Hughes presents new Inmarsat BGAN satcom terminal for hazardous locations

Hughes Network Systems, LLC and Inmarsat recently presented the Hughes 9502 global-use terminal, the first BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) M2M (machine-to-machine) satellite communications terminal in the world to feature Hazardous Locations Accreditation.

The new Hughes BGAN terminal has successfully finished tests with accredited laboratory Met Laboratories, Inc., which cleared the Hughes 9502 for operation in hazardous locations that may have explosive gaseous atmospheres.

Hughes designed and produced its 9502 terminal for global use over the Inmarsat BGAN L-band satellite service. The new satellite communications terminal enables highly affordable and reliable end-to-end IP data connectivity for a wide variety of customers, including global energy customers who deploy SCADA networks in hazardous environments.

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AST becomes Distribution Partner for Inmarsat FleetBroadband services

Applied Satellite Technology (AST) recently announced its newly-attained status as a Distribution Partner for Inmarsat. AST will deliver and grow FleetBroadband services in vital maritime sectors.

For more than 20 years, AST has plied its wares and services in the global maritime market, serving companies like Globalstar, Iridium, and Thuraya in addition to Inmarsat. The Company is known for its AST Live! Suite product, which features traffic management and control capacity for the delivery of Inmarsat FleetBroadband.

AST has offices and partners across the globe and in important maritime regions. Its core customer base can be found in the Fishing, Leisure, and Workboat markets. AST will focus on promoting growth of FleetBroadband revenue in these sectors on behalf of Inmarsat. 

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New Inmarsat M2M solution uses Galaxy1 satellite communications technology

Inmarsat recently announced the launch of Remote Terminal Manager, a new M2M solution that manages and controls unmanned M2M satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals.

Users of Inmarsat’s M2M portfolio services (including the BGAN M2M product) will be able to remotely control their devices through Remote Terminal Manager without needing to send teams to troubleshoot or manually reboot terminals.

The Remote Terminal Manager uses a map interface to display the location and status of Inmarsat M2M terminals worldwide. With this tool, users can remotely control the terminals.

Galaxy1 -an independent provider of satellite communications services and part of the Inmarsat partner community- provided licensed technology for the new Inmarsat M2M management solution.

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Inmarsat Global Xpress using Metaswitch solutions for VoIP services

Inmarsat will be upgrading the voice services of its Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band satellite broadband using IP communications solutions from Metaswitch.

Metaswitch Universal Media gateways, MetaSphere Multimedia Telephony Applications Server, the MetaView Network management System, and Perimeta Session Border Controllers will all be used to enhance Global Xpress' voice services.

GX is an all-IP satellite broadband network comparable to terrestrial LTE networks. It implements voice as a service on top of the satellite broadband network, but requires VoIP services to deliver voice communications.

Metaswitch and Inmarsat have been working together since 2012. Last February, Metaswitch was tapped to support Inmarsat's FleetBroadband maritime communications service. Inmarsat network hubs in Western Europe and the Pacific Rim were equipped with Metaswitch Universal Media Gateways and the MetaSphere Multimedia Telephone Applications Service. 

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Globecomm markets Access Maritime service platform to maritime customers

Globecomm recently began inviting owners, ship managers, officers, and crew to switch to the company's Access Maritime service platform for all their worldwide wireless and satellite communications needs.

A renowned provider of managed network communication solutions, Globecomm developed the Access Maritime platform to automatically bridge two separate groups of services: L-band services provided by MSS services like Inmarsat, Iridium, and Thuraya; and maritime VSAT, WiFi, and mobile access.

Vessels connected by the Globecomm platform will be assured of excellent voice, Internet from satellite, and e-mail services. They will also be able to access a range of high-value applications such as ship management tools and weather data.

Access Maritime delivers global coverage over multiple platforms. It empowers applications related to high-value IT utilities and ship management while maintaining flexibility and offering the ability to control costs. The platform supports voice, email, Internet from satellite, crew calling, vessel management, and IT utilities secure video chat applications. It also powers M2M solutions. Customers can be assured of technology support from Globecomm teams.

Inmarsat helps out Race2Recovery team with SATCOM gear, services for 2013 Dakar Rally

The Race2Recovery team will be participating in the 2013 Dakar Rally in South America with the help of satellite communications equipment and services provided by Inmarsat.

