GTC is pleased to announce the success of our exhibition stand at SEAWORK 2011. From 14th-16th June we had a stand at the most dynamic on-the-water commercial marine exhibition and conference. We had a very successful first show at SEAWORK introducing a selection of our satellite phones and equipment , and some of our more custom products to the maritime industry such as Marine Satellite Broadband. We are very excited to say that we were met with great response. Thanks to all our visitors !
If you are one of the satellite tech-geeks who was waiting for the new GeoPro personal tracker then there is good news for you that the lighter and smaller SHOUT nano has been launched by GeoPro.
The pocket-sized, lightweight SHOUT nano offers global two-way text messaging, data collection, tracking, check-in, and makes it easy to call for help and communicate details about the emergency to assist first responders; anywhere in the world via the Iridium satellite system. The airtime pricing is same as GeoPro Messenger. For further details please check out SHOUT nano on our website.
GTC has got some new offers !
We are always updating our offers, so please check back our website regularly to see our latest deals at the link below:
http://globaltelesat.co.uk/satphone/satellite_phones_Offers.html
Globalstar Satellite Launch
Globalstar, Inc. a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and recreational consumers announced that six new Globalstar satellites are now being prepared for the second launch of the Company’s second-generation satellite constellation. The satellites now undergoing pre-launch testing and integration in preparation for launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Engineers and technicians from launch services provider Arianespace and satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space have begun the necessary testing and integration process in preparation for a July liftoff using the highly reliable Soyuz launch vehicle. Later this year Globalstar plans to conduct two additional launches of six satellites per launch also using the Soyuz.
In October 2010 the same launch vehicle was used to successfully launch six new Globalstar second-generation satellites. Globalstar signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in late 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of its second-generation constellation satellites. In 2007 Globalstar contracted with Arianespace for a total of four launches of six satellites each using the reliable human-rated Soyuz, which is also used to launch astronauts and cosmonauts to the international space station. Globalstar plans to integrate the 24 new second-generation satellites with the eight first-generation satellites that were launched in 2007. The new satellites are designed to support Globalstar’s current lineup of voice, Duplex and Simplex data products and services including the Company’s lineup of SPOT retail consumer products.
Iridium Communications Inc. has announced an important new component of a comprehensive program for combating piracy on the high seas, by providing mariners with global, reliable, cost-effective voice and data communications. Effective immediately, all calls from ships equipped with Iridium’s reliable communications terminals to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center are now free of charge.
Ships are increasingly using ‘citadels,’ where crew can take refuge and wait safely for rescue when pirates board. A key element in the citadel strategy is a stand-alone, secure Iridium communications link to the outside world, so the crew can connect with the military forces to coordinate rescue operations. Several companies within the Iridium partner ecosystem offer citadel communication packages with a concealed external satellite antenna and cabling that cannot be easily disabled by the pirates on the ship. The UKMTO office in Dubai is the primary point of contact between merchant shipping and naval forces patrolling the danger zone off the Somali coast. UKMTO has direct communication to all naval assets in the area and plays a key role in coordinating the naval response when pirates board and attack ships. Under Iridium’s calling plan, all calls to the UKMTO +971 number will be connected through the Iridium network free of charge.
The International Maritime Bureau reports that pirates were holding 28 ships and 518 hostages for ransom as of the end of April 2011. More than 117 ships were attacked, and 20 seized, by pirates off the coast of Somalia since January 1, 2011 alone
Being on your boat should not mean that you are alienated from the outside world. Whether it’s staying in touch with the office or simply checking the latest news or weather, satellite communication systems are the simplest and most cost effective way to do so. Regular mobile phones have limited capabilities at sea, whereas satellite phones provide far better coverage, with many capable of being used worldwide. Not only does this make them perfect for staying in contact with family and friends but also their value in terms of safety is infinite. In a world that never stops, being connected on the move is more important than ever and thanks to satellite communications from GTC this is easier than ever, even when you’re on a boat.
The marine market is flooded with electronics so why should boating enthusiasts spend their hard earned cash on satellite communications? Perhaps because voice, data, SMS and GPS capabilities (on Thuraya models) are available in one compact handset which can prove vital in case of an emergency. Satellite phones and broadband terminals can also be used to download essential weather reports or simply just to keep in touch – whether it be for business or pleasure by voice or data.
A popular option for many boating enthusiasts is a portable satellite phone allowing them to take their sat phone between vessels and also carry with them when on land. All handsets from Thuraya, Iridium, Globalstar offer voice and data services while Inmarsat will introduce to data to its Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) in 2011. Furthermore the handsets can send and receive SMS with most satellite operators offering a web facility to send free SMS to a sat phone. Data connections are easily facilitated by connecting the phones to a laptop via a USB cable which is included with the phone. With sat phone prices starting from £420 for the Thuraya SO-2510, these days a satellite phone is a more affordable option than ever before. However, it is worth noting that sat phones can only achieve data speeds of up to 9.6 kbps which is slow for anything other than small emails.
