Bring satellite connectivity to your iPhone with Thuraya SatSleeve

Posted on March 20, 2013 by JennaPhipps

Thuraya have announced the launch of a revolutionary product which brings satellite connectivity to the Apple iPhone.

Thuraya SatSleeve is the world’s first product to offer easy and affordable access to mobile satellite communications — delivered over Thuraya’s extensive satellite network. Only slightly larger than the iPhone itself, the compact adaptor provides users with the ability to turn their iPhone into a satellite phone that allows them to have reliable connectivity beyond the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks.

Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of Thuraya, said: “The launch of Thuraya SatSleeve represents a major milestone and a game-changing innovation in the satellite industry. This is the first consumer friendly mobile satellite phone ever launched, which dramatically increases the reach to satellite telephony for enterprise, government, and everyday consumers alike. It provides iPhone® users with a versatile and highly affordable means of conducting phone calls and sending SMS via satellite from the world’s most remote locations.”

While iPhones are typically supported by terrestrial networks, Thuraya SatSleeve enables users to enjoy ubiquitous coverage even in the most remote environments. The Thuraya SatSleeve also serves as an important mobile communications tool for corporate users, especially enterprises operating in remote locations, explorers, mountaineers and other outdoor enthusiasts — ideal for prolonged expeditions that take these users deep into uncharted areas that are not served by terrestrial mobile networks.

To register your interest for Thuraya SatSleeve please contact us.

Global Telesat Communications Introduces the DeLorme inReach™ Satellite Communicator to UK and European Consumers

Posted on February 13, 2013 by JennaPhipps

First affordable, two-way communications solution provides GPS tracking and locating, SOS alerting and text messaging anywhere in the world using the Iridium satellite network.

Global Telesat Communications (GTCL), one of the UK’s leading suppliers of mobile satellite voice, data and tracking services today announced that it has been appointed as an authorised distributor of the DeLorme inReach™ 2-way satellite communicator and will offer it to maritime, recreational, enterprise and aeronautical users across the EU.

Featuring a truly comprehensive list of functions, inReach takes advantage of the Iridium network to ensure complete global coverage, making it the ideal safety companion for anyone travelling or working in remote areas. As a standalone product, inReach can send pre-defined text messages to designated recipients, activate remote tracking – allowing others to follow movements online – and send SOS messages to local search and rescue services. Additionally, it visually confirms that messages have been transmitted for reassurance during an emergency.

The device can also be paired with a compatible smartphone or tablet via a free downloadable app for full text messaging capabilities, enabling the user to keep in touch with family and friends or describe their situation and location in detail in the case of an accident. Using inReach in paired mode will allow the user to view progress on a route, with detailed information regarding heading, speed, and elevation. Built to last, the product is capable of being submerged in up to 3 metres of water, is buoyant, dustproof, and can operate at temperatures as low as -20°C to +70°C.

“Compared with similar two-way GPS satellite trackers and messengers on the market, it is easily the most affordable at £157.50 (ex VAT); no other product has the same range of features at that price-point. We anticipate that this will make inReach very popular for both leisure and business users alike and are pleased to add DeLorme’s satellite GPS device to our existing range of products,” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTCL.

“Launching this important relationship with Global Telesat expands DeLorme’s international presence and signifies our continued growth around the world,” said Jim Skillings, Vice President of Commercial Products. “Because of Global Telesat’s established reputation and success in the region, as well as the product’s pole-to-pole global coverage through the Iridium satellite network, inReach is uniquely positioned as the safety and communication solution of choice for people whose work or recreational activities take place every day in remote regions and other areas not covered by cell phone service.”

The DeLorme inReach has won many awards from respected outdoors and technology publications since its debut at the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, including several ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Gear of the Year’ accolades.

