Critical Connectivity with Dual FleetBroadband Antenna

Cobham SATCOM has launched a SAILOR FleetBroadband Dual Antenna solution to prevent critical data and voice communications being interrupted by obstructions.

The SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband is designed for vessels and platforms with demanding requirements for connectivity. It meets the critical needs for voice and data communication of maritime and offshore professionals globally. It provides extensive functionality including full access to bandwidth IP applications, broadband internet/intranet, e-mail, secure VPN and nine simultaneous voice lines.

The critical connectivity solution consists of two SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband systems and a Dual Antenna Control Unit (DACU), which can automatically switch between antennas without loss of connectivity.

With the ability to position two antennas at different locations, vessels avoid any problems should a single antenna become obstructed by superstructure, masts, rigging or other equipment.

Specialist vessels
The solution is targeted at specialist vessels using critical IP applications over FleetBroadband, where loss of connectivity could significantly affect the outcome of a costly or hazardous operation. If the active antenna loses sight to the satellite, the back-up will come on line to ensure continuous connectivity. The two antennas work as a single system, with the same IP address, a single SIM card and one monthly bill.

Proven reliability
“SAILOR 500 FleetBroadband is the market-leading Inmarsat FleetBroadband solution, so we are keen to offer its proven reliability and user-friendliness in a dual solution configuration for vessels where continuous connectivity is vital to operational safety and efficiency,” said Casper Jensen, Vice-President of Cobham SATCOM’s maritime business.

“Whilst developing a technically advanced approach, we have also ensured our solution has only minimal extra hardware costs, in order to enable as many vessels to take advantage of it as possible.”

GMPCS Personal Communications is proud to be a stocking master distributor for SAILOR products. If you would like more information on the SAILOR product line please contact a representative at 1-888-664-6727 or email marinesales@gmpcs-us.com

Industry changing BGAN terminal from Cobham SATCOM

For several years BGAN has been delivering everyday necessities such as voice, fax, and broadband data connectivity in a completely portable, user-friendly device. BGAN makes it possible to connect a regular laptop to the internet, or your corporate network, at speeds upwards of 500 kbps, no matter what your global position may be. With no technical expertise required, one can easily setup a robust, secure network and, in turn, create a mobile workstation anywhere in the world.


Because of these benefits, and the versatility of BGAN, it is used in numerous fields. One example is the many broadcasting corporations benefiting from the portability and superior performance of BGAN while in war zones, remote regions or even at sporting events. Quick data transfers and excellent picture quality allow news teams to transmit their stories more quickly, therefore making it possible to break the news sooner. Also, Oil and gas companies rely on BGAN to quickly and securely relay data back to their offices for analysis and consultation. The quick speeds of BGAN allow for a greater rate of exploration efficiency and greatly reduce your find-time in the fields.


Now Cobham SATCOM has introduced their latest BGAN terminal; the Explorer 710 BGAN. The Explorer 710 BGAN will support an amazing service for satellite broadcasters – delivering an expected streaming rate of about 650kbps with its full channel option for higher quality video news-gathering.


The Explorer 710 will be the smallest class 1 BGAN terminal, and the first to use the new BGAN HDR (Higher Data Rates) service platform from Inmarsat that is scheduled for commercial launch in Q3 2013. The Explorer 710 will also introduce advanced features including the ability to bond the signals from multiple terminals via Ethernet and achieve IP streaming rate of 1 Mbps or even higher. It also introduces a number of enhancements, including bonding and smartphone connectivity.


If you would like more details on the Explorer 710 BGAN you can view this product page here for pricing and specifications.

Louisiana Uses BGAN State-Wide Emergency Communications, Should You?

Inmarsat BGAN

In preparation for the Hurricane season Louisiana has deployed BGAN terminals to support state-wide emergency communications. Inmarsat stated that their comprehensive mobile satellite solution for Louisiana included BGAN terminals for continuity of operations and communications for field personnel. With Inmarsat BGAN emergency responders are able to set up command centers that will support voice and data in times of disaster when they are needed most.

