Category: Blog

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics and common uses of fixed PTT (push-to-talk) satellite radio devices. Fixed PTT solutions refer to those that use a stationary antenna in a single location, and these kinds of setups are commonplace for many groups and organizations that require communications centered around a given location.

At International Satellite Services, we’re here to offer the MSATe fixed satellite radio among our numerous PTT and other forms of satellite phones and communication. Today’s part two of our series will look at some other examples of common ways fixed PTT is utilized across several important roles and organizations.

Police and Firefighters

For many law enforcement and firefighting teams, fixed PTT can be used to great effect to keep teams organized and connected when they are on site. This is especially important in busy urban areas or during large events, where teams need to remain in close contact with each other while managing their respective duties.

Fixed PTT satellite radio offers a reliable signal that can penetrate through buildings, even in densely populated areas. This makes it invaluable for emergency personnel who need to stay connected no matter where they are.

Military Applications

The military also relies on fixed PTT radio communication for a variety of purposes. From keeping troops connected to one another when out in the field to coordinating surveillance efforts and monitoring operations from the ground, fixed PTT provides an essential communications channel.

The U.S. military also uses fixed PTT to communicate with troops stationed in remote locations around the world that may be out of range of typical radio communication channels. The satellite-based signal ensures a reliable connection and uninterrupted communication even in extreme conditions or far away places.

Various Work Crews

A number of different work crews, construction teams or utility personnel, also use fixed PTT to keep everyone connected and on the same page while they are on-site. In many cases, these types of workers need to stay in contact with supervisors or other team members when out in, and fixed PTT ensures that their communications remain uninterrupted even if they are in an isolated or difficult to reach area.

Fixed PTT can also be used for emergency situations, such as when a team member is injured and needs immediate assistance from a medic. This kind of communication is invaluable for work crews who operate in potentially dangerous environments, since the signal can penetrate through thick layers of debris or other hazardous materials that could disrupt typical radio frequencies.

Fixed PTT satellite radio is an important and reliable communications channel for a variety of organizations and roles. From law enforcement to military personnel, work crews to utility teams, fixed PTT ensures that everyone can stay connected no matter where they are located or the conditions they may be facing.

At International Satellite Services, we understand the needs of those who rely on this kind of communication and are here to provide reliable satellite-based solutions. To learn more about our fixed PTT capabilities or other satellite communications, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Within the incredibly valuable and versatile realm of satellite push-to-talk (PTT) radio communications, there are actually several specific sub-categories that may be considered depending on your needs. Fixed satellite PTT is one of these options, in comparison to other options like mobile PTT, marine PPT and more.

At International Satellite Services, we’re happy to offer various options for the MSATe satellite PTT solution, including MSATe fixed satellite radio services. What does the term “fixed” mean in satellite communications, and which are some common uses of fixed PTT? This two-part blog series will go over everything you need to know.

What is “Fixed” Satellite Radio?

For those just learning about satellite PTT and communications, it may not be obvious what the term “fixed” means in this context. When talking about fixed satellite radio, we’re referring to system configurations that use a stationary antenna installed at a single location, instead of one that would need to be moved around for different uses.

Fixed satellite radio offers several specific benefits. For one, it’s more reliable than other types of satellite communication. As long as the antenna is in good condition and properly pointed at the right coordinates, you can expect excellent reliability with minimal downtime or interruption.

It also offers greater coverage than other types of satellite communication, since its use doesn’t depend on any kind of mobility like mobile PTT or marine PPT. Fixed satellite radio is great for consistently connecting large teams of people that are spread out over a wide area and need to remain in contact with each other.

How is fixed satellite PTT often used? Our next several sections will go over some basic examples.

Search and Rescue Operations

One of the most valuable uses of fixed satellite PTT is for search and rescue operations. If a team needs to cover a large area and communicate quickly in the event of an emergency, they can benefit from having access to reliable, long-distance communication without relying on cell phone networks.

For instance, many ski patrol or snowmobile rescue teams use fixed satellite PTT to stay in contact with each other on the slopes, and enable a rapid response if anyone needs assistance.

Logistics and Monitoring

Fixed satellite radio is also an essential part of any logistics operation that requires tracking assets or monitoring people over a wide area. It allows for secure communication between different vehicles or personnel to make sure things are running smoothly.

For instance, many transportation and delivery companies rely on fixed satellite PTT communications for keeping track of their fleets and making sure everything is going according to plan.

At International Satellite Services, we’re proud to offer MSATe fixed satellite radio services for all your needs. With our help, you can stay connected no matter where you are, and ensure reliable communication with your team. Contact us today to learn more.

