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As of early July, BGAN prices for hardware and service are changing.  We can provide information and advice on a case-by-case basis.

For pricing and additional information, please contact us at info (at) humaninet.org.  

Vizada now offers the Hughes 9201 BGAN terminal for $2250, and the Addvalue Sabre 1 for $1295.  These are the best prices for BGANs that we know of.  Please see our article on the Sabre 1.

We have begun testing of the "Loband" service (www.loband.org) as a way for BGAN and RBGAN users to view Web pages with graphics and pictures removed, leaving text only.  Please let us know if you have used Loband, and if it worked for you.

Please contact info (at) humaninet.org for more information.   Please include your organization and location in your email, and whether you are currently using an RBGAN, BGAN, or a satphone.  We will reply within three business days.

Iridium special offers:

Iridium satellite phones available at discount.  We have found a source of very affordable Iridium phones for $599 (used, with spare battery and 30 day warranty) and $899 (new, with one year warranty).   Supplies limited, requires purchase of airtime (12 month prepaid card, no activation fees).

These are the 9500 model phones, which have proven to be very reliable and which can be used for email and text messaging.  Current RBGAN owners who are looking for an alternative for field email before the RBGAN service is discontinued at the end of 2008 should consider the 9500 phone with data kit connection to the laptop.

These units are the most affordable option we have found for voice plus email and text messaging in remote locations.  Airtime rates are the lowest ever, from 66 to 83 cents per minute in some regions. 

New 9500s include AC charger with international plug set, DC car charger, lithium ion battery, antenna adapter with mobile magnetic antenna, leather holster, and user manual.

Used 9500s include the same items, except (1) the user manual is available on a CD by request, and (2) it includes a spare battery.

Please contact us at info (at) humaninet.org for more information.

HumaniNet has a small number of Iridium satphones available for loan to qualifying humanitarian and mission teams.  Please contact info (at) humaninet.org.

Compressing your email, Saving $.  If you depend upon remote satellite or HF radio services for your email, you may have heard of "compression" and asked: how does it work, and how does it help? Read more and learn about the popular UUPlus solution.

ISAT Phone: this lightweight satellite phone, launched in 2007 by Inmarsat, uses the same satellites as the BGAN and RBGAN data modems.  It is designed primarily for voice communications.  The ISAT phone tested well in the field during the Asia monsoon emergency response and during Exercise Khichadi in Nepal in late 2007.

See more at the Inmarsat Web page.

Vizada - new name, same folks.  Telenor Satellite Service is now Vizada Satellite Communications.  The company has new ownership and a new name, but they have the same offices in Rockville, Maryland, USA, and the same team is there to help with mobile communications.  HumaniNet is pleased to continue this partnership, which provides excellent discounts and tech support to humanitarian organizations.

New BGAN product lineup.  There are now six different BGAN models available, and prices are coming down (although slowly).  See the lineup on the Inmarsat BGAN terminal Web page.  For an overview of BGAN, click here.

Note that the Nera company has been purchased by Thrane & Thrane, so the earlier Nera BGAN is now the Thrane Explorer 110, with some technical improvements. 

For more information and pricing of mobile satellite services, contact us at info (at) humaninet.org and include your organization, region of interest, and general requirement for field communications.  Thank you.

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RBGAN and BGAN reports

New article - RBGAN and BGAN users will find this helpful:

"Holding down usage over RBGAN and BGAN - 11 tips for controlling your costs," by Eric Hoenigmann and Mike Bizub, one of our ICT Features for August 2007.

RBGAN service to continue only through 2008 - but stay tuned . . .

In late 2006, we announced that Inmarsat plans to discontinue RBGAN service as of end 2008.  It is unlikely that this service will be extended, as Inmarsat is promoting the BGAN as a single worldwide solution for mobile satellite. 

We have heard from several sources that several new products and services will be introduced over the next two years.  RBGAN users and those who need mobile satellite connectivity should watch the HumaniNet Web site as new developments unfold.  Our estimate is that prices for low-bandwidth services will drop in 2007-2008, as will the cost of BGAN equipment and per-megabyte services.

Current RBGAN users have until late 2008 to see what alternatives materialize.  While prices of BGAN terminals will probably drop (there are four competing manufacturers of terminals) the Iridium satphone is an option for voice + email.

RBGAN buyers in 2007 and 2008 will have to consider the value of the terminal (cost is approximately $600) against the likely two-year period of use.

For more in-depth information, contact us at info (at) humaninet.org.  

New Inmarsat I4 satellite for Pacific region in 2008

Inmarsat now plans to launch a third satellite for BGAN and other services in 2008.  If the launch occurs by end 2007, testing will then begin, and service would be available in mid-2008.  Until end 2008, RBGAN coverage will continue, extending throughout the Asia-Pacific region as far east as New Guinea and the Philippines.

Western Hemisphere RBGAN and BGAN coverage

Inmarsat's new 4F-2 satellite is now providing BGAN and RBGAN coverage for South and Central America.  Users in West Africa are now able to connect to the new satellite, in stationary orbit over Brazil. 

The new BGAN terminals are now available, with higher bandwidth and voice capability and coverage in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

For details, see our RBGAN/BGAN Coverage page.

Wireless Networking in the Developing World

Imagine trying to piece together a wireless network with no manuals, sporadic and slow access to the Internet, inadequate tools, a shortage of supplies, and in the most inclement weather. A recently published book, "Wireless Networking in the Developing World," is a highly regarded resource for solving these problems.  You can access this book in PDF form, at no cost, at http://wndw.net/news.html.

Thuraya to provide free satphones and service to governments for disaster response 

Geneva, 10 July 2006 — The International Telecommunication Union and Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company have concluded an agreement to provide portable satellite terminals to assist countries in disaster mitigation and relief.

For further information and assistance, contact your service provider, or you may email us at info@humaninet.org.

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