Broadband Global Area Network

A Broadband Global Area Network or BGAN for short, is a form of Satellite internet and telephony provided by INMARSAT. The system uses two geostationary satellites, with a third satellite expected to enter service later in 2008. The system will then cover all parts of the world except for polar regions.

Downlink speeds are up to 492kb/s and upload speeds slightly lower at 300-400kb/s. Latency is the biggest bottleneck (like all satellite communications). This can however be improved using PEP software or other TCP packet accelerators.

The terminals have many capabilities each with different costs associated with them. The main two that apply to basic BGAN usage are Telephone Voice and Background IP data. Voice is on average $1 per min. and costs can vary based on type of calls are made (Land lines, Cell phones, other Satellite phones). Data can run anywhere from $5.00-$10.00 per MB depending on what service provider is used. The advantage of BGAN over other satellite systems is that the terminal is portable, can be easily set up by anyone, and is the only portable satellite system on the market that has this high of quality and speed for both voice and data services. It works on the L band, avoiding rain fade and other issues of traditional larger satellite systems.

There are some quirks to the BGAN (like all satellite based communication) the main one being need for a view of the satellite. Since BGAN works on geostationary satellites - as long as users know the general direction, they can get on the network. The terminals help connect easily as well, with most giving a beep tone and sliding scale power bar to find the satellite and get a strong signal. Then usually with the touch of one button, the terminal auto-negotiates with the satellite and connects. The average pointing time for a BGAN unit is 2 minutes, under a minute with an experienced user and a good signal. BGAN is being used in the world today for disaster response, telemedicine, business continuity, military use, and recreational use.

BGAN Terminals

Most terminals are made by Thrane & Thrane, however others, including Hughes Network Systems, also make terminals. [cite web | url=http://www.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/BGAN/Terminals/default.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False | title=Inmarsat BGAN Terminals - Inmarsat ] There are many different kinds of BGAN terminals each with different powers and uses. Systems cost between US$1800 and US$5000 varying based on class and capabilities -- there are many different types of BGAN terminals. Depending on terminal type users can connect their computers via USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or Ethernet connection(s). This allows them to access the internet, check e-mail, download files, or any other internet based activities you are used to doing at home or the office. Many come equipped with a regular RJ11 Phone Jack for making PSTN calls, using an ordinary telephone handset, while many terminals have an ISDN connection to do ISDN phone calls. Some BGANs have both so users can make either type of phone call. Users can also send faxes, SMS text messages, and even video conference with the streaming data features standard with most terminals. Most BGANs can support a router or switch device so users can plug in multiple computers or even VOIP phones and set up a mobile office with a BGAN terminal.

Coverage and Availability

* The BGAN service is currently accessible throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America. Coverage to the Pacific area will begin in late 2008, giving the network global coverage except at the poles. [cite web | url=http://www.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/BGAN/Coverage.aspx?language=EN&textonly=False | title=BGAN Coverage - Inmarsat ]

See also

* Thuraya
* Iridium (satellite)
* Globalstar

Notes

External links

* [http://www.bgan.com.mx BGAN Inmarsat Services information in Spanish]
* http://www.inmarsat.com/Services/Land/BGAN/default.aspx (Link to official INMARSAT page on BGANs)