not Daylight Savings Time (DST) is in effect where you are or in the United Kingdom (UK). Why the UK? For the answer you will need to think back to your primary school experience where we learned that the Prime Meridian was located at Greenwich, England. All satellite communications service activations, deactivations and expirations are based on GMT/UTC time.


So what does this mean for you? Well, if you are in the US Eastern time zone and daylight savings time is in effect for both the US and UK, your time will be 4 hours behind GMT. For example: 10:00 PM GMT will be 6:00 PM EDT.


Now if your prepaid SIM card expires on October 10th at 00:00:00 GMT, you will need to purchase additional airtime or a 30 day extension from GMPCS BEFORE 8:00 PM on October 9th. You may be saying to yourself, “That’s just crazy!!”, and a first glance it would seem so. But then we need to remember that satellite airtime is based on GMT and for that reason, we will need to leave reminder notes for ourselves to top-up our prepaid airtime cards in advance of the published expiration date/time.


To be safe, give yourself a 24 hour window and mark the expiration date on your calendar each time you add airtime, it will save headaches in the future and prevent the loss of unused airtime. We also recommend that you Google the current UTC time and act accordingly.


Any questions regarding the expiration of your SIM or available time extensions can be answered by calling GMPCS at 954-973-3100 or via email at: contact@gmpcs-us.com

Portable Broadband Office Anywhere in the World With BGAN

When travelling the world, you may find yourself in remote locations where there is little to no access to the local terrestrial or cellular networks. Some international networks can be unreliable and even if you are able to make a good connection you will often find that the roaming fees can be cost prohibitive. Being able to conduct your business on a global basis is vital and the Inmarsat BGAN keeps you connected. The BGAN service delivers a reliable broadband connection over satellite wherever you may go using one of the small, portable, lightweight, cutting edge BGAN terminals. GMPCS is an established Inmarsat Partner and is well equipped to provide you with the right Inmarsat BGAN equipment and service for your application.

Inmarsat BGAN is the world’s first mobile communications service to deliver broadband Internet accessand voice connectivity, simultaneously, through a single, truly portable device, anywhere on the planet. It is also the first mobile communications service to offer guaranteed data rates on demand. BGAN is a satellite terminal that you can connect to using your laptop, your smartphone or any tablet computer. It is very compact and lightweight and some of the terminals are equipped with a Wi-Fi hot spot. BGAN terminals are battery powered and can be recharged from any AC or DC power source.


Based on IP technology, BGAN provides you with a data connection to the Internet or your corporate network at speeds up to 492Kbps. BGAN enables you to remotely access all the applications you would normally access from your desktop via a secure and reliable connection and you can even make a phone call at the same time.


BGAN is quite simple to deploy and operate. Making a connection is as simple as these steps: 

1. Find a clear view of the Southern sky (Northern sky if you operate in the Southern Hemisphere)
2. Power on the BGAN unit and wait for it to acquire a GPS positions
3. Point the BGAN toward the Inmarsat satellite covering your area, let it register to the network and launch the connection.
4. You are now connected to the Internet and can connect your laptop, smartphone or tablet computer using the Wifi hotspot (on certain models), an Ethernet cable, USB or Bluetooth. You can also place voice calls and send text messages.

There are several types of BGAN to suite your needs. For more information on the variety of BGAN units view this comprehensive comparison chart . If you have questions or need a more catered solution for remote broadband contact a specialist at www.gmpcs-us.com or 954-973-3100

Why More Power Companies Use a Satellite Phone: Satellite Phone First Steps

Over the past few years utility companies have seen more of a demand for remote communications via satellite. Severe weather, hurricanes or unpredictable natural disasters such as an earthquake, have increased that need. These disasters might catch most off guard, but utility companies can’t take that risk.

When severe weather strikes terrestrial communications such as land lines and cell towers can go down. In the case of a hurricane; after the storm cell towers become overwhelmed and full of traffic not allowing for reliable communications. This is unacceptable for the utility industry. A remote worker out in the field needs to be able to call the office. There is a simple cost effective solution for a situation like this: Satellite Phones.

Satellite phones don’t rely on cell towers or landlines. The remote worker and the office can both be connected by satellite communications. With satellite phones, you are not connecting to cell towers but to actual satellites. These satellites (Iridium or Inmarsat for example) provide voice and data services to wherever you are in the world.

Phones and rates have come down from the past. In the simplest form a handheld satellite and an airtime plan is all you need to get started and be connected. Recently two southeastern utility companies came to GMPCS for emergency backup communications. These communications will be provided to utility trucks and other remote workers, working to restore power. GMPCS was able to come up with an affordable solution via Inmarsat and the IsatPhone Pro. They also participate in our emergency rental program.  You can read about our rental satellite phones here.

If you are looking for a similar solution for your utility company please visit GMPCS or call Cliff Trinkofsky, our utilities sales expert.  Cliff has over 7 years experience assisting utility companies with their needs for voice and data solutions over satellite. Call Cliff directly at: 954-725-1019

With the right expertise and advice we will find a solution for your needs.

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.

