Big Bend Telephone Company installs Cobham’s new EXPLORER MSAT-G3 terminal on its vehicle fleet to enable mobile communications via satellite
Copenhagen, Denmark - Alpine, Texas
headquartered Big Bend Telephone Company has become the first
commercial user of the innovative EXPLORER MSAT-G3 system for the
next generation MSAT service covering North America. EXPLORER
MSAT-G3 extends communications coverage in the field by combining
satellite links and existing cellular based networks with Land
Mobile Radio (LMR). This reduces infrastructure costs by removing
the need to build and maintain radio repeater sites on the ground,
while introducing significantly improved communications
availability in any environment, when on the move. It is designed
to cost-effectively expand and augment existing LMR Systems.
Following a four day onsite training course conducted by Cobham
SATCOM partner Global Data Specialists (GDS) and Cobham Sales
Engineer Brent Short, Big Bend has completed the self-installation
of EXPLORER MSAT-G3 in 29 service vehicles, which cover
approximately 30,000 square miles. The service is live, with
feedback from users in the field reporting high availability of
dispatch communication. In addition, there is improved safety in
remote areas, with the EXPLORER MSAT-G3 emergency features and a
GDS added wireless clip-on microphone system, enabling engineers to
communicate up to 1,000 ft. away from their vehicle.
As an innovative, new 'Comms-On-The-Move' solution, EXPLORER
MSAT-G3 allows for a broad range of new, high-quality voice and
data applications over a secure communications link for diverse
users in the emergency services and commercial industries,
including utilities and telecoms.
Florida-based GDS has played an important role in the launch of
the EXPLORER MSAT-G3 to users in the utilities sector, with Big
Bend Telephone Company leading the way as the first commercial
user. The company is using MSAT-G3 to optimize logistics and safety
in the field by providing its engineers with high availability
communications in areas with no cell coverage. The voice service is
a fixed monthly cost per terminal, giving Big Bend complete
financial control, regardless of the communications channel used at
any time. In addition, GDS offers a purchase program of the
hardware with service and warranty included for up to 10 years.
"EXPLORER MSAT-G3 is the perfect solution for utility
companies looking for greater communication coverage for personnel
in the field," said Bob Hershberger, Engineer, Global Data
Specialists. "With EXPLORER MSAT-G3 installed and operational
within a month of GDS receiving the order, Big Bend is now even
better prepared to react and address infrastructure issues and
service outages. Ultimately, by optimizing and increasing the
availability and functionality of communications for their service
vehicles, Big Bend can continue to provide high level customer
service to its residential and business communication
users."
Cobham and GDS have also provided three EXPLORER MSAT-G3 mobile
units for ad-hoc use by Big Bend staff and contractors. Two MSAT-G3
units are being used indoors at dispatch locations. As the MSAT-G3
system is IP-based, GDS connected two units to the customer's LAN,
allowing for communication with vehicles in the field without the
requirement for satellite connectivity at the office location.
EXPLORER MSAT-G3 looks and feels just like a standard LMR
system, utilizing a rugged Push-To-Talk (PTT) Control Speaker
Microphone. It can use an extremely powerful magnet system
(optional) for securely mounting the electronically steered antenna
to a vehicle's roof, with installation taking less than three
hours. Uniquely, up to two USB cellular modems (optional) can be
connected to the PTT terminal to enable two independent cellular
network connections.
In action, EXPLORER MSAT-G3's sophisticated routing
functionality automatically switches between the available networks
- satellite or cellular - dynamically selecting the most suitable
based on quality and availability at any time. This all happens
seamlessly without user intervention.
The innovative EXPLORER MSAT-G3 system combines the power of
Cobham SATCOM's Push-To-Talk technology, the Ligado Networks
SkyTerra 1 satellite and ViaSat's low latency, IP-based L-band
Mobile Satellite Services network. EXPLORER MSAT-G3 is also the
only system in its class to provide AES-256 encrypted Push-To-Talk
voice and associated data over satellite.
About Cobham SATCOM
Providing dependable communications and internet access
anywhere under the most demanding conditions.
Our satellite and radio communication terminals perform in the
most challenging and remote environments on land, at sea and in the
air.
We design and manufacture these high performance products under
the AVIATOR, EXPLORER, SAILOR and Sea Tel brands providing
customers with outstanding performance, value and support through
our global sales and service network.
About Cobham
Cobham is a leading global technology and services
innovator, respected for providing solutions to the most
challenging problems, from deep space to the depths of the
ocean.
We employ around 11,000 people on five continents, and have
customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading
positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications,
including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air
refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission
equipment.
- ends -
Contacts:
Cobham SATCOM
Morten Rishøj
Market Development Manager, Land Mobile BU SATCOM
Tel +45 39558397
Email morten.rishoj@cobham.com
|
|