In Ukraine, satellite communication systems are just beginning their development and entry into everyday life, as mobile communications did several decades ago. In the current era of global growth and development of information technology, from large enterprises and government structures to private individuals, everyone needs confidence in reliable communication with the outside world, and this applies not only to emergencies but also to daily work or leisure.
Satellite communication will be useful for individuals at sea, in distant travels and explorations of territories where human foot rarely steps. In travels, in research, in business expansion, in distant voyages, in emergency situations — this is just the beginning of the list where satellite communication can not only be useful but also save lives, or at least nerves.
Our company is the official representative of all four most popular satellite communication systems: Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, and Globalstar. All these systems have one thing in common — they all provide high-quality satellite communication, while the differences mainly lie in coverage areas and tariffs.
Iridium is the only satellite communication system with truly global coverage, covering 100% of the Earth. Iridium tariffs are slightly higher than other operators, but this is more than compensated by the quality and reliability of communication. Iridium satellite phones and communication devices are suitable for difficult or even extreme working conditions.
Inmarsat shares first place with Iridium in terms of both equipment quality and communication quality. The Inmarsat iSatPhone 2 satellite phone became a bestseller in 2014 thanks to its perfectly balanced quality-to-price ratio. Inmarsat tariffs are more affordable compared to Iridium, but the system does not cover the polar caps. Inmarsat has a large selection of mobile satellite terminals for professional activities (BGAN and Sailor systems) and small terminals for satellite internet access (iSatHub).
Thuraya is a regional satellite communication operator with a somewhat limited coverage area. Low prices for satellite phones combined with good Thuraya tariffs make this system extremely attractive for travelers and businessmen.
One of the main disadvantages of satellite communication is considered to be the high cost of use, but every year satellite communication tariffs become more affordable. If 5-7 years ago, on average, a minute of conversation on a satellite phone cost $5-7, now the cost of a minute of conversation fluctuates around $1. Iridium currently offers satellite communication at a price from $0.7 per minute of conversation. At the same time, it makes no difference which country you call, to landlines or mobile phones. The price of the call increases significantly only when the call is made to a satellite phone of another operator (for example, calling from an Iridium satellite phone to Thuraya will cost approximately $7 per minute of conversation).
All incoming calls and SMS are free in all satellite communication systems.
The choice of mobile satellite stations is quite large. But most often the main problem when choosing satellite communication and satellite internet for a car is the problem of its operation while moving. Inmarsat offers a comprehensive satellite communication solution for vehicles in the form of equipment operating in the BGAN system. These are Cobham Explorer (325, 527, 727) and Hughes 9350 and 9450-C11. This type of equipment can operate while moving at speeds up to 200-250 km/h, providing quality and stable voice communication, internet, and data transmission anywhere on the planet. BGAN system equipment has an undeniable advantage over VSAT-type equipment — much more compact dimensions, which is important for a vehicle. Also, much simpler installation and setup of equipment, which does not require any special skills or knowledge.
The most common solution for satellite communication and internet at sea is the FleetBroadBand Sailor series equipment (150, 250, 500). It works throughout the entire planet, providing voice communication, data transmission, and internet access at speeds up to 1 Mbps. Inmarsat FBB offers a wide range of tariffs for any purpose and frequency of use. Inmarsat FleetBroadBand has proven itself well in all segments of maritime use: from sports regattas and coastal sailing to private yachts, commercial, and tourist vessels. The FleetBroadBand Sailor series equipment is distinguished by simple installation, setup, and compact dimensions. Inmarsat is always reliability and quality tested by time.