The Gulf received a double battering of hurricane’s in 2005 with Katrina and Rita. As a result 1,464 lives were lost and the destruction was detrimental to the region. When large storms such as these hurricanes strike, terrestrial and wireless systems fail do to fallen communication towers or network overload. Satellite communications are not reliant on these venerable ground stations, so service would not be affected by natural disasters. Emergency communications can help saves lives which is why Louisiana has taken instated their state-wide communications with BGAN.

State agencies seeking alternative, reliable communications for disaster and emergency situations should consider satellite broadband with Inmarsat BGAN.

Can You Afford a BGAN Terminal? 
A BGAN terminal is affordable and so is the airtime. They are designed for simplicity and ease of use. No specialist technical expertise is required to set up and use it. It is also easy to manage costs, because you can track service usage and charges in real-time. Inmarsat voice and data services are accessed by a range of portable, fixed or vehicular BGAN terminals, which provide features and performance options to suit different operational needs. If you are looking to compare you options and the prices click on this comprehensive overview of the most popular and affordable models of BGAN.

If you would like to receive a quote on BGAN equipment or talk to a sales representative visit www.gmpcs-us.com or call 1-888-667-6727

How to Test Your Satellite Phone For Free

TS Andrea 2013

When it comes to hurricane season, being prepared is your best defense. A satellite phone from Iridium or Inmarsat in your home’s emergency kit will help you be prepared for any natural disaster. The early start to the 2013 hurricane season with tropical storm Andrea has many first responders, civilians and businesses checking their hurricane preparations. Backup communications play a vital role when it comes to natural disaster preparedness. It’s that time of year when you should re-familiarize yourself with your emergency communications and satellite terminal.

It is highly recommended that you locate your satellite phone and make sure the terminal is active and functional. Check that all the necessary accessories are accounted for, and fully charge the phone confirming that the battery can hold a charge. You will also want to make sure that the airtime for the terminal is active and you know how to use the phone.

Inmarsat and Iridium have a free service for testing your satellite phone. This free service was designed for customers who may not use their satellite phone regularly – such as first responders and anyone keeping a satellite phone in an emergency kit. By taking a few quick steps to ensure the operational status of your satellite phone, you will be better prepared for a sudden emergency.

Iridium’s FREE Test Call
To test the connectivity of your Iridium satellite phone, make sure you are outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. Once you have powered the phone on, extended the antenna and registered on the network you can dial the free Iridium test number. Enter 00-1-480-752-5105 then press send. If your phone is working you will hear a recorded confirmation message. This call is free and works for all Iridium units: Iridium 9505A, Iridium 9555 and the Iridium 9575 Extreme.

Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Pro FREE Test call
When testing your IsatPhone Pro satellite phone, make sure you are outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. Power on the IsatPhone Pro and rotate the antenna so it is pointing toward the sky. Let the phone acquire a GPS and register on the network. Dial the free Inmarsat test number: +870-776-999-999 then press the green send button. You will hear a recording to confirm your phone is working properly.

If your free test call is unsuccessful then you may not have active airtime or service on your satellite phone. Please call a GMPCS representative for assistance with service for your satellite phone at +1-954-973-3100. Our role is to provide communications and support in extreme remote environments and when the terrestrial services fail. GMPCS has a choice of satellite solutions to keep you connected.

Thuraya SatSleeve Device and App Revealed

Thuraya SatSleeve App

When we think about satellite phones we are use to the bulky and ruggedness of the Iridium, or Inmarsat satellite phones. Never before have we thought that a satellite phone could be as sleek and user friendly as our everyday mobile phone. Thuraya has changed that with the release of the Thuraya SatSleeve.

The new Thuraya SatSleeve is an adaptor for the iPhone that allows calls to be made via satellite service. Measuring at 5.4 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches and weighing 3.5 ounces the SatSleeve covers the iPhone; similarly to a standard protective case. The SatSleeve holds the Thuraya SIM card, has a built in earpiece and microphone to act as a standalone phone in emergency situations. There is also a single red button located on the device that can be preset to one specific number in case your iPhone runs out of battery. However, since the SatSleeve is connected to your iPhone it also works as a battery backup. The SatSleeve comes with a 2,400 mAh Lithium ion battery that boasts up to 48 hours of battery on standby and three hours of battery while talking.