For more information visit http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/Delorme-inReach-Satellite-Tracker.html

About Global Telesat Communications

Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTC) is a supplier of mobile voice and data communications services via satellite. GTC provides equipment and airtime for use on all the major satellite networks including Globalstar, Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya allowing users in remote locations to make phone calls, connect to the internet and track assets or personnel anywhere in the world. GTC also offers a rental service for customers requiring equipment on a short-term basis.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd, Unit A1 Arena Business Centre, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FJ, United Kingdom.

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 607486.

Website: www.globaltelesat.co.uk

About DeLorme:

DeLorme is a longtime leader in innovative mapping and GPS products, and most recently the company has earned numerous prestigious awards for its groundbreaking integration of GPS navigation and satellite communications. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in these fast-changing technologies distinguishes DeLorme as a provider of unique solutions for both the commercial and government markets. DeLorme is based in Yarmouth, Maine, U.S.A., and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit http://www.delorme.com.

For media information please contact:

Kim Stiver

DeLorme

kim(dot)stiver(at)delorme(dot)com

001-207-846-7018

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communications

jrhodes(at)rhodescomm(dot)com

001-757-753-1238

David Phipps

Global Telesat Communications

davidphipps(at)globaltelesat(dot)co(dot)uk

+44 (0) 1202 607486

Mission Accomplished! Globalstar Announces Successful Fourth Launch of Six Second-Generation Satellites

Posted on February 7, 2013 by JennaPhipps

gtcltd-globalstar-hplogo

24 New Satellites to Restore Industry Leading Mobile Satellite Voice and Data Services

COVINGTON, La., Feb. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Globalstar, Inc. (OTCBB:GSAT) today announced that six new second-generation Globalstar satellites were successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The Globalstar satellites lifted off aboard the Soyuz launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage at 10:04 p.m. local Baikonur time (16:04 p.m. UTC and 11:04 a.m. EST) on Wednesday February 6, 2013.

Launch services provider Arianespace confirmed that the upper stage accurately injected the six second-generation satellites into their targeted low earth orbit of approximately 920 km. Globalstar reports that all six satellites have been successfully acquired following separation from the Dispenser and Fregat Upper Stage. Globalstar has begun initial satellite in-orbit testing and all six spacecraft are operating normally at this time.

“I am pleased to announce the successful final launch of our second-generation constellation,” said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc. “In 2006, we set out to be the first mobile satellite services company to successfully deploy a second-generation constellation of LEO satellites. This extraordinary undertaking took years of dedicated effort and a singularly focused mindset to complete the mission.”

Jay Monroe, CEO of Globalstar, Inc., added, “We fully expect Duplex service to be restored to the high level of quality that Globalstar customers historically enjoyed. We thank all of our employees and partners who were able to make this successful launch possible, including launch services provider Arianespace and satellite contractor Thales Alenia Space.”

Globalstar expects to place these final six second-generation satellites into commercial service by this summer, with the first two being raised and placed into service by the end of February. These new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar’s first-generation satellites.

The Globalstar second-generation satellite constellation is designed to support the Company’s current lineup of voice, duplex and simplex data products and services, including its SPOT-branded consumer products which have initiated over 2,000 rescues worldwide. Globalstar has always been known for its crystal clear, “land-line quality” voice service and for a limited time, is offering service plans for as little as $39.99 per month.

Please visit our website to learn more: http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/Globalstar_Satellite_Phone_Airtime.html

Global Telesat Communications Launches New GSM and Satellite Tracking Application – GTCTrack

Posted on February 1, 2013 by JennaPhipps

Web-based GSM and satellite tracking portal features fully integrated GPS and geo-fencing capabilities for location, identification and tracking of single or multiple assets and personnel.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTC) today announced the launch of GTCTrack, a web based mapping application which offers a complete visual overview of a wide range of popular GSM and satellite tracking devices from more than 20 different manufacturers. Using a Google Earth interface, GTCTrack displays real-time worldwide asset location reports including position, speed, altitude and heading and also provides past location and movement history reports.