For any entity that utilizes satellite PTT solutions for its regular operations, it’s important to know that these devices offer capabilities well beyond the simple push of a button for conversation. For instance, one of several fantastic features present on the MSATe push-to-talk radio is the ability to establish “Talkgroups,” or sets of users that share a channel for communications.

At International Satellite Services, we’re happy to offer the MSATe PTT for varying fleet needs, and we’re here to detail all its functionality and programs for those who are new to this equipment. What are “Talkgroups” within the MSATe, and how should you go about creating them for your fleet and needs? Here are some simple tips.

How Talkgroups Work

Within PTT networks, talkgroups are a vital concept that allow people who speak regularly to stay connected. They refer to groups of users who will share a given channel – a user can belong to multiple Talkgroups, and each group can include thousands of members if needed.

Typically, the MSATe supports up to 15 separate Talkgroups. These can be grouped by priority levels, which allows for users to be able to reach a specific person or group of people in an emergency. Any user with access to the MSATe can quickly switch between Talkgroups, and all conversations remain on the same network.

Creating Talkgroups

Creating Talkgroups on the MSATe is relatively simple – you’ll first need to decide what type of Talkgroup you’ll need, and then assign people to the Talkgroup. If you have a large fleet that needs to be connected, consider dividing them into two or more Talkgroups based on function or priority of communication. Once assigned, users can easily switch between Talkgroups as well as access their own private channels.

Assign Priorities

Depending on your needs, you can also assign priorities to each Talkgroup. This allows for users to reach a specific person or group in an emergency situation. Priorities can be assigned on both the MSATe and its associated software, ensuring that the most important communications get through quickly and without interruption.

Give This Some Real Thought

There’s sometimes a tendency among certain organizations to simply “set it and forget it” when creating Talkgroups on the MSATe. But, in order for you to ensure that your system functions optimally, give some real thought to what kinds of Talkgroups will best suit your needs.

By taking the time to create well-structured Talkgroups on the MSATe, you’ll save yourself time and energy as your organization grows, allowing for the most efficient use of this fantastic communication tool.

At International Satellite Services, we’re here to help you get started with the MSATe PTT – contact us today to learn more about how we can fully customize a solution for your entity’s communications needs!

When it comes to satellite push-to-talk (PTT) solutions like the MSATe and several others, naturally the quality that receives the most attention for this form of equipment is voice communication. This is the primary use of these devices in the vast majority of cases, but it’s important for any fleet manager or anyone else looking into such devices to realize that these devices also have several other useful features available as well.

At International Satellite Services, we’re happy to offer the MSATe and several other push-to-talk solutions for varying client needs, including many large fleets and independent operators. For these larger fleets, being well aware of all the potential capabilities of this equipment is very important, both when making purchases and when utilizing equipment. Here’s a rundown of all the various features you have access to with the MSATe in addition to those all-important voice capabilities.

A Reminder of MSATe’s Voice Capabilities

Before we get into all the other features, let’s take a quick refresher on the MSATe’s voice capabilities. The equipment offers reliable coverage over the entire continent of North America, spanning up nearly to the North Pole and also covering the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Furthermore, multiple different voice capabilities are possible with this one device. Both regular voice and push-to-talk are supported, with gigantic ranges for both. Private communications are easy to set up and can be encrypted if you so choose.

Now let’s look at some of the additional features you can also take advantage of.

Sending and Receiving Email

For many fleets and organizations, the ability to receive and send emails over satellite is extremely useful. The MSATe makes this easy with its convenient email system which allows you to connect multiple accounts in one place and also enable as many folders as you need. You can even access HTML-based web mail if you prefer, allowing for much easier viewing of messages on the screen.

File Transfers

Another useful feature of the MSATe is its ability to transfer files over satellite. This allows for large amounts of data to be sent quickly and securely, regardless of where you are located in the coverage area.

Weather Report Downloads

For any organization or fleet relying on weather reports to make decisions, the MSATe enables you to download comprehensive weather reports directly from the device. This ensures that you have access to up-to-date information on what’s happening in your area so that you can make better informed decisions.

Available in Numerous Formats

Finally, the MSATe is available in land/mobile formats, in marine formats, and also in fixed formats for remote buildings or other stationary locations. This makes it easy to find the right version of the device for whatever you may need it for.

These are just some of the features available with satellite push-to-talk devices such as the MSATe. At International Satellite Services, we strive to provide our clients with all they need in order to make an informed decision on their equipment and utilize all the features these devices have to offer.