Accompanied with a free app from the iTunes App Store, the Thuraya SatSleeve works similarly to any other Thuraya satellite phone. You will need to download the app to use the device. Once the phone is docked you will use the SatSleeve app to make voice calls, and send SMS’s in satellite mode across Thuraya’s satellite network. The Thuraya satellite footprint covers more than two-thirds of the globe across 140 countries in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and Middle East. For a complete list of countries that have Thuraya coverage, click here.

For the foreseeable future, the SatSleeve will only be available for the iPhone. However, Thuraya is planning to eventually launch an Android model. Mobile Satellite Phone Blog will have more information on the Android version and any other related news as soon as it becomes available.

For more information on the Thuraya SatSleeve including ordering and pricing please visit GMPCS personal Communications.

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

GMPCS and Inmarsat Global Xpress Update

In September of 2012 GMPCS was among the first to be announced as a Value Added Seller for Inmarsat’s Global Xpress® in the maritime market. This year the first satellite in the Global Xpress® network is scheduled for launch, with full global coverage planned for the end of 2014.

Inmarsat Global Xpress® (GX) will be the world’s first global Ka-band network, offering downlink speeds of up to 50Mbps, and up to 5Mbps over the uplink, from maritime VSAT antennas as small as 60cm.

Global Xpress® incorporates a number of advantages over technology available today. These advantages combined allow Inmarsat to deliver: higher speeds, higher quality of service and smaller less expensive user equipment worldwide. The GX service will be available through smaller antennas than today's standard VSAT Ku antennas. This will enable many more ships to take advantage of the superior speeds and service.

So when will this new service be available?
Inmarsat is confident that the ground segment will be ready on time by the end of 2014. They are working closely with iDirect for the modems and Cisco for network access equipment. Also, Inmarsat has commissioned Boeing to build three new Inmarsat-5 satellites to provide the GX service. International Launch Services (ILS) will launch the three Inmarsat-5 Global Xpress satellites. These launches are scheduled for 2013-2014 and will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Inmarsat has selected 2 companies to manufacture the maritime satellite terminals; Cobham SeaTel of California and Intellian of Korea. These terminals will include a core module developed by iDirect.

GMPCS is working hard to provide access to services and information that may be helpful to all our customers. We are working closely with Inmarsat, Intellian and Cobham to provide the equipment and services when they become available. Continue to follow us for more information regarding Global Xpress and other satellite communication news.

If you have any questions about these services please visit GMPCS Personal Communications or call us at 1-888-664-6727

Launch of Thuraua IP+ Expands the GMPCS Portfolio of Mobile Satellite Terminals

This month Thuraya Telecommunications Company announced the launch of the new Thuraya IP+ mobile satellite broadband terminals. The Thuraya IP+ is the latest broadband data terminal, useful for people who require reliable data connectivity in areas with inadequate terrestrial infrastructure.

 
The Thuraya IP+ terminal is very similar to the Inmarsat BGAN, however it transmits broadband services over Thuraya’s extensive satellite network. The Thuraya satellite footprint covers more than two-thirds of the globe across 140 countries in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and Middle East. For a complete list of countries that have Thuraya coverage, click here.

Two main functions of the Thuraya IP+ are Standard IP and Streaming IP. The terminal has a built-in antenna that can support up to 444 Kbps on Standard IP and 384 Kbps on Streaming IP. These services along with the size and portability of the Thuraya IP+ make it the fastest and lightest mobile satellite broadband terminal. With the battery included this terminal weighs only 3.1lbs.

You may notice that the terminal looks very similar to the Hughes 9202 BGAN. That is because the Thuraya IP+ is manufactured by Hughes Network Systems, Inc., USA and is the same trusted company that manufactures the 9201 and 9202 BGANs.