GTCTrack Online Asset Tracking Portal

Suitable for individual users or fleet managers, GTCTrack enables monitoring and remote control of equipment, machinery and other assets and the ability to locate the position and communicate with lone workers or personnel, wherever they are located in the world. GTCTrack offers geo-fencing capabilities and user alerts based on numerous events such as excess speed, location changes, power on and off and start or finish of journey.

“Having reviewed feedback from our customers we are pleased to offer an advanced and simple to use online mapping solution which works with all of our popular GSM and satellite tracking devices” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTC. “Whether you are tracking a vehicle in the UK using GSM or an employee in a remote part of Africa using satellite, GTCTrack offers a cost-effective and convenient solution for monitoring all of your valuable assets in one easy to use portal.”

A range of more than 70 different tracking devices are currently compatible with GTCTrack, including Shout Nano, Globalstar SmartOne, Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro, Iridium Extreme, Apple iPhone, Blackberry and most other popular GSM and satellite based tracking products. These devices determine their location by triangulating a position using GPS and then transmitting this information via GSM or Satellite to a central server for processing. The information transmitted from the device is then available to view through GTCTrack.

Traditionally, tracking device manufacturers tie the user to their own proprietary software but GTCTrack has been developed to allow the monitoring of a wide range of devices through just one software platform, allowing activities to be viewed on one single unified interface. It has been load tested to handle over 36,000 positions from over 400 tracking units in just 35 seconds and can be easily adapted to be compatible with most GPS tracking devices.

See www.GTCTrack.com for more information.

About Global Telesat Communications

GTC is a UK based company with a global customer base shipping equipment to almost anywhere in the world and offering competitive pricing, personal service and fast shipping on all of our products.

Global Telesat Communications Ltd, Unit A1 Arena Business Centre, Holyrood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FJ, United Kingdom.

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 607486.

Website: http://www.globaltelesat.co.uk

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd Signs Distributor Agreement with Global Telesat Communications Ltd (GTCL)

Posted on January 25, 2013 by JennaPhipps

GTCL will offer Globalstar products and services to it’s diverse customer base, including defense, government, maritime and recreational sectors.

Poole, UK , January 24 2013 – Globalstar Inc. (OTC:GSAT) announced today that Global Telesat Communications Ltd. (GTCL), one of the UK’s leading suppliers of satellite mobile voice, data and tracking services, has signed an updated Distributor Agreement with Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc.

Under the terms of the Agreement, GTCL will expand its product range to include Globalstar’s unique line-up of high quality satellite voice and duplex data solutions, including satellite phones, airtime plans and accessories. GTCL will offer these products to its diverse customer base, including defense, government, maritime and recreational sectors.

“We are very pleased to expand our association with Globalstar at this exciting stage in the development of their second-generation satellite constellation. With inclusive plans offering voice and data calls for as little as €0.15 per minute and the lowest handset prices in the market, we look forward to being able to confidently recommend Globalstar to customers demanding the best satellite voice quality and fastest low-band data speeds at an affordable and highly competitive price” said David Phipps, Managing Director of GTCL.

“As we approach the fourth and final launch of our second-generation satellites, we look forward to providing satellite customers around the globe with industy-leading voice quality and the fastest data speeds. We are delighted that GTCL has chosen to recommend Globalstar’s satellite communications solutions and look forward to their assistance as we continue to broaden our customer base,” said Mark O’Connell, Director of European Sales & Business Operations at Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd.

Globalstar is currently planning to launch six satellites in early February 2013. Once deployed, the six satellites will restore full service to Globalstar’s customers and position the Company as the first mobile satellite service provider to deploy a second-generation constellation of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. The new satellites are designed to last for 15 years, twice the lifespan of Globalstar’s first-generation satellites.

Combined with the Company’s affordable and award-winning suite of consumer retail SPOT products, Globalstar will be uniquely positioned to offer the world’s most extensive lineup of highly reliable and lowest priced mobile satellite services to the broadest range of customers around the globe.

About Global Telesat Communications Ltd.

