Unfortunately, conflict and crisis is something that happens around the world due to many factors, usually a difference in opinion, race or religion. More often than not, innocent parties are required to enter the scene as mediators on a common ground. This mediation can sometimes take place in remote places, or at least remote as far as technology is concerned – for example there may be no mobile phone network so communication can become difficult.
This is where technology such as a satellite phone can help.
Unlike traditional mobile phones, Satellite phones use a network of satellites that orbit the earth and relay signals back to handsets on the ground. This is ideal for remote locations such as deserts that have a direct line of sight back to the satellites without any interference, however in some locations, such as dense jungles signal can become weak or even lost.
The beauty of the Satellite phone however is that it doesn’t rely on local cell towers, so you can be out at sea or in a vast open space and communication can be made with anyone else on the planet, either with another satellite phone handset or a traditional landline or mobile (within a signal area).
Satellite phone kits usually come in a portable carry case, making them relatively easy to carry from location to location, although they do tend to be generally larger than as standard mobile phone. Although the number of handsets used has increased since the 1990’s they are still relatively expensive in comparison to other communication methods, however it is now possible to rent the handsets making it a more viable and cost effective option.
You will probably see Satellite phone handsets used on military documentaries on television both on land and at sea. It is absolutely imperative that communication is established with troops or workers in remote locations as it can help evade potential crisis and in many situations save lives. Don’t forget that a crisis situation isn’t just military; it can be aid workers in a foreign country who lose their way and require assistance.
Technology has come along way in the last decade and is now a very important part of any crisis management solution. Through the use of satellite tracking and communications it can now help to save many lives and prevent unnecessary loss.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
The key difference between mobile and satellite phone devices.
Communication plays a vital part in today’s world. In all walks of life from day to day business to crisis management situations we require the ability to make contact with others who may be just minutes away or across the other side of the world. We now take the ability to pick up a phone and talk to someone for granted.
Over the last 20 years we have started to become more and more familiar with satellite technology as it plays its part in providing us with television and navigation in our vehicles and mobile phones. Satellite technology also now plays a vital role in communication in remote locations.
The world is a large place and sometimes standard mobile phone technology isn’t sufficient due to a lack of cell masts in the area of transmission. This is true in areas such as deserts, jungles or at sea. This is where satellite phones come into their own. Unlike standard mobile phones, Satellite phones communicate using a number of satellites that orbit the earth. They pass signals between each other to ensure that communication can reach the recipient devices on the ground. It is still important, however, that the satellite phone handsets have a direct line of sight to the satellite. This means that use of the handsets in a dense area, such as a city centre with tall skyscrapers, or underground use such as a cave is often restricted.
A break in the line of sight to the satellite can mean that the voice signal can become distorted or even broken. Satellite phones have evolved somewhat in the last 20 years. The first phones were introduced in the 90’s and often found to be problematic. Since then the two satellite operators, Iridium and Globalstar have built up a client base of over 180,000 clients. So, in summary the biggest difference between the satellite phone and the mobile phone is the infrastructure that they operate on. Rather than using cell masts separated by relatively small differences the Satellite phones communicate directly with the network of Satellites that orbit the earth around 48,000km above the earth.
Over the last 20 years we have started to become more and more familiar with satellite technology as it plays its part in providing us with television and navigation in our vehicles and mobile phones. Satellite technology also now plays a vital role in communication in remote locations.
The world is a large place and sometimes standard mobile phone technology isn’t sufficient due to a lack of cell masts in the area of transmission. This is true in areas such as deserts, jungles or at sea. This is where satellite phones come into their own. Unlike standard mobile phones, Satellite phones communicate using a number of satellites that orbit the earth. They pass signals between each other to ensure that communication can reach the recipient devices on the ground. It is still important, however, that the satellite phone handsets have a direct line of sight to the satellite. This means that use of the handsets in a dense area, such as a city centre with tall skyscrapers, or underground use such as a cave is often restricted.
A break in the line of sight to the satellite can mean that the voice signal can become distorted or even broken. Satellite phones have evolved somewhat in the last 20 years. The first phones were introduced in the 90’s and often found to be problematic. Since then the two satellite operators, Iridium and Globalstar have built up a client base of over 180,000 clients. So, in summary the biggest difference between the satellite phone and the mobile phone is the infrastructure that they operate on. Rather than using cell masts separated by relatively small differences the Satellite phones communicate directly with the network of Satellites that orbit the earth around 48,000km above the earth.