If you’re in need of satellite push-to-talk solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We look forward to helping you find the device that’s right for your needs!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the key qualities that satellite PTT (push-to-talk) solutions offer to backcountry skiers, plus the features such individuals should be prioritizing. Satellite PTT is often the preferred method of communication for those who really go off the grid with their backcountry adventures, and ensuring you have the best possible setup is important if you’re in this group.

At International Satellite Services, our satellite push-to-talk solutions are second to none in the industry. We offer multiple such products, including both the Iridium Satellite Push-to-Talk and the MSAT-G2, and we’ll be happy to assist you as you look to find the ideal PTT solution for your backcountry needs. Here are a few of the other key qualities you should be looking at for any PTT setup.

Interference Elimination

Channel clutter is something that backcountry skiers need to avoid – it risks their safety and could even prevent their messages from being received. Luckily, satellite PTT products are typically outfitted with interference elimination and privacy modes, which eliminate the need for multiple channels and greatly reduce the risk of your messages not being received.

Two common systems here are CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) and CDCSS (Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System) – both of these systems work to ensure that your transmissions are heard and received by only the intended party. As a backcountry skier, this should be a key feature for you to look out for when choosing a satellite PTT solution.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Backcountry skiers need a radio that is capable of withstanding the elements, including extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and water damage. Make sure to check any potential product’s specifications to ensure it has waterproofing and other protective measures in place.

In particular, you should be looking for radios that are IP-rated, meaning they have undergone extensive testing and can withstand drops, dust, water and extreme temperatures.

Additional Features

There are also a few other features that backcountry skiers may find great value in from satellite PTT products:

• Noise filters: This helps to reduce background noise and make sure that your messages are heard loud and clear.
• Group calling: This allows you to quickly communicate with a larger network of people, making it an incredibly useful feature for backcountry skiers.
• Programmable buttons: This makes using the radio easier by allowing users to access their most frequently used features quickly and efficiently.

These are just a few of the features that you should be looking out for when it comes to satellite PTT solutions. At International Satellite Services, we offer a number of products that meet all of these criteria, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

There are numerous settings where having a robust communication device is enormously valuable, many of which surround remote settings where things like cell phones won’t be a viable way of communicating. One great example of people who need satellite communications and related forms of technology: Backcountry skiers, snowboarders and other winter athletes.

At International Satellite Services, we proudly offer the very best satellite push-to-talk solutions and related forms of satellite communications, including the MSATe PTT radio and several other quality products. What are some of the key qualities of these products that are so valuable to backcountry winter athletes, and which should you be prioritizing if you’re purchasing satellite communications devices for your needs? This two-part blog will go over everything you need to know.

Range

One of the single areas where satellite PTT products hold a clear advantage over other forms of communications is their range. While cell phones rely on distant cell phone towers in order to transmit, satellite communications devices use satellites that are far closer and thus can reach much farther without the need for a relay station. This means you won’t have any issues with connectivity at all times.

Satellite PTT products, in particular, have virtually unlimited range when set up on quality networks. Our MSATe clients, for instance, get coverage all around the country and even beyond, as far away as Alaska. As long as you’re within North America’s footprint and have a clear line of sight to the sky, you’ll be able to communicate with your friends in any setting.

Strong Signal Quality

Another major priority when it comes to satellite communication devices is the quality of their signal. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re trying to make a call or send a message but are getting poor service as a result, and with satellite PTT products, that won’t be an issue.

Our MSATe products have been tested and proven to be able to withstand all sorts of environments, and they’ll provide you with the quality signal you need. This is especially important in situations where your life could depend on reliable satellite communications devices – whether that’s from maintaining an emergency line of communication or simply wanting to make sure you can stay connected during a long day of skiing.

Ergonomic and Easy to Use

As far as designs go, satellite PTT products are very simple and easy to use. You won’t have much of a learning curve at all when it comes to picking up our MSATe products, or any other form of satellite communication device for that matter. They’re also fairly lightweight so you can take them with you on long treks without feeling weighed down.

At International Satellite Services, we’re proud to offer the absolute best satellite PTT products on the market today. For more information about our selection of products and how you can utilize them for your needs, please call us or visit our website today. We look forward to hearing from you!

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the key factors that you should likely be considering if you’re thinking about adopting satellite push-to-talk (PTT) communications within your regular operations. Such solutions are regularly utilized among many different organizations and industries, and if you’re considering becoming one of them, you’ll want to keep a few important concepts in mind.