About Globalstar, Inc.

Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to commercial customers and recreational consumers in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company’s products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems, flexible airtime service packages and the SPOT family of mobile satellite consumer products including the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of Spot LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia.

For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit www.globalstar.com

Globalstar Successfully Returns Satellite to Commercial Service – All Launched Second-Generation Satellites Now Providing Commercial Service

Posted on December 5, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Globalstar, Inc., today announced that it has returned to commercial service the satellite affected by the momentum wheel issue. This satellite was originally launched in October 2010 and removed from service in early 2011. As a result, all 18 of Globalstar’s launched second-generation satellites are now providing commercial service.

Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc., added, “After more than a year of development, Globalstar and Thales Alenia Space completed the software engineering, uploaded and tested the solution, and then successfully returned the affected satellite to commercial service. The solution not only permitted this satellite to return to service but also provides a fix for similar problems that may happen across our constellation. Once again, I would like to thank all the Globalstar and Thales engineers and their respective teams for this collaborative solution.”

Globalstar is on the threshold of completing the launch and deployment of its new second-generation satellite constellation. Three of four launches consisting of six satellites per launch have been completed with the fourth and final launch of six satellites scheduled for early February of 2013. Once the new constellation is fully deployed, the Company expects to provide the world’s finest mobile satellite voice quality and the fastest mobile satellite handset data services at high reliability standards to commercial and government customers in more than 120 countries.

Act Now to Avoid Iridium Price Increase on Jan 1st

Posted on November 30, 2012 by JennaPhipps

We have received notification that Iridium will increase pricing on the majority of their pre-paid vouchers as of 1 January 2013. Unfortunately we have no choice but to pass these increases on to our customers.

Where possible we advise all our customers to top-up or extend their airtime before Friday 21 December* to take advantage of the current pricing.

New pricing will be as follows:

75 Minutes (1 Month Validity) – £90.00
75 Minutes (2 Month Validity) – £120.00
200 Minutes (6 Month Validity) – £310.00
500 Minutes (12 Month Validity) – £470.00
750 Minutes (6 Month Validity) – £470.00
3,000 Minutes (24 Month Validity) – £1,900.00
5,000 Minutes (24 Month Validity) – £2,770.00
Validity Extension (1 Month Validity) – £35.00

Please contact us on +44(0)1202 607486 if you have any questions regarding these changes.

*Our office will close for Christmas on Friday 21 December and reopen in the New Year. Although we will be responding to orders placed via our website during this time we cannot guarantee a response time and would recommend customers request their top-ups as soon as they can. Topping-up early will not reduce the validity extension you receive.

Free tracking code for all new SPOT activations – great for Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Purchase a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger before 31 December and you will receive a free tracking code worth €39.00 which when entered upon activation will enable automatic 10 minute tracking on the device.

The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger not only provides an essential means of communication with friends and family but more importantly emergency assistance when you need it as the device is capable of notifying emergency services of your GPS location when you need assistance. Once the SOS button is activated SPOT will send your co-ordinates to the local emergency services and will continue to send the distress signal every 5 minutes until cancelled or the batteries are depleted.

To take advantage of this offer all you need to do is purchase your SPOT before 31 December 2012 and email your GTC invoice along with your ESN number to eusales@findmespot.com who will send you a free tracking code.

Update Facebook and Twitter via Satellite Phone using iOS or Android Devices

Posted on November 1, 2012 by JennaPhipps

XGate iPhone and Android apps used by our SpeedMail Compression Software now lets users post to popular social media sites when connected to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data feed.

Global Marine Networks (GMN), the leaders in advancing satellite data speed and services, today announced an update to its XGate iOS app and XGate Android app that let users update their Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter feeds when connected to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data service. XGate Social Media Services are immediately available to SpeedMail subscribers in addition to accelerated satellite phone email, web browsing and weather data services.

“Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the way millions of people share their lives with others every day. Yet until now satellite phone users, who are often in the remote places or emergency situations where they most want to update others of their status, have found it hard to post to social media sites,” said Dr. Luis Soltero, President and CTO of GMN.

“Now, satellite phone users can update all of their friends, business contacts or followers via satellite phone with the press of a button in the XGate application.”

SpeedMail powered by XGate offers email, web, weather, and now, social media services, designed for the unique needs of satellite data users. Satellite data feeds are significantly slower and/or much more expensive than most cellular data services, but have the advantage of working in places and times where cellular networks are not available. SpeedMail uses three to twenty times less data for each of its services than standard email, web, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter apps, saving satellite users time and money.

To access SpeedMail services, users simply need to connect to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data feed, as would be found on a marine vessel, or created by a device such as the RedPort Wi-Fi Optimizer. SpeedMail will also work over cellular data networks, allowing customers to use a single app regardless of network, or to save on cellular data usage charges.

SpeedMail data services are a fast, reliable and easy-to-use satellite phone email, web, weather data – and now – social media service. Features include:

Up to 20 times faster email transfer speeds through compression and custom server protocols
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn posting
Mid-file restart and automatic satellite phone connection control
Access to free GRIB weather files

SpeedMail’s web service accelerates web browsing an average of three to five times faster than uncompressed rates through compression, page re-rendering and ad-blocking, giving users easier and more reliable access to web sites.

Pricing and Availability

Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updating are available to both new and existing users for standard SpeedMail subscription rates. Existing SpeedMail subscribers can download the latest version of XGate in the XGate downloads center. Currently, XGate Social Media services are available for all users of the following Windows, Apple Macintosh and Linux versions:

Windows XP, Vista and 7, both 32 and 64-bit versions
Apple Mac OSX 10.4 or later computers
Apple iOS (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch)
Google Android
Any Debian-based Linux system

Compatibility

SpeedMail works with any IP-based data service, including the following satellite phones.

Compatible USB-based satellite phones:

Compatible Serial or Ethernet-based phones and terminals:

Inmarsat FleetBroadband
Inmarsat BGAN
Iridium 9500
Iridium 9505, 9505a
Globalstar GSP-1600
Globalstar GSP-2900
Thuraya IP

Thuraya launches Thuraya XT Satellite Phone WiFi Hotspot

Posted on October 15, 2012 by JennaPhipps

Thuraya XT Satellite Phone

Industry leading Mobile Satellite Services operator, Thuraya Telecommunications Company yesterday announced the launch of its Thuraya XT-Hotspot product. Building upon the success of its Thuraya XT handheld, the industry’s most popular and toughest satellite phone, Thuraya is introducing the XT-Hotspot, which is a pocket-size router that creates a Wi-Fi zone for multiple users to connect smartphones, laptops, and tablets to the internet over Thuraya’s mobile satellite network. The XT-Hotspot is the only Wi-Fi router on the market offering a plug and play solution enabling easy and affordable internet access with the fastest satellite data speeds on a handheld of up to 60 kbps in the most remote of areas.

Thuraya’s Vice President of Marketing, T. Sanford Jewett said “Thuraya is busy expanding our product line with innovative products to provide our users with convenient and practical mobile communication solutions. The XT-Hotspot is yet another example of Thuraya’s commitment to delivering simple and cost-effective communication tools that enhance the value of our satellite services.”

The XT-Hotspot uses the GmPRS connection of the Thuraya XT handset, which supports faster connection speeds of up to 60 kbps, as opposed to 9.6 kbps currently offered on the market. The router creates a Wi-Fi zone of up to 30 meters, where multiple users can simultaneously access the internet seamlessly from their laptops or smartphones. It is a compact battery-powered device ideal for users from diverse sectors including NGOs, Government, Energy and Media.

The XT-Hotspot will shortly be available from Global Telesat Communications.

Global Telesat Communications Blog

A blog about Satellite Phones, Satellite Tracking, Terminals and Accessories

Author Archives: JennaPhipps