Inmarsat's Broadband Global Area Network - BGAN - is the world's first
voice and broadband data mobile communications service accessible
anywhere on the planet.
Delivered via a highly portable, easy to use device, it is also the
first mobile service to offer guaranteed data rates on demand.
These innovations enable BGAN to extend the boundaries of the broadband
mobile office that 3G cellular services are only starting to delilver.
Explore Broadband for a mobile planet in our 5-minute promo showing
BGAN in action.
What
it does:
BGAN enables users to access data applications at broadband speed
and make phone calls at the same time - wherever they are on the planet.
Data
The standard IP service offers access to corporate networks via a
secure VPN connection at speeds up to 492kbps. It enables you to access
e-mail and other office applications, browse the Internet and send
large file attachments.
Streaming IP
For applications where quality of service is paramount, such as live
video or videoconferencing, BGAN offers an 'on-demand' Streaming IP
service at speeds up to 256kbps. You can choose the data rate on a
case-by-case basis depending on your application. BGAN also supports
ISDN.
Phone
You can make phone calls at the same time as accessing data applications
via a standard desktop phone, custom handset or Bluetooth handset/headset,
depending on the BGAN terminal. Voice mail and other standard 3G supplementary
services are also available.
Text
BGAN enables you to send and receive text messages via a laptop to
or from any mobile phone. The service supports the standard 160 characters.
Who
can use it:
BGAN is for anyone who works in places where the local telecoms
networks fall short.
BGAN is a powerful mobile communications solution for anyone who works
or travels in locations where the local telecoms networks are unreliable
or simply non-existent.
It enables users to be just as productive away from the office as
when they are back at base. It provides secure and reliable access
to standard desktop applications at speeds to match terrestrial broadband
services. What's more, you don't need any specialist technical expertise
to set up or use BGAN.
BGAN's superior performance, portability and ease of use make it a
compelling proposition for journalists, military personnel, aid workers
and other established users.
But, BGAN also brings the benefits of mobile satellite communications
to new users, such as civil engineers, consultants, project managers
and sales executives.
How
it works:
With BGAN there's no need for specialist technical knowledge. All
that's required is a laptop PC, a BGAN satellite terminal and a telephone
handset or headset.
BGAN terminals
BGAN is accessed via a small, lightweight satellite terminal. A range
of devices offers performance options to suit different operational
needs.
Terminals can be connected quickly and easily to a laptop or multiple
laptops, with users choosing wired or wireless connections, including
Bluetooth or WLAN, depending on their choice of terminal.
The smallest devices are designed to suit single users whose primary
concern is portability. Larger terminals offer higher bandwidth and
are particularly suitable for small teams who may need to establish
temporary offices for longer periods.
Terminals can be used indoors and outdoors, being robust enough to
withstand challenging environments and extremes of temperature.
BGAN LaunchPadTM
The BGAN service is accessed via BGAN LaunchPad, a software-based
interface on your laptop PC that is standard across all terminals.
Key features:
Easy to use interface
Clear step-by-step instructions on pointing the terminal and
setting up a satellite connection
Ability to customize the data connection options to match your
application requirements
Ability to pre-configure user access settings, enabling you to
restrict access to Streaming IP services, for example
Convenient online access to account and billing information
Personal and corporate versions
Access to text messaging and telephony features
Benefits:
Global coverage
BGAN will deliver seamless network coverage across most of the world's
landmass. Users will be able to get broadband wherever they go, not
just in major cities or airports. BGAN is currently accessible in
Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, with coverage extended to
North and South America from mid-2006.
Simultaneous voice and broadband data
With a single BGAN device, you can access data applications at broadband
speeds and make phone calls at the same time. In a world-first for
mobile services, you can also select guaranteed data rates on demand,
with a choice of rates to suit your application requirements. And
to ensure bandwidth availability, network capacity can also be re-directed
to areas of heavy usage.
Portable
BGAN terminals are compact, lightweight and designed to be carried
as easily as a laptop. The smallest BGAN terminal weighs less than
a kilo. A fully functional broadband mobile office can be set up and
shut down in minutes.
Flexible
BGAN supports the latest IP services, as well as traditional circuit-switched
voice and data. Integrating seamlessly with your corporate networks,
it supports legacy applications while providing a smooth upgrade path
to IP. There are terminals for single users and small teams, which
can be connected to a laptop PC via a wired or wireless connection.
For added flexibility, the BGAN LaunchPad can be customized to your
requirements.
Reliable
Inmarsat's name is synonymous with reliable communications, built
on our proven track record in the provision of maritime safety services.
The network capacity of our new Inmarsat-4 satellites is 16 times
greater than our previous generation of satellites, delivering a massive
boost to an already highly available network. In addition, the entire
system is backed by 24/7 customer support from our Partner organizations.
Easy to use
BGAN is designed for simplicity and ease of use. No specialist technical
expertise is required to set up or use the service. It's also easy
to manage costs, because users can track service usage and charges
in real-time. The same device can be used worldwide and the user interface
is standard across all terminals.
Direct connections to the satellite means there are never any compatibility
issues like those encountered with local telecoms networks.
Secure
Inmarsat has vast experience in providing secure communications to
military and government customers. BGAN meets these exacting requirements
and supports all major VPN products and encryption standards.
Coverage:
BGAN will deliver seamless network coverage across most of the world's
landmass. It enables users to enjoy the benefits of broadband connectivity
wherever they go - not just in major cities or airports.
The BGAN service is currently accessible throughout Europe, Africa,
the Middle East and Asia. Coverage will be extended to North and South
America, expected by mid-2006.