At International Satellite Services, we’re proud to provide clients with an industry-leading range of satellite PTT products, including the MSATe, the MSAT-G2 and more. Today’s part two of our series will go over some additional themes to be keeping in mind if you’re looking into adopting satellite PTT solutions, or even if you’ve already decided to make this move and need some help with implementation.

Consider Staff and Employee Implementation

As you’re thinking about integrating satellite PTT within your company’s regular operations, it’s critical to think about implementation from the standpoint of your staff and employees. How will they be using this technology on a day-to-day basis? What sorts of tasks or responsibilities will they need it for? Will everyone in the company need to be outfitted with their own device, or will you be able to get by with a smaller number?

These are the sorts of questions that you’ll need to have answers to before you can move forward with an effective implementation strategy. Once you have a good understanding of how your staff will be using satellite PTT, you can start thinking about which devices will be best for them and what sort of features and capabilities they’ll need to be effective in their roles.

Specific Stakeholder Usage

Relatedly, several different parties or stakeholders may administer or utilize satellite PTT communications — and it’s important to consider all of them and how they may benefit from or interact with the system. Here are some examples:

• Operations staff: Will need to use the system regularly, often for mission-critical tasks. Needs to be user-friendly and intuitive.
• Field staff: May not be using the system as regularly as operations staff, but still needs to be able to utilize it effectively when needed.
• IT support staff: Will need to be able to quickly and easily troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.
• Administrative staff: May need access to certain features or capabilities, such as location tracking, that other stakeholders may not require.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Finally, like any other major technology implementation, satellite PTT will require some ongoing maintenance and upkeep to ensure that it’s running smoothly and that all stakeholders are able to utilize it effectively. This may include regularly scheduled check-ins or maintenance windows, as well as having a designated support staff member who can quickly troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good understanding of your service agreement with your satellite PTT provider. This will help you to know what sort of support you can expect from them and what sort of resources they can provide in the event that something does go wrong.

For more on the themes to consider for satellite PTT company adoption, or to learn about any of our cutting-edge mobile satellite services, speak to the pros at International Satellite Services today.

The realm of satellite communications is viable across large swaths of people, both in the individual realm and the commercial one. Within this latter area, a number of companies in varying industries may be looking to adopt satellite push-to-talk (PTT) solutions for use within their organizations.

At International Satellite Services, we’re proud to offer the very best satellite PTT solutions available, including the MSAT-G2, the MSATe and other forms of both mobile and fixed satellite radio products. If you’re considering adoption of any of these products within your company or organization, we’re standing by to assist you with every element of this process. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some important areas to evaluate as you do this.

Industries Where Satellite Communications Are Useful

Before we get too far into the weeds of this topic, it’s important to understand some of the most common applications and industries that can benefit from satellite communications technology. Here are just a few examples:

• Companies in remote locations: If your company is based in or doing business in a remote location, whether that’s due to the geography of your area or because you frequently travel to such locations, satellite communications can be an ideal solution.
• Organizations with mobile workforces: If your workforce is constantly on the move, whether they’re in vehicles, boats, aircraft or working in other portable settings, satellite communications can provide them with the reliable connectivity they need to stay connected.
• Businesses with critical communications needs: In some industries, such as emergency services, utilities and transportation, it’s essential to have a backup communications solution in place in case of an emergency. Satellite communications can provide that vital link when other forms of communication are down.

Now that we’ve looked at a few examples of the types of companies and organizations that can benefit from satellite communications, let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should consider when deciding if satellite PTT is right for your business.

Environment for Use

One of the key factors to consider when evaluating satellite PTT solutions is the environment in which you’ll be using the system. If you’re planning to use it in a remote location, for example, you’ll need to take into account factors such as terrain, foliage and weather conditions. These can all have an impact on the reliability of your communications.

If you’re using the system in an urban environment, on the other hand, you’ll need to consider factors such as buildings and other man-made structures that could potentially block or interfere with your signal.

Prior Features Being Replaced

As you move away from your prior communications system, you’ll want to carefully consider which features are most important to you and your organization. Make a list of the features that are “must-haves” in your new system, as well as any nice-to-haves that would be beneficial but aren’t essential. This will help you to narrow down your options and find the right solution for your needs.

We’ll continue this list in part two of our series. For more on this, or to learn about any of our fantastic satellite PTT, satellite internet or other satellite communications programs, speak to our staff at International Satellite Services today.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we began looking into the important area of proper usage for any satellite push-to-talk (PTT) product you may be utilizing, namely in the area of preparation before speaking. These products are highly useful if they’re approached in the right ways, and this just requires some simple knowledge of things like terminology and basic use formats.

