Inmarsat has launched BGAN Link – a new broadband data service for users who need high volumes of standard IP data from one location.
BGAN Link, according to Inmarsat, provides companies working in a remote area for sustained periods of time, with a data connection speed of up to half a megabit, suitable for standard office-type applications such as email, internet and intranet access, and virtual private network (VPN) access to corporate networks.
Typical sectors and scenarios include: Developmental aid – long term socio-economic projects; Environmental monitoring – climatic, meteorological and other natural element survey projects; Construction – rapid site set-up with prolonged use into site management phase; Oil and gas – a primary communications solution for exploration projects, or back-up to primary communications in production phase; Mining – drilling and testing operations with high data requirements, and primary communications for camps.
Three data packages – 5GB, 10GB and 15GB per month – are available, each at a fixed monthly price and for a minimum commitment of 12 months. The fixed price means end-users can control their communications budget. If they need to exceed their monthly allowance they are simply charged for the additional usage at the in-bundle per MB price, or can have a free upgrade to the next data package.
Those users requiring total cost control can select an option that cumulatively monitors daily usage to ensure monthly allowance is not exceeded.
Remote users are likely to be working in extreme environments, which can impact on satellite communications. But since BGAN Link is delivered over Inmarsat’s L-band network, according to a company spokesman, it can be relied on no matter how tough the weather conditions – with connectivity maintained in heavy rain, snow, ice and sand storms. It also has a reportedly high degree of pointing tolerance that will help retain a connection even when its direction has shifted slightly due to wind or seismic activity.
The global Inmarsat-4 satellites and ground network operates at a reported 99.9% availability, so business-critical applications can always be accessed. BGAN Link is available globally – with the exception of USA and Afghanistan – via Thrane & Thrane Explorer 700 and Hughes 9201 terminals.
Users looking for a suite of fixed communications for their remote operations can complement BGAN Link’s data connectivity with IsatPhone Link, Inmarsat’s low-cost global satellite voice service providing voice connectivity for people working outside of cellular coverage.
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