Inmarsat BGAN

Inmarsat BGAN refers to the Inmarsat satellites providing access to a broadband global area network for global communications coverage. To access this network, BGAN terminals are configured for use with the Inmarsat satellites. The BGAN terminal first locates its’ position using GPS before attempting to connect with an Inmarsat satellite. This is why a clear of line of sight is required to communicate with the geostationary satellites.

The terminal may need to be adjusted until the satellite connection is established. On average it doesn’t take longer than a minute or two for a BGAN terminal to find a good signal. BGAN is widely used across all industries such as telemedicine, remote site monitoring, disaster and emergency response, and military as well as for recreational use.

BGAN Terminals

Portable land BGAN terminals like the Inmarsat BGAN Explorer and Hughes BGAN Inmarsat models are more appealing than the traditional satellite dishes because they are about the size of a laptop, making them light weight and easily portable. Whether attached to a vehicle or carried under your arm to any remote location, BGAN offer a multitude of capabilities depending on the make and model.

Some Inmarsat BGAN terminals allow you to connect your computer via USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or with an Ethernet cable to access Internet and email services. Other models come with the standard RJ11 phone connection to use a handset for telephony services, as well as being able to send faxes or SMS messages. BGAN terminals can also support routers or switches to allow multiple computers and VOIP phones to connect where you need to setup a mobile office.

BGAN Rentals

The price of BGAN terminals can end up being costly, especially if you don’t need to use it regularly. Canada Satellite offers cost-effective BGAN satellite rentals. Portable rental units include the Cobham Explorer 510 and Hughes 9202 BGAN terminal with or without an Iridium phone, depending on your connectivity requirements.

Accessories

Investing in accessories like batteries and chargers will always ensure your BGAN terminal never lets you down. Being stranded without power and connectivity can put you in a dangerous situation so having a backup is critical when traveling to any isolated region. Car chargers and solar chargers are available for various terminals, as well as extra cables for every ‘what-if’ situation.

The RedPort Optimizers are useful to connect smartphones and other devices by broadcasting your satellite feed as a Wi-Fi hotspot with firewall features to block any unwanted services or connections.

BGAN Plans

There are several BGAN Prepaid and Postpaid options available for airtime and data usage on the Inmarsat network. BGAN Prepaid airtime is best suited for infrequent, seasonal or emergency use. The Postpaid options are for regular users who may need constant access without the hassle of having to top-up or run the risk of being low on airtime credit. You can choose the options for your expected level of use and pay a monthly subscription for a set period, being 12, 24 or 26 months.