Category: Blog

If you spend a lot of time on your leisure yacht or fishing boat, then you might be interesting to learn more about Fleet One marine satellite service from the Inmarsat Satellite Network.

Fleet One is a unique satellite internet service that is tailored to smaller vessels to help provide them with dependable broadband data and voice. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use and easy-to-install antenna, making it a great choice for many vessels.

Here are just a few of the benefits offered by Fleet One, to help you decide if it’s time to add this convenient and affordable service to your yacht or boat.

How Inmarsat’s Fleet One Works

Fleet One has a small terminal that is easily and quickly installed to enable connectively to a global broadband satellite network. It provides voice and data connectivity robustly, something that was previously only available for larger vessels. This provides fishing boats and yachts with access to reliable technology and SOS safety services, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy life on the open ocean.

You can also access weather information, chart updates, or simply check in on the news with Fleet One.

Key Features of Fleet One

This compact terminal delivers SMS, a single voice line, and data connectivity specifically for smaller vessels. Some of the features of Fleet One include:

• Simultaneous SMS texting and phone
• Simultaneous IP data and voice
• Uninterrupted access to the internet for updated navigation and weather reports, plus anything else you want to connect to
• 505 emergency calling
• Wi-fi connectivity for tablets and smartphones
• Global coverage or coastal coverage – you decide!

Fleet One Coastal Coverage

Small vessels such as fishing boats and small yachts spend a lot of time in coastal waters. With Fleet One coastal, you can choose a plan that offers data and voice for your seasonal needs. Coastal was designed to meet the needs of near-shore fishermen and pleasure vessels, offering 100 kbps in coastal areas around the world.

Fleet One Global

Fleet One global now brings global data service to any vessel, no matter how small. It provides access to global data and voice that will work no matter where you sail in the world. The global plan has no restrictions on vessel size or type, so it can be used in a variety of capacities on a range of vessels.

Trust ISS for Your Inmarsat Satellite Service

Fleet One, with its minimal weight and compact size, is an innovation in satellite communications technology. The installation is quick and easy, allowing for simple connections to be made between the belowdecks unit and the compact antenna. It’s easy to use and affordable, too, with plans that can suit any budget to meet your specific needs.

With Fleet One, you can enjoy more time on your boat knowing that you can stay connected no matter where you are. If you would like to learn more marine satellite internet or other mobile satellite services, contact International Satellite Services today.

Satellite push to talk allow you to talk to anyone, anywhere. It’s like having your own personal radio tower that allows you to call anywhere between the equator to the North Pole. Now imagine putting that power of satellite push to talk radio into the hands of your private network, allowing your employees to communicate from anywhere in the field.

There are so many industries that can benefit from satellite push to talk radio. Is yours one of them? Read on to find out the four industries that can benefit the most from harnessing the power of this type of communication.

Utility Companies

Utility workers must be able to stay connected with their dispatch center no matter what.

They also need to have clear communication with dispatch to let them know when utilities may be down in certain areas for service or when utilities can be brought back up after a storm or other natural disaster. Satellite push to talk radio systems can help to ensure that that communication can be maintained no matter where they are or the conditions, they’re in.

Forestry

Those who work in forestry are used to being in remote locations where cell signals simply aren’t available. Satellite push to talk radio allows workers to communicate with each other and their teams from the farthest reaches of the wilderness. They can also contact their main offices for updates and to get help when they need it.

Law Enforcement

There are few fields where communication is a life or death matter, but law enforcement is one of them. Officers must be able to communicate clearly with one another without interference. Although traditional radio communication is used in many places for law enforcement, satellite radio allows for more privacy in communication and can work in places more traditional phone or radio services cannot.

Public Safety

Organizations that must coordinate and respond to disasters can benefit greatly from the use of satellite push to talk radio. Public safety organizations in places that experience natural disasters such as hurricanes must be able to communicate with first responders and each other. Using push to talk radio allows public safety divisions to work together on one signal to make sure efforts are in coordination with one another – something essential in places where it’s not uncommon for cell service to be down in the event of an emergency.

Push to talk satellite radios, such as the Iridium portable push to talk radio and the MSAT-G2 push to talk radio offered by International Satellite Services, are a terrific way to ensure communication is possible no matter where you are. In industries such as the ones discussed above, where good communication is integral to getting the job done right, you simply can’t go wrong with push to talk satellite radio. If you’re interested in learning more, contact the experts at ISS today.

Since sat phones do not rely on any ground-based technology to receive a signal, theoretically they should work from anywhere on Earth – right?

Although these marvels of modern technology do work virtually anywhere, there are some locations where you might not be able to use your sat phone or satellite push-to-talk system.

Locations Where Satellite Communications Might Not Get Signal

Although there aren’t many places where a satellite signal won’t reach, those locations do exist.

Some of the world’s deepest caves – like the Krubera Cave in the country of Georgia – can prevent signal from getting through. Some locations in South America, India,  and New Guinea intentionally block all communications signals to protect uncontacted indigenous peoples who live there. Finally, certain depths of the world’s oceans won’t allow a signal to penetrate.

We are probably safe in assuming that few sat technology users will ever encounter any of those locations. However, there some more common areas that you might find yourself without signal. Sometimes a tall building or really substantial tree could block your connection with the satellite, but solving that problem is as simple as moving a few feet one direction or another.

Locations Where Sat Phones Are Not Allowed

Some countries have restrictions on the use of satellite communication technology. Others ban sat phones completely.

China is among the most notable locations where you are not legally able to even possess a sat phone, let alone use one. China also frowns on GPS devices and blocks access to many portions of the internet.