At International Satellite Services, we’re happy to offer use recommendations for any of our satellite PTT products, which include the MSATe, the MSAT-G2 and a number of others. In today’s part two of our series, we’ll go over some further best practices on utilizing push-to-talk devices during the actual conversation itself.

ID Yourself and Your Recipient

Anytime you’re starting a new conversation over a satellite PTT device, it’s important that you properly identify yourself as well as your intended recipient. This will help to avoid any confusion and mix-ups that could occur, particularly if more than one conversation is happening at the same time.

When you first start speaking, make sure to state your name or any other identifier that will let the other person know who you are. You should also ask them to do the same so that you can be sure that you’re talking to the right person.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Since satellite PTT devices work by sending radio waves through space, it’s important to keep your conversations as short as possible. The longer your conversation, the more likely it is that the signal will degrade and become unclear.

If you have a lot to say, consider breaking up your conversation into smaller chunks so that each part is easier to understand. You can also try to talk slower than usual so that your words don’t run together.

Know Your Time Limit

While speaking, it’s also important to be aware of any time limits that may be in place. If you’re using a shared satellite PTT device, others may be waiting to use it after you’re finished.

To avoid taking up more time than necessary, try to keep your conversation as brief as possible. If you need to talk for a longer period of time, you can always schedule a time to use the device again later.

Pause Before Speaking

Because there’s sometimes a short delay between when you press the talk button and when your voice is transmitted, it’s important to pause for a second before speaking. This will help to ensure that your words are transmitted clearly and without any cut-offs.

If you find that you’re having trouble pausing long enough, you can try counting to three in your head before starting to speak. This will help to ensure that you don’t accidentally talk over yourself.

Be Mindful of Noise

When you’re talking over a satellite PTT device, it’s important to be aware of any background noise that may be present. Things like loud music or machinery can make it difficult for the person on the other end to hear what you’re saying.

If possible, try to find a quiet place to talk or wait until the noise has died down before starting your conversation. You can also try to speak a little louder than usual so that your voice can be heard over the noise.

For more on how to properly utilize satellite PTT products optimally, or to learn about any of our satellite PTT or satellite internet and phone products, speak to the team at International Satellite Services today.

While some people who are purchasing satellite push-to-talk and related satellite communication products will already be experienced with their use, many are also first-timers who have never utilized these devices before. Such individuals may have a number of questions about these products, and some of these tend to revolve around simple use and utilization tips.

At International Satellite Services, we’re proud to offer industry-leading satellite push-to-talk (PTT) products, including the MSATe, MSAT-G2 and several others. From a very general standpoint, what are some simple tips we often provide to clients on how to use these products properly? This two-part blog series will go over several basic areas to keep in mind when using these and related forms of two-way communication.

Knowing Basic Terminology

One of the first and most important tips we can give is to make sure you understand the basic terminology associated with these products. Here are just a few key terms and their definitions that you should know:

• “Over”: This is a message that is sent to confirm to someone that you’ve finished speaking.
• “Say again”: This is a message requesting the other person to repeat what they just said.
• “Copy”: This is a message indicating that you’ve understood what the other person has said. The term “Roger” is also often used here.
• “Stand by”: This indicates that you’re not ready to talk at the moment, but will be soon.
• “Go ahead”: This message indicates that it’s now your turn to speak.
• “Break”: This is used to indicate a pause in the conversation, usually for just a few seconds.
• “Out”: This is used to indicate the end of the conversation.

There are other terms you may come across as well, but these are some of the most commonly used. It’s important to understand these before using satellite PTT products, as misunderstandings can easily occur if the wrong term is used.

Preparation Before Use

Before using any PTT device, it’s important to take a few minutes to prepare for the call. This includes ensuring that the device is fully charged, as you don’t want your call to be cut off due to a dead battery. You should also make sure you’re in an area that’s covered within your talkgroup.

You should also have an idea of what you want to say before beginning the call, as trying to think of things on the fly can often lead to pauses and awkwardness in the conversation. Finally, prepare for the mechanics of the call itself: PTT systems are one-at-a-time communication systems, so when your button is pressed to speak, no one else will be heard. Be sure to keep this in mind during all conversations.

In part two of our series, we’ll go over some in-conversation areas to be aware of as you utilize your satellite push-to-talk solutions. For more on this, or to learn about the MSAT-G2, the MSATe or any of our other quality PTT and other satellite products, speak to the team at International Satellite Services today.