The Thuraya IP+ is ideal for various mission-critical operations such as broadcast media, defense, telemedicine and disaster response. The terminal will be a key benefit for high quality video streaming, broadband internet access, Virtual Private Network (VPN) email and more.

A Unique features only found in the Thuraya IP+ terminal is the three types of Streaming Alerts a user can set up to prevent runaway terminals or bill shock. The types of Streaming Alerts that can be set up include: Audio, Visual and web Man Machine Interface (wMMI). When a Streaming Alert is enabled on the terminal an audio alert (beep from the terminal buzzer) will sound every 30 seconds after 10 minutes of inactivity during a streaming session. Also the display backlight will flash every 10 seconds and the web MMI will display a timer to track the duration of the streaming session.

GMPCS Personal Communications plans on having the Thuraya IP+ terminal available later this year. If you have any questions or would like please contact us at contact@gmpcs-us.com or visit www.gmpcs-us.com

Winter Storm Saturn and Vital Communications Via Satellite Phone

This week the winter storm known as Saturn has been covering Chicago and the Midwest with heavy snow. Now the storm makes its way to major cities in the Northeast. D.C. to Boston and the rest of New England are preparing for a cold weekend with windy conditions and wet snow. The forecast for this storm brings many challenges because of the warmer air from the ocean creating a mix of rain and snow. These winter conditions are certain take out power and phone lines.

When natural disasters like winter storm Saturn bear down on us with little warning, we are reminded that it is key to always be prepared. That is why it is important to consider a disaster management kit for your family. A disaster management kit should include: fresh water, canned food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and an electric radio, etc. Another item that is vital for communications between your family and emergency responders is a satellite phone.

Terrestrial phone lines and towers may go down in a winter storm, but a satellite phone will not be affected by this. A satellite phone; such as an Iridium or IsatPhone Pro can allow you to stay connected to emergency responders and distant relatives. 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 can prove vital for the approaching winter storm.

Take action when it comes to being prepared for a natural disaster. Don’t be caught off guard from a winter storm or end of the season hurricane. Learn more about satellite phones and how they can help keep your family connected in times of an emergency.

If you have any questions about satellite communications please visit GMPCS Personal Communications or call us at 1-888-664-3727

5 Tips to Get The Most From Your IsatPhone Pro

When you purchase an emergency communication device such as a satellite phone it is important to familiarize yourself with the main functions. The user’s guide your satellite phone comes with is a good place to start. However there are a few shortcuts or tricks that you may not know when it comes to your IsatPhone Pro satellite phone. Be sure to read these simple ways you can get more out or your Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro.

Always remember the following satellite phone basics when using your IsatPhone Pro. A handheld satellite phone will not work indoors without the use of an external antenna or a docking station. You must be outside with a clear view of the sky, away from structures and trees for reliable service. Also a satellite phone can only send and receive calls when it is registered on the satellite network. It is important to test your satellite phone before its intended use, while you still have access to a landline phone.

1. Test your IsatPhone Pro for free: Inmarsat has set up a free test phone number that you can call anytime. This will ensure that your phone is active and working properly. Once you have a registered signal on your IsatPhone Pro dial +8707 7699 9999 then press the green call button. When the call is successful you will hear a recorded message from Inmarsat.



2. Check your Prepaid airtime balance: You will need to be registered on the Inmarsat satellite to check your balance. From the main calling screen enter the balance enquiry code of (*106#) then press the green call button. Your current balance and expiry date of your SIM will be shown on the screen. Another way to access this information is via the phone menu: Select Menu > Setting > Prepay > Balance Enquiry. Note that this option only works for Prepaid customers. Monthly Postpaid subscribers will not be able to check their airtime service via this process.