Inmarsat will provide the team with its portable and vehicular BGAN satellite communications terminals, eight IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phones, and an unlimited voice and data service. These SATCOM systems can ensure voice and real-time broadband data connectivity for customers in some of the remotest places of the world like the Atacama Desert and the Andes mountain range.

Thanks to the SATCOM equipment provided by Inmarsat, the Race2Recovery team can maintain contact during their preparations in Morocco and during the 8,000 kilometer rally itself. They can open a video link with their support crews back in the UK, and call for help during any emergencies they encounter. Other, more mundane uses include posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, and the charity’s website.

Injured ex-British and American service personnel, veterans, and expert volunteers comprise the Race2Recovery team. They are joining the off-road endurance race with the goal of collecting money for Help For Heroes and associated US charities.

According to Mr. Tony Harris, co-director of the Race2Recovery team, he and his teammates can rely on the Inmarsat BGAN terminals to supply them with superb voice and broadband connectivity in some of the most remote places on Earth. He describes the Inmarsat satellite communications kit to be incredibly simple, lightweight, and compact. It was also great for sending emails and posting texts and images on social media sites.

Mr. Harris recalled that one of the team's vehicles suffered two punctures during the first training session in Morocco back in October. Each vehicle only carried one spare tire, so the Race2Recovery was forced to send a vehicle to locate new tires. The search team found a tire supplier through BGAN, and the different crews used the IsatPhone Pro handheld satphones to stay in touch with each other.

In addition to serving as a co-director for Race2Recovery, Tony Harris will also participate in the 2013 Dakar Rally as a driver. He is a former Captain of the Royal Regiment of Fuseliers and a veteran of the Afghan Conflict. He is also a below-the-knee amputee.

Inmarsat declares plans for SwiftBroadband, Alphasat, GX Aviation at NBAA 2012

During the NBAA 2012 conference, global mobile satellite communications services provider Inmarsat discussed the new enhancements for its SwiftBroadband satellite broadband service come 2013.

Inmarsat announced that it will be introducing high data rate technology to SwiftBroadband which will increase its speed. Next is the implementation of new SwiftBroadband services specifically designed for use by helicopters. Finally, Inmarsat will take key steps in the addition of extra safety services that will leverage SwiftBroadband to deliver prioritized IP connectivity to the cockpit. These new safety services will help save up to 30% of the cost spent on satellite ACARS messaging.

In addition, Inmarsat will unveil more details about its Alphasat I-XL Ka-band satellites. The first of the three I-5 platform is currently being built by Boeing. It is scheduled for launch during the second half of 2013. Its two sister satellites will follow it at six-month intervals.

The Alphasat constellation will supplement the older I-4 satellite fleet. The new Inmarsat Ka-band satellites will boost SwiftBroadband capacity over Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Finally, Inmarsat also confirmed that GX Aviation, its global in-flight Ka-band satellite Internet service, will enter commercial availability in early 2015 following the completion of the Alphasat constellation it will leverage for capacity and connectivity.


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Beam Communications installs IsatDock Pro at Russian Antarctic polar station

Beam Communications recently installed its Inmarsat IsatDock Pro product at the remote Antarctic Polar Station in Russia. The Inmarsat product will support the station’s various satellite communications systems.

The Russian Federation operates five research stations in the polar regions. During research seasons, the sites’ population can grow to more than 150, which is a significant number considering the inherent difficulties of supplying polar sites.

The Russian polar stations rely on a number of satellite communication systems such as Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro, BGAN, and Iridium. They can access the Inmarsat satellite communications network even at 78 to 79 latitudes due to the uniqueness of the Antarctic landscape.

The installation process put a number of antennas to the test. The ISD710 Maritime Active Antenna and the ISD700 Fixed Passive Antenna were singled out for providing high voice quality despite the severe environment. Beam’s IsatDock Pro SATCOM solution achieved similar performances.

In addition to maintaining communications between several polar stations, satellite communications systems also allows station personnel to contact the mainland head office and their own families.

An intelligent docking station for the IsatPhone Pro, the IsatDock Pro uses Bluetooth and RJ11/POTS to support voice services. The Inmarsat dock is key lockable and serves as a snug fit for the handset. It also charges the satellite phone and has a USB data port, a ringer antenna built into the dock itself, and permanent power connection.

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