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Satellite Communications for Business Continuity Managers

Satellite communication systems can offer an invaluable backup capability.

It is fair to say that the likelihood of both landline and mobile systems becoming unavailable is very low there have been incidences where this has happened. Usually in the aftermath of a large scale weather or security incident a combination of over subscription and infrastructure damage can rapidly degrade both availability/capacity and quality.

This article covers the handheld voice/data systems rather than fixed Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems, these are permanent or semi permanent installations that can provide considerable, though expensive, bandwidth that is independent of local fixed line infrastructure. VSAT installations are only usually used in scenarios that demand the highest level of fault tolerance or in areas where the fixed infrastructure is not capable of meeting requirements.

There are a number of providers of portable satellite equipment and the choice of one or another will need careful consideration of a number of factors.

Thuraya

logo_thuraya Although having the smallest coverage zone Thuraya offers a low cost solution for voice and medium speed data. The handsets are compact and integrate a GPS receiver. Another innovative feature of the Thuraya handsets is their ability to switch between satellite and GSM depending on coverage and contract.

With the IP Modem always on GPRS speeds of up to 115kbs can be maintained and standard Group 3 fax transmissions are also supported. A number of calling features including SMS are available.

A wide range of pre paid and post paid tariffs are available.

The Thuraya country calling code is +882 16

Thuraya02 Thuraya01 Thuraya03

Inmarsat

Inmarsat was the world's first global satellite communications provider and has arguably the widest range of products and services. Although initially focussed on the maritime market it now supports many users on ships, aircraft and using portable devices.

In addition to its commercial offering Inmarsat also provides the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Service (GMDSS) to ships and aircraft at no charge.

The two most relevant services are BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) and RBGAN (Regional BGAN), both using IP networking to voice and/or data. BGAN is a voice and data system, RBGAN is a data only system. Inmarsat plan to cease the RBGAN service at the end of 2008.

BGAN is increasing coverage during 2008 that will see it capable of covering all areas of the globe except the Polar regions. Like DSL, the service is not symmetrical, download speeds of up to 492kbs and upload speeds between 300 and 400kbs are quoted. A range of different terminals are available some supporting voice, data, ISDN, Ethernet, Bluetooth and WiFi. This wide range of terminals provides the user with a great deal of flexibility.

There are a number of Inmarsat country calling codes, from +870 to +874

Inmarsat01

Iridium

logo_iridium After a troubled financial start the Iridium network now provides a global coverage unmatched by the other providers, the Polar regions are included. The handset is capable of voice, SMS, fax and data. Iridium users can select from a wide range of third party equipment.

The 66 satellites support inter satellite links that mean satellite handset to satellite handset calls are not routed through ground stations making them more resilient and lower cost. This cross linking makes them particularly suited to emergency applications.

The Iridium country calling codes are +8816 and +8817

Iridium01 Iridium03

Globalstar

logo_globalstar Globalstar uses a similar system to Iridium but without the cross linking and with much less coverage. In a similar manner as Thuraya some handsets can interoperate with GSM networks. The original satellites experienced rapid degradation and a number of interim satellites have been launched to bridge the gap until the next generation can be built and launched. Several recent articles have reported poor performance of the existing and interim service,

Users are given numbers that are dependent on the location of the ground station.

Coverage

Each network maintains coverage maps, summarised here. The exception is Iridium, which covers everywhere.

Coverage Globalstar

Globalstar

Coverage Inmarsat

Inmarsat BGAN

Coverage Thuraya

Thuraya

How Useful are They?

Satellite telephones are useful in you need them, this is of course a rather obvious statement but unless you operate in an area with now fixed or mobile coverage in the day to day they are an unnecessary expense.

Call setup is not usually instantaneous, latency sometimes quite noticeable and equipment and air time costs can be considerable.

There is a common misconception that one has to be outside to use a satellite telephone. This is true only to a point; a handset will require line of site to the satellite which may restrict their use in built up areas and indoors. However, all networks can use fixed indoor infrastructure either independently of the handset or as an extension of it, using permanent or semi permanent external antenna. Iridium also offer a 4 line rack mounted unit that can be used independently or integrated with other telephone equipment.

When these conventional networks are not available satellite handsets can be absolutely invaluable allowing the incident management team to communicate with key members of staff, suppliers and other stakeholders.