Category Archives: Satellite Broadband

Globalstar prepares six new second-generation satellites for July launch

Posted on by
Reply

Globalstar Satellite Launch

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 helps combat piracy

Posted on by
Reply

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

 

Using satellite communications to comply with EU fishing regulations

Posted on by
Reply

A change in EU regulations in July this year means all fishing vessels of more than 24 metres in length are now required to record and transmit daily activity reports of catch, transshipments, landings and sales electronically to fishing authorities.  This requires a communication system which is reliable, easy to use and install but most of all cost-effective.  Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband 150 terminal ticks all these boxes with simultaneous voice and data capabilities with data transmission achieving rates of up to 150 kbps.  The terminal can also send and receive SMS and provides global coverage excluding the poles.  An important feature to mention is that the Inmarsat network is not affected by weather making it a reliable choice for fishing vessels.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband Sailor 150

Thrane & Thrane Sailor 150 for use with Inmarsat's FleetBroadband Service

The antenna is contained in a 29cm diameter radome which weighs between only 2 kg so finding a spot for it on your vessel couldn’t be easier.  The FleetBroadband 150 is part of a three-model range, with the FB 250 and FB 500 completing the FleetBroadband series, the latter two offering even higher data speeds of up to 432 kbps and the added feature of Streaming IP.  Manufactured by Thrane & Thrane, the FB 150 comes with a 2 year warranty and has been granted an Ingress Protection rating of IPX6 which means the equipment has been tested and complied to be protected against heavy seas – the equipment has withstood water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a flow rate of 100 litres/min at a pressure of 100kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.

The cost of the FB 150 system is £4,150 ex VAT.  This includes the antenna, terminal, SIM card, handset, power cable and 10m antenna cable. After the $25.00 activation fee, there is no monthly airtime contract, and there is no minimum term; all that is required is one month’s notice.  Airtime charges are as follows:

  • Voice calls to fixed line cost $1.30 per minute
  • Voicemail costs $1.10 per minute
  • Data costs $11.50 per MB
  • Text messaging costs $0.75 per SMS
  • Free to receive all calls and SMS

Not only can the FleetBroadband system be used to comply with EU regulations but also for a number of other useful services:

  •  Telephony, email, internet access
  • Real-time weather from Météo France using SkyFile Weather
  • Downloading latest fish prices
  • Reporting and selling catch online
  • Fish finding
  • Position reporting
  • Depth maps
  • Updating electronic logs
  • Crew communications

In July 2011 fishing vessels over 15m will also be required to comply so now is the time to start planning and investing in a system which will comply with the regulations.  Contact Global Telesat Communications for more information.

Stay safe at sea with Inmarsat FleetBroadband’s 505 Emergency Calling Service

Posted on by
Reply

All users of Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband terminals can take advantage of their free 505 Emergency Calling service which allows vessels in an emergency situation to directly call their nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) by simply calling ‘505’.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband 505 Emergency Calling

FleetBroadband allows voice and data communication as well as a free dedicated Emergency Calling facility.

This service has been designed by Inmarsat for those vessels which are without GMDSS-compliant facilities and provides peace of mind in case of emergency.  The number provides immediate access to the MRCC who can then offer assistance on any type of maritime emergency situation.

Please note that 505 Emergency Calling is not GMDSS compliant, and equipment compliant with GMDSS should be used in the first instance by those vessels equipped with it.

Download the Inmarsat 505 Emergency Calling FAQs

Satellite Communications in a Marine Environment

Posted on by
Reply

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

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.

Inmarsat announces plans to construct new satellite constellation offerering download rates of 50Mbps

Posted on by
Reply

Inmarsat have announced that they have contracted Boeing to construct “The Inmarsat-5s” – a new satellite constellation consisting of 3 satellites.  This move is part of a $1.2 billion investment to create a global wireless broadband network called Global Xpress.

These satellites will be the first commercial global satellites to operate in the high frequency Ka-band.  Inmarsat will be able to take advantage of the increased bandwidth available to offer download speeds of 50Mbps and upload speeds of 5Mbps which will revolutionise data usage within the satellite communications industry.  Currently Inmarsat can only achieve download speeds of around 0.5Mbps with its BGAN X-Stream Service.

These services will be available as soon as 2014 and the satellites have a lifespan of approximately 15 years.

Read more from Inmarsat

Using Iridium and Thuraya satellite phones for data connection

Posted on by
2

For those who frequently require internet connection in remote locations using a satellite terminal on the Inmarsat BGAN satellite network is a good choice with their portable terminals, fast data speeds and very reliable service.

But what about those who will only occasionally want to use a data connection while in remote locations?  It is little known that satellite phones can also provide data services.  Although the speed will not be as fast as Inmarsat BGAN, if you only require need data services every now and then, a satellite phone will suffice and will be a much cheaper alternative to BGAN.  Every Iridium and Thuraya sat phone that we stock is capable of sending emails directly from the phone and the Thuraya SG-2520 even has an in-built browser meaning you don’t need to connect to your laptop to use the internet.

Iridium offers a data speed of 9.6kbps and each Iridium 9555 comes with a USB cable to connect to your laptop making data connections with your sat phone very simple.  Thuraya’s basic data service offers speeds of up to 9.6kbps.  However, their GmPRS service offers enhanced speeds of up to 60kbps (downlink) at an additional fee making data connections with your satellite phone more viable.  With GmPRS you are charged by the volume of data you send and receive rather than the duration of the data call (as is the case with Thuraya’s basic data service).  Uplink speeds are available at up to 15kbps.  The GmPRS service is available on both post-paid and pre-paid data SIM cards.

As with Iridium phones, all Thuraya phones come with the data cables required to set-up your data connection quickly and easily. 

So if you need to send and receive emails or browse the web while on the move a satellite phone could be just what you need.  If you are not sure whether a sat phone or a satellite terminal would best  suit your needs why not contact us with your questions?

Satellite Internet Access Using Satellite Terminals

Posted on by
Reply

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

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.

The role of satellite communications in Haiti

Posted on by
Reply

When natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis strike, traditional fixed and wireless communications are often destroyed making satellite communications essential in the recovery of the affected area.  Nowhere is this currently more apparent than in Haiti where satellite phones and data terminals are being used around the clock to aid the various aid agencies in their work as well as being used by journalists streaming news reports from the area.

According to Urgent Communications speaking with Iridium’s vice president of data services, Patrick Shay, Iridium voice traffic in Haiti has increased from 100 minutes per day to around 40,000 minutes per day since the earthquake hit on January 12.  Likewise Inmarsat’s chief executive Andrew Sukawaty said in an interview with the BBC that they have seen a dramatic increase in traffic in Haiti since the earthquake and are adding channels and capacity in the area to ensure they can keep up with demand.

Global Telesat Communications have helped equip international aid agency Humanity First with the Wideye Sabre 1 satellite terminal for both voice and data communications using Inmarsat BGAN while they are in Haiti.  To add to the medical team of 14 already in Haiti, a further team of 21 arrived on January 24 to support hospital teams and assist in refugee camps.

As with previous natural disasters, satellite communications are proving to be vital in the aftermath of the event and can hopefully enhance the work that aid agencies are carrying out to improve the situation in Haiti as soon as possible.