Monday, 9 November 2009
What is the difference between a mobile phone and a satellite phone?
One question that often gets asked in the world of global communications is the difference between Mobile phones and a Satellite phone.
We have all become familiar with the use of Satellite technology as part of our day to day lives through the use of Satellite television in our homes and Satellite navigation in our cars and vehicles.
Satellite communication has played a very important part in space travel and discovery, however for the last two decades has also played a very important part in communication on earth, allowing communications to reach the most remote areas of civilisation both on land and at sea.
The two pieces of technology are ultimately designed to perform the same operation which is to provide a tool of communication between two parties.
However, the way that they operate based on the underlying technology platform couldn’t be more different.
The first Satellite phone was introduced onto the market in the early 1990’s. However mobile phones were found to be the more attractive proposition due to the fact that the satellite phone companies had problems with the satellite network meaning problems with coverage, dropped calls and the quality of the call.
There are two main satellite infrastructures that service Satellite phones. These are known as Iridium and Globalstar which between them no server over 200,000 clients.
The main difference between a satellite phone and a mobile phone is the infrastructure that they use to communicate with other devices. A satellite phone sits on a network of satellites that orbit the earth. This allows for global coverage as the signals pass from satellite to satellite to connect devices around the globe. A mobile phone however uses static transmitters installed on land. This means that coverage in remote areas or at sea is next to impossible. This is why mobile phones are not workable solutions when it comes to crisis management or remote workers. Very often a satellite phone is the only option to ensure communication between a base camp and remote workers.
Many Satellite phones utilize a network of Low Earth orbit satellites. This means that the signals have less distance to travel resulting in improved coverage and better quality of call. However, in some circumstances Satellites nearly as far as 50,000km above the earth are used to relay signals to other satellites.
Naturally, the huge difference in Infrastructure means that Satellite phones can be more costly to use than mobile phones and this is probably the reason they haven’t been more successful in the common market place, especially with Mobile Phone operators driving down the cost of rentals and call time to compete with the competition.
Perhaps the one downfall of the Satellite phone is that it requires a direct line of sight with the satellite. Therefore, in a dense area such as a rain forest or city central the quality of call may suffer or you may experience a higher dropped call rate than usual.
We have all become familiar with the use of Satellite technology as part of our day to day lives through the use of Satellite television in our homes and Satellite navigation in our cars and vehicles.
Satellite communication has played a very important part in space travel and discovery, however for the last two decades has also played a very important part in communication on earth, allowing communications to reach the most remote areas of civilisation both on land and at sea.
The two pieces of technology are ultimately designed to perform the same operation which is to provide a tool of communication between two parties.
However, the way that they operate based on the underlying technology platform couldn’t be more different.
The first Satellite phone was introduced onto the market in the early 1990’s. However mobile phones were found to be the more attractive proposition due to the fact that the satellite phone companies had problems with the satellite network meaning problems with coverage, dropped calls and the quality of the call.
There are two main satellite infrastructures that service Satellite phones. These are known as Iridium and Globalstar which between them no server over 200,000 clients.
The main difference between a satellite phone and a mobile phone is the infrastructure that they use to communicate with other devices. A satellite phone sits on a network of satellites that orbit the earth. This allows for global coverage as the signals pass from satellite to satellite to connect devices around the globe. A mobile phone however uses static transmitters installed on land. This means that coverage in remote areas or at sea is next to impossible. This is why mobile phones are not workable solutions when it comes to crisis management or remote workers. Very often a satellite phone is the only option to ensure communication between a base camp and remote workers.
Many Satellite phones utilize a network of Low Earth orbit satellites. This means that the signals have less distance to travel resulting in improved coverage and better quality of call. However, in some circumstances Satellites nearly as far as 50,000km above the earth are used to relay signals to other satellites.
Naturally, the huge difference in Infrastructure means that Satellite phones can be more costly to use than mobile phones and this is probably the reason they haven’t been more successful in the common market place, especially with Mobile Phone operators driving down the cost of rentals and call time to compete with the competition.
Perhaps the one downfall of the Satellite phone is that it requires a direct line of sight with the satellite. Therefore, in a dense area such as a rain forest or city central the quality of call may suffer or you may experience a higher dropped call rate than usual.
Friday, 16 October 2009
What is a satellite phone?