If significantly higher data speeds or simultaneous voice and data usage is a necessity why not consider a fixed satellite broadband terminal? There are products available specifically for marine application, some offering data speeds of up to 432kbps – Inmarsat FleetBroadband, Iridium OpenPort and Thuraya Seagull. However, fixed marine terminals do carry a larger price tag than satellite phones with the cheapest terminal, Iridium OpenPort, offering data speeds of 128 kbps starting from £3,260.00. Fixed terminals consist of the antenna which should be placed above deck which connects down to a below-deck unit where handsets and laptops are connected for voice and data usage.
FleetBroadband Antenna
There are also marine docking stations available for satellite phones providing a halfway point between a fixed and portable satellite solution – these accessories allow the sat phone to have a safe fixed docking point on the vessel with an external antenna to boost signal strength but can also easily be unclipped from the docking station for portable use.
For satellite phones both pre-paid and post-paid satellite airtime is available offering a range of options to suit different requirements. Fixed satellite terminals require airtime packages on a post-paid basis although some will not charge a monthly fee meaning lower costs for those who will not be using their equipment regularly throughout the year.
There are many different equipment and airtime options available for marine users making satellite communications suitable for all budgets, locations and voice and data requirements. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Keep satellite phone costs down by sending free SMS to any Iridium or Thuraya sat phone. By using the links below anybody can send a free text message to a sat phone so long as they know the phone number.
Iridium numbers are 12 digit numbers starting with 8816
Thuraya numbers are 13 digit numbers starting with 8821
Just enter the phone number, your message and press send!
Global Telesat Communications is pleased to announce that we now have airtime rates available for the new IsatPhone Pro. Inmarsat are proving very competitive with their sat phone call charges on both pre-paid and post-paid airtime for their Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS).
Other satellite networks such as Iridium and Thuraya offer a range of validity periods on different vouchers which can become confusing. Inmarsatare offering a flat two year validity on all pre-paid vouchers, even the smaller denominations. This is great for customers who only use their sat phone in emergencies but don’t want to lose their credit if they don’t use it. What’s more the rate per minute works out to be good value with costs varying from £0.61 – £1.00 per minute to fixed lines depending on the volume of airtime you buy.
A drawback for some pre-paid users will be that currently pre-paid service may not be used for calls within, from or to the United States. This will be resolved at a later date.
All other satellite phone networks offer a standard contract with a 12 month minimum period. Inmarsat are breaking boundaries by offering 3 different contracts, all with no activation fee and two of which have no minimum term! This makes the IsatPhonevery flexible for those occasional users. For those who frequently use their sat phone Inmarsat is offering two plans which have inclusive minutes making call costs even cheaper. Call costs to a fixed line range from £0.60 – £0.66 per minute depending on which plan you choose.
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Summary of IsatPhone Pro Post-Paid Plans
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Standard Plan
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Allowance 20 Plan
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Allowance 60 Plan
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| Monthly Fee |
$20.00
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$35.00
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$60.00
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| Inclusive Minutes Each Month |
0
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20*
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60**
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| Minimum Contract Duration (Months) |
0
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0
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12
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| * Allowance for Voice to Fixed traffic only. No rollover of unused minutes. | |||
| ** Allowance is for mobile originated traffic to fixed/cellular/voicemail/GSPS/SPS/BGAN/FBB/SBB. No rollover of unused minutes. | |||
We have already had some questions as to why you would choose the Standard Plan when there are no inclusive minutes, why not just choose pre-paid? Well, the advantage that post-paid always has over pre-paid vouchers is that you do not have to worry about topping up your airtime, running out of credit or losing credit after validity periods have ended – you will always be able to make a call. Considering there is no minimum contract on the Standard Plan it is still a very flexible option for occasional users.
Global Telesat Communications are proud to be a verified bronze partner of Inmarsatwhich is why you can trust us with your IsatPhone Pro handset and airtime purchase.
Just like mobile phones, when it comes to choosing airtime for satellite phones there are two options – post-paid and pre-paid airtime. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options but we aim to give you all the facts you need to make an informed decision to ensure you choose the most cost effective and best suited airtime option for your requirements.
Post-Paid Contracts
Satellite airtime contracts are available on the Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar and Inmarsat satellite networks. If you are willing to sign up to the commitment of a 12 month minimum contract there can be many benefits to post-paid satellite airtime. Unlike pre-paid airtime you do not have to worry about minutes or SIM cards expiring – you will be able to use your SIM for as long as you keep the contract running after the minimum period. You can also benefit from cheaper call costs with a contract which is great if you will regularly be using your sat phone and unlike pre-paid airtime you are only paying for the minutes as and when you use them. Detailed call records are available with post-paid airtime contracts and are sent with your invoice on a monthly basis – this is something that is not usually done with pre-paid airtime.