In Cuba, you may be able to have and use a satellite communications device but you need to obtain a permit from the country’s Ministry of Informatics and Communication. You must also obtain approval to possess or use one in Russia. You can be arrested and put in jail for having one in North Korea, Bangladesh, Libya, and Chad. In India, you could be arrested if you have a device that uses any network other than Inmarsat.

The list of countries where you might not be able to use your device changes frequently, as ruling parties and regimes change. Some countries that have undergone recent changes in their communications laws include Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Sudan. Before you travel to any international destination, it’s a good idea to look into that country’s laws and regulations on communications devices.

Do All Satellite Networks Have the Same Coverage?

The last factor that might affect where you can and can’t use your sat device is your network. Not all networks offer the same range of access. The right network for you depends on where you plan to use your device most often.

The Iridium network has virtually complete coverage around the world. Inmarsat is a close second, with spotty coverage in polar locations. Ligado is mainly limited to the North American region.

The International Satellite Services Inc. team of experts has an exhaustive knowledge of satellite phones, push-to-talk systems and networks. We can recommend the best equipment, network and plan to meet your needs, wherever you need to stay connected. Contact us today to learn more about sat phones and the power of satellite communication technology.

Have you been thinking about getting a satellite phone?

Whether you have or have not considered getting mobile or fixed sat phone service, there are several compelling reasons why you might want to consider it now. And, if you haven’t spent much time learning about your options for satellite-based connectivity, you might be surprised by the options available today.

No. 1: Your Ongoing Need for Connectivity

When you need to stay in touch with your family, your office, your customers, etc., losing connectivity can quickly become problematic.

We all have circumstances during which staying connected is critical. Maybe your business requires you to constantly keep in touch with the main office because you often travel outside of cellular coverage and you cannot afford to miss any important updates.  Or perhaps you want to say goodnight to your kids before they go to bed and you are off the grid and no other form of communications is reliable.

The bottom line is that, when you need a method of communication that you can rely on any time, anywhere, satellite phones are the answer.

No. 2: The Growing Threats to Communications Channels

Between changing weather patterns and the threat of wide-spread disaster (natural and man-made), cellular networks can quickly fail. As a result, anyone who relies on a traditional cell phone risks losing their ability to communicate with the outside world.

If cell towers are compromised or destroyed, you could be struck for weeks or months without coverage in your area.

Reliability is the hallmark of sat-based phones and push-to-talk radios. If you choose to add data connectivity in addition to voice communication, you won’t have to worry about ever losing access to the internet, so all of your bases are covered.

No. 3: The Affordability of Satellite Phones

If you’re like many consumers today, you may have avoided exploring sat phones because you believe the costs are overwhelming. If that’s the case, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Handheld satellite phones, on average, can cost about the same as many of today’s most popular smartphones, in some cases…even less. Airtime can also be surprisingly affordable, especially as compared to the roaming charges you’re subject to through cell carriers. You can purchase airtime on a prepaid basis, or you can set up monthly service, depending on your needs

Today’s advanced technology means that you’ll have various options to select from when choosing a sat phone and service. This can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t familiar with many of the common terms and jargon related to the satellite communications industry.

At International Satellite Services Inc., we take the mystery and confusion out of the process. We are the user-friendly satellite phone store, providing exceptional service with a highly personalized approach. Our team of experts can assist you with both stationary and mobile satellite service, and make sure you get the equipment and services you need to achieve your goals.

Contact us today to learn more about how simple and affordable it can be for anyone to get a satellite phone.

Satellite internet has come a long way in the past couple of years, becoming faster, more reliable and easier to use. This technology has also become surprisingly affordable.

If it’s been awhile since you looked into getting online via satellite, it’s time to revisit your options. You now have options for both stationary and mobile satellite connectivity, allowing you to stay connected wherever you may be.

To determine whether satellite internet service will work for your needs, it’s important to understand how this technology works.

Understanding Mobile Satellite Internet Technology

Connecting to the world wide web via satellite works essentially the same way whether you have a stationary setup or a mobile system.

The user connects to their internet service provider (ISP) by sending a signal to a dedicated satellite. The satellite relays the signal to the ISP. The ISP’s signal is sent to the user in the same way.

Stationary systems typically mount a satellite dish on the user’s rooftop. With a mobile system, however, the user simply carries their satellite terminal with them, wherever they go.

Mobile Satellite Broadband Options

If you need business broadband internet without the constraints of traditional cable, fiberoptic or DSL connections, satellite connectivity provides an attractive alternative.

Satellite broadband is particularly effective for enterprise applications due to the technology’s ability to facilitate high bandwidth usage. This means that users don’t typically experience any lag during periods of peak usage.

Broadband satellite internet allows multiple users to do anything they need to online, from attending video conferences to processing transactions and sending email. Today’s advanced technology makes it both easy and affordable to get your entire team connected

Wireless Satellite Internet on the Go

For individual users, wireless internet service via satellite lets you stay connected even in the most remote locations. Today’s all-in-one terminals fit in a handbag, backpack or briefcase, making these global wifi hotspots effortless to transport. At your destination, you simply position the device and connect using a laptop, tablet, smartphone or whatever device you prefer.

Connectivity is reliable, speeds are impressive and the affordability might surprise you.

You can also choose satellite internet service that lets you use your smartphone to send text messages and make voice calls. You’ll never have to worry about being out of cell tower range again. You can even use the internet and make calls at the same time.

If you’ve put off getting satellite internet service because you’re afraid of the cost or the complex technology, talk to the International Satellite Services Inc. team. We are the most user-friendly satellite phone and internet store around. We take the time to understand your needs and recommend the best solutions for your needs. We make getting connected on the go or in remote locations easy and affordable for everyone.

Contact us today to learn more about our land-based and mobile satellite internet connectivity solutions.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over the concerns many Americans have about