A satellite phone is effectively a mobilephone which uses satellites for communication, rather than cell like standard mobile phones. There are three satellite phone networks that are currently in operation:
•Iridium
•Globalstar
•Thuraya Iridium
The Iridium network uses 66 low earth orbit satellites in polar orbits 485 miles above sea level. The use of low earth orbit satellites helps minimize round-trip-time, which greatly improves the perceived quality of the phone call. The Iridum network is able to provide complete global coverage. There is no where on Earth where you can't receive a satellite phone call over the Iridium network.
Thuraya
The Thuraya satellite phone network provides coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Thuraya offers dual-mode GSM and satellite mobile telephone services, transmitting and receiving calls through each satellite's 12.25-meter-aperture reflector.
The Thuraya geostationary satellites utilize on-board digital signal processing to create more than 200 spot beams that can be redirected on-orbit, allowing the satellite phone network to adapt to customer demand in real time.
Satellite phone calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network.
The Thuraya network has the capacity for 13,750 simultaneous voice circuits.
Globalstar
The Globalstar network utilizes 40 low earth orbit satellites orbiting at an altitude of 876 miles.
The Globalstar satellite phone network provides coverage over most of the Earths land mass. This includes most of North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Asia, and Australia.
•Iridium
•Globalstar
•Thuraya Iridium
The Iridium network uses 66 low earth orbit satellites in polar orbits 485 miles above sea level. The use of low earth orbit satellites helps minimize round-trip-time, which greatly improves the perceived quality of the phone call. The Iridum network is able to provide complete global coverage. There is no where on Earth where you can't receive a satellite phone call over the Iridium network.
Thuraya
The Thuraya satellite phone network provides coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Thuraya offers dual-mode GSM and satellite mobile telephone services, transmitting and receiving calls through each satellite's 12.25-meter-aperture reflector.
The Thuraya geostationary satellites utilize on-board digital signal processing to create more than 200 spot beams that can be redirected on-orbit, allowing the satellite phone network to adapt to customer demand in real time.
Satellite phone calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network.
The Thuraya network has the capacity for 13,750 simultaneous voice circuits.
Globalstar
The Globalstar network utilizes 40 low earth orbit satellites orbiting at an altitude of 876 miles.
The Globalstar satellite phone network provides coverage over most of the Earths land mass. This includes most of North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Asia, and Australia.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Advice on hiring Satellite Phones
Rental and hire of satellite phone solutions has greatly increased over the last eight years. The requirement has been from people and businesses traveling to areas outside of cell and landline coverage who want the peace of mind that in a crisis they can get help with a simple phone call. They also want the ability to stay in touch with friends, business partners, associates and family
How do you find a satellite phone to rent?
In most cases you will not be able to run down to the local cellular store and pick one up and if you call them they will most likely tell you "There is no such thing as a handheld satellite phone". Most people find satellite phones on the Internet which can be shipped to their home or business to arrive on a certain desired delivery date. Satellite phones can often be rented by the week or by the month. The fees can vary depending on the time of year. Be careful some satellite phone providers will have hidden fees like daily minimum usage fees which can substantially increase the cost of your rental. If the user plans to only use the phone in a crisis they can choose the flat rate per minute a pay-as-you go option. If the rental customer plans to use the phone more they can choose a number of prepaid bundled minute plans offered by GlobalCom which are discounted. Numerous optional accessories are available including data kits allowing you access to the Internet using a PC. Other options include cigarette lighter adapters, solar panels, water-proof cases, leather cases, extra batteries and more. GlobalCom currently recommends the Iridium rental unit which provides un-paralleled planetary coverage with their constellation of 66 satellites.
For more information on Satellite phones and Crisis management solutions visit the Track 24 web site.
How do you find a satellite phone to rent?
In most cases you will not be able to run down to the local cellular store and pick one up and if you call them they will most likely tell you "There is no such thing as a handheld satellite phone". Most people find satellite phones on the Internet which can be shipped to their home or business to arrive on a certain desired delivery date. Satellite phones can often be rented by the week or by the month. The fees can vary depending on the time of year. Be careful some satellite phone providers will have hidden fees like daily minimum usage fees which can substantially increase the cost of your rental. If the user plans to only use the phone in a crisis they can choose the flat rate per minute a pay-as-you go option. If the rental customer plans to use the phone more they can choose a number of prepaid bundled minute plans offered by GlobalCom which are discounted. Numerous optional accessories are available including data kits allowing you access to the Internet using a PC. Other options include cigarette lighter adapters, solar panels, water-proof cases, leather cases, extra batteries and more. GlobalCom currently recommends the Iridium rental unit which provides un-paralleled planetary coverage with their constellation of 66 satellites.