Pre-Paid Vouchers
Pre-paid vouchers have the benefit of no monthly fees or minimum contracts. However, you are paying upfront for your minutes so make sure you choose a quantity of minutes most suited to your usage. This is because with Thuraya and Iridium prepaid options all airtime vouchers have an expiry date or validity period which will start from the date you add them to your SIM card. So if you don’t use your minutes, you lose them. This means you need to keep track of when airtime is expiring so that you don’t get caught out when you need to use your satellite phone although most providers will send you reminders before airtime expires.
Although it is possible to top-up your satellite airtime online, as most sat phones are used in remote locations it is useful to make arrangements with your service provider before you leave on remote trips as to how you will give payment for any top-ups you might require along the way.
With both post-paid and pre-paid satellite airtime you get free incoming calls and text messages making it easy to stay in contact with friends, family and colleagues back home via your sat phone.
The world of satellite airtime can be confusing with various tariffs, plan validities and units per minute available. The main question to ask yourself when choosing your airtime is how often you will be using your sat phone. We are happy to discuss the best satellite airtime option for you, please contact us.
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Post-Paid Contracts |
Pre-Paid Vouchers |
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Advantages |
Low cost/minute, no need for top-ups |
Flexible, no contract or activation fees |
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Disadvantages |
12 month minimum contract |
Have to keep track of when minutes are expiring. Lose unused minute if let them expire. |
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Networks available |
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Payment |
Invoiced monthly |
Payable in advance |
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Calls charged in |
$/min |
Units |
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Best for |
Regular usage |
Emergency or short-term use |
If you’re looking to purchase a satellite broadband terminal but don’t know where to start, our blog is here to help. There are many factors to take into account when considering a satellite terminal.
The main use of a satellite terminal is to allow connection to the internet at broadband speeds from virtually anywhere in the world. As most terminals are no larger than a laptop they can be transported easily and are therefore ideal for people requiring internet connectivity while travelling in remote locations. Some terminals offer voice capability through a telephone handset which means they can also be used to make satellite phone calls.
There are two main networks to choose from when considering a satellite terminal; Inmarsat BGAN and Thuraya. Most terminals currently available work on the near-global Inmarsat BGAN network and offer data rates of between 384 kbps to 492 kbps. Some terminals, such as the Thrane & Thrane Explorer 700, allow simultaneous multi-user access to the internet but most users will find the Thrane & Thrane 300 or Wideye Sabre 1 BGAN terminals more than adequate as they are small, light and cheaper than the multi-user models.
The Inmarsat BGAN network covers everywhere in the world from 72 degrees north to 72 degrees south. This means that the only place the network is not available is in the poles. If you are interested in purchasing a BGAN terminal please look at our Inmarsat BGAN terminal page to see the range of Inmarsat BGAN terminals currently available.
Inmarsat BGAN Explorer 700 Satellite Terminal
The alternative network to consider is Thuraya. Thuraya offer just one terminal, the Thuraya IP, which is a small and light terminal capable of a data rate of up to 444 kbps. The Thuraya network covers two thirds of the globe consisting of most of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia. If you are interested in purchasing a Thuraya terminal please look at our Thuraya terminal page to see more information on the Thuraya IP terminal.
If you’re still not sure about the Inmarsat and Thuraya coverage why not have a look at our coverage page to double check that the Inmarsat or Thuraya terminal will work where you are going.
Once you have chosen the satellite broadband terminal most suitable for your requirements you will need to buy airtime to use with the terminal. If you do not need global coverage and will be travelling within the Thuraya network coverage area you may find that some of their airtime options can work out better value for money than BGAN. Thuraya offer post-paid plans which include a set amount of data that you can transfer each month without incurring any additional charge. Once this amount is exceeded you will be charged at a standard rate for your usage.
If you need to use your terminal outside the Thuraya network area then an Inmarsat BGAN terminal is the best option for you. Although this can work out a little bit more expensive in some situations, you will have the peace of mind knowing that, unlike Thuraya IP, the terminal offers near-global coverage. With BGAN you have the option of buying post-paid or pre-paid airtime. Post-paid airtime involves a monthly fee and a minimum contract term and is suitable for someone who is going to use an unknown amount of airtime over a long period of time. Prepaid airtime is more suitable for short term users who know in advance the rough amount of data they will be transferring. Once this data has been transferred you will not be able to use your terminal until you top it up with extra credit.
Once you have made a decision on what you think best suits your needs then why not get in contact with us to ask any final questions.