3. Send a free message to an IsatPhone Pro: The easiest method of sending an SMS to the IsatPhone Pro is by using the Inmarsat email-to-text service. Simply send an email to 870xxxxxxxxx@message.inmarsat.com (where 870xxxxxxxxx is the IsatPhone Prp mobile number). You can also use the Inmarsat SMS Portal by clicking here. If the IsatPhone Pro is off at the time you send the message, it will be waiting for delivery at the Inmarsat message center for 7 days. The next time your IsatPhone Pro is registered the message will be sent to the phone.



4. Redial feature: If you press the green call button you can see a list of the previous numbers which you have dialed. Cycle through the numbers with the cursor keys, and when you reach the one you want to call press the green button again to call it.



5. Send a quick alert with your GPS coordinates: To set up and activate a personal alert, on the IsatPhone Pro go to the menu and 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 one is to press * and # simultaneously for at least 2 seconds from the main screen. You will see an icon of an envelope and a message confirmation when the alert is sent. This personal alert will send your short message with GPS coordinates and the time and date the alert was triggered on your phone.

We hope that these quick tips will help you get the most from your satellite phone. If you have any questions about these services please visit GMPCS Personal Communications or call us at 1-888-664-6727

Traveling to Russia? Vital Information You Need to Know to Stay Connected

Iridium and the Russian regulatory authorities have reached an agreement to allow Iridium to legally operate in Russia. There has always been Iridium traffic in Russia but it was never officially allowed or forbidden. The Russian Government wants to regulate this grey market and specifically wants to be able to intercept Iridium calls from Russia to other countries in an effort to fight terrorism. So what does this mean for travelers looking to stay connected while in Russia?

Travelers wanting to use their Iridium satellite phone within Russia must register their SIM card or Iridium SBD Device with Iridium Russia. Registration information is provided for compliance with Russian telecommunications regulatory requirements. Iridium Russia will use and disclose registration information only to meet its obligations under Russian law. An Iridium device can be registered by subscribers for a 6-month period. For service requirements of longer than 6 months, a subscriber should change SIM cards and re-register.

To register, you will need to provide the information below on the registration page of this site.

• Full name
• Nationality
• MSISDN
• Iridium
• Device Model (9555, 9575 etc)
• IMEI

A website owned and operated by Iridium Russia has been created for registering subscribers. If you plan on traveling to Russia with your Iridium device start by going to www.iridiumrussia.com
We recommend to any of our clients operating in Russia to register their SIMs through iridium-russia.com as visiting SIMs and to re-register every 6 months just to be safe.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact GMPCS at 1-888-664-6272 or contact@gmpcs-us.com

How do satellite phones work?

We are all familiar with the convenience of mobile phones and landlines to make a phone call. And it certainly seems that they work almost anywhere in the world. However there are certain areas or circumstances were this convenient service is not available. That is when a satellite phone is the only method of communication.

Unlike mobile phones which use a localized phone tower to connect calls; a call from a satellite phone is sent through a satellite constellation, then sent back to Earth via the nearest satellite gateway. Then the call is routed through traditional voice networks to reach its destination.

A call that is made from one satellite phone to another will be completely routed through the satellite constellations. This way the call will not be affected by any technical difficulties on the ground. This is why satellite phones are essential for communications during a disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake or winter storm where landline communications can be destroyed.

Satellite phones rely on a direct line of sight to the satellite constellation. To use a satellite phone properly you will need a clear view of the sky, so it is important to ensure that the phone signal is not obstructed by trees, mountains, buildings or other large structures.

To choose the right satellite phone, you may want to consider the type of satellite constellation that is used. Iridium and Globalstar use a LEO (low earth orbiting) constellation. This style of satellite constellation covers the entire globe including the Polar Regions. A LEO satellite is also moving quickly from horizon to horizon, so there is the possibility of a dropped call when it is being transferred to the next satellite. Companies like Inmarsat and Thuraya use a geostationary satellite constellation. These satellites move with the Earth’s rotation, so from our prospective on the ground the satellite doesn’t appear to be moving. These satellites are in a higher orbit so you may notice latency or delay with the call, but there is a slim chance that the call would be dropped.

For more information on the different satellite phones available and their style of handsets view our previous comparison blog here.