For more information on Satellite phones and Crisis management solutions visit the Track 24 web site.
Nomad - Redifining Risk Management
Imagine a MOTOTRBO digital radio system with integrated GPS and panic button. Imagine Nomad. The extensive applications of the Nomad tracking system redefine risk management. Nomad turns your standard digital radio communications into a state of the art global tracking and crisis management solution. Combining the versatility and low cost of radio with a tracking and emergency alert capability, Nomad is ideal for close protection teams, infrastructure, perimeter and maritime security.
The Nomad system comprises multiple radio handsets, each handset providing the user with personal tracking, panic button and voice communication. Complete integration of the Nomad system into the web-based Track24 crisis management software, the C4i platform, allows operations staff to monitor all radio users on one common picture from anywhere in the world. TrackingEach handset has handheld GPS tracking capability and transmits its exact location back to a master handset.
The frequency of position reporting can be remotely programmed from the Track24 risk management software, the C4i platform, from 30 second intervals upwards. Because Nomad is a radio-based system, there is no ‘air-time’ cost associated with its tracking capabilities. Panic alarmThe Nomad handset features an integral panic button. Once activated the device becomes a handheld distress beacon, sending audible and visual alerts to the Master handset and the C4i platform. Notification of the alarm is also automatically forwarded via e-mail and SMS to nominated recipients.
The Nomad system comprises multiple radio handsets, each handset providing the user with personal tracking, panic button and voice communication. Complete integration of the Nomad system into the web-based Track24 crisis management software, the C4i platform, allows operations staff to monitor all radio users on one common picture from anywhere in the world. TrackingEach handset has handheld GPS tracking capability and transmits its exact location back to a master handset.
The frequency of position reporting can be remotely programmed from the Track24 risk management software, the C4i platform, from 30 second intervals upwards. Because Nomad is a radio-based system, there is no ‘air-time’ cost associated with its tracking capabilities. Panic alarmThe Nomad handset features an integral panic button. Once activated the device becomes a handheld distress beacon, sending audible and visual alerts to the Master handset and the C4i platform. Notification of the alarm is also automatically forwarded via e-mail and SMS to nominated recipients.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Tracking at the heart of Military success
GPS tracking solutions are being introduced into all walks of life these days, but its important not to forget the roots of this wonderful technology.
GPS was originally designed by the US Military (Military Tracking) to help aid its troops on the land, in the air and at sea, by being able to track the exact position of their location at any given time.
The benefits of this technology allow central command posts to alert and advise military personal of potential crisis situations and help to avoid extreme risk and potential loss of lfe.
Global Tracking solutions can be used in search and rescue. In the air, Pilots can easily be located if their aircraft runs into difficulty. It can help aid search and resuce teams save precious time when looking for missing pilots by leading them directly to their location.
Potential threats can also be tracked with GPS technology. This allows the Department of Defense to examine various ground and air targets in order to see if they are friend of foe. With the use of computer software, digital maps can be created using the information that a plane equipped with GPS technology might find on a reconnaissance mission. The tracking would help them to find precise locations for potential targets and things that might pose a threat against them.
On top of the day to day uses of GPS Technology, the US military will also have many other uses for tracking devices, many of which are probably kept secret so that their enemies cannot use the same technology against them.
GPS was originally designed by the US Military (Military Tracking) to help aid its troops on the land, in the air and at sea, by being able to track the exact position of their location at any given time.
The benefits of this technology allow central command posts to alert and advise military personal of potential crisis situations and help to avoid extreme risk and potential loss of lfe.
Global Tracking solutions can be used in search and rescue. In the air, Pilots can easily be located if their aircraft runs into difficulty. It can help aid search and resuce teams save precious time when looking for missing pilots by leading them directly to their location.
Potential threats can also be tracked with GPS technology. This allows the Department of Defense to examine various ground and air targets in order to see if they are friend of foe. With the use of computer software, digital maps can be created using the information that a plane equipped with GPS technology might find on a reconnaissance mission. The tracking would help them to find precise locations for potential targets and things that might pose a threat against them.
On top of the day to day uses of GPS Technology, the US military will also have many other uses for tracking devices, many of which are probably kept secret so that their enemies cannot use the same technology against them.
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