London, 19 May 2023.- Inmarsat, a British satellite telecommunications company, announced on the 18th of May that they are launching the world’s first broadband global area network (BGAN) terminal designed for use on foot. The new solution features the Hughes’ 9203 BGAN Terminal powered by Inmarsat’s ELERA (L-band) satellite network.
The device will allow government personnel to stay continuously connected while on the move throughout a mission and intends to provide fast access to a wide range of mobile communications applications. The BGAN terminal has undergone concept testing with government end-users across 22 nations.
The BGAN Patrol terminal connects to Inmarsat’s satellite network without need for user pointing. It can integrate into existing communication systems and batteries. As a result, end-users no longer need to pause and deploy a static terminal to communicate.
The terminal aims to enable defence users to connect to on-field management systems during missions, Blue Force Tracking (BFT) for militaries to reduce risk of friendly fire, and emergency service agencies to communicate and coordinate personnel on the ground during a dynamic situation, such as a natural disaster.
“Everybody expects to be connected on the move today: it is a normal part of life. It is particularly important for those who are operating in some of the harshest and most constrained environments, like those in the military, public safety, or emergency service personnel,” says Todd McDonell, President of Inmarsat Global Government. “BGAN Patrol provides a way to connect those going into harm’s way to protect the rest of us.”
Users should expect speeds of up to 200 kbps via ethernet, or through the Wi-Fi feature. The terminal offers reliable connectivity above 30 degrees elevation towards the satellite. Coverage will be available across much of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and the Asia Pacific region.