GMPCS Sponsors Bluewater Babes Fish For A Cure

While breast cancer awareness is important all year long, October is reserved as a special month to highlight the impact breast cancer has on so many lives. This month GMPCS Personal Communications will help sponsor a local fishing tournament in Florida to benefit cancer awareness charities.

The Bluewater Babes Fish for a Cure is a fishing tournament which raises money for two charities: Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope and H.O.W. – Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper. This year is the 4th Annual Bluewater Babes Fish for a Cure and will be held October 5 & 6, 2012 at the Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Jupiter. This tournament is a festive mix of fishing, boat decorating, cocktail and costume contests, and an awards party to raise money for local breast and ovarian cancer patients who are in financial need.

This tournament is a female angler only event with close to 100 boats already registered. The participants are comprised of women who are either breast cancer survivors, have family members with cancer, or have been touched by someone affected by cancer.

“This is the first year that GMPCS has been involved in this event.” Says GMPCS Maritime Sales Manager Matt George. “We wanted to get involved with some of the local fishing tournaments and the Fish For A Cure was a perfect place to start.”

GMPCS has donated an IsatPhone Pro satellite phone with airtime to be auctioned off at the event. The IsatPhone Pro is an excellent communication device that works virtually anywhere on Earth. Numerous boaters use the satellite phone as a precautionary backup for voice, text and email messaging while out on the water. The IsatPhone Pro also has the ability to send your GPS position via text or e-mail.

For more information on the Bluewater Babes Fish For A Cure visit their site: www.fishforacure.com

Satellite Phone Dockers Help The Marine Industry and Backup Your PBX System

With an increasing demand for emergency communications and satellite tracking, new technologies are always in the works. One major satellite communication company that has always been on the forefront of the satellite industry is BEAM communications. BEAM has more than 20 years of experience in the satellite industry, providing a full range of sea, land and air satellite terminals and technologies.

Recently BEAM has made a major breakthrough into the Chinese maritime market, working with a customer that has deployed 200 BEAM Oceana terminals. The maritime customer is using the Oceana units because they are specifically designed to support voice, data and tracking communications that are vital to the fisheries industry. The Oceana terminals utilize the Inmarsat satellite network via its 'Fleetphone' maritime service, adding to the reliability of the satellite communications.

When it comes to advancements in using satellite communications within buildings BEAM has a solution as well. Major natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes have increased the demand for communications in-doors. Hospitals, Banks, Hotels, Offices, Control Centers and more use BEAM Dockers for emergency back up to their existing phone systems. An installation of a small roof mounted antenna can connect your PBX system to reliable satellites if terrestrial services fail.

BEAM offers solutions for both Iridium and Inmarsat networks. BEAM Docking stations are certified by Iridium and Inmarsat to work with their exclusive handheld satellite phones.

There are several options when deciding on the right satellite phone and BEAM Docking station. To find the right solution for you or your building, speak with a knowledgeable representative at GMPCS. We have over 15 years of satellite experience and will help you choose the right solution with the best airtime. Visit our site at www.gmpcs-us.com or call 1-888-664-6727

Vital Communications With The IsatPhone Pro Satellite Phone

Are your remote land and offshore communications reliable? When it comes to oil and gas we know how important it is to stay connected. A satellite phone is one of the most reliable means for remote communications. Now it is one of the most cost effective solutions that can help:

• Exploration teams stay in touch with the progress of oil exploration and discoveries
• Executives and oil rig personnel communicate important tasks and strategies to conduct daily business operations
• Quickly contact rescue and medical services in an emergency
• Maintain contact with specialists at headquarters in case of structural damage to an oil rig
• Coordinate and implement emergency procedures

We have one of the most affordable satellite communication devices -- the IsatPhone Pro by Inmarsat.

For over 30 years, Inmarsat has been a leader in satellite communications service and technology. Their network of geostationary satellites is equipped with the latest technology and software to ensure that you rarely miss a call or connection. Furthermore, we are a direct partner and service provider meaning that we have direct access to Inmarsat’s support services, we receive stock directly from Inmarsat without going through a distributor and we offer competitive pricing than other satellite communications companies.

The IsatPhone Pro is a handheld satellite phone that costs less than $700.00. It has a large color display, an easy to use navigation menu, clear voice quality and large keypad for ease of use even while wearing gloves. It is also dust proof and water resistant with an IP54 rating. So you don’t have to worry about its durability while in remote onshore or offshore locations.
The IsatPhone Pro also includes built in GPS and is the only satellite phone with Bluetooth capability. Other features include long battery life, SMS, email, 8 hours talk time and 100 hours standby time.

To use the IsatPhone Pro, you must be outside with a clear line of sight of the southern sky. Turn on the phone and extend the antenna so that it can get a GPS fix with the satellite. Once the phone is registered with the satellite, you are able to place calls anywhere in the world except for the polar region.

We have several postpaid and prepaid airtime options to choose from based on your usage and budget. Prepaid airtime can be used worldwide including the U.S. For more information check out our website www.gmpcs-us.com or contact Tanga Williams in sales at 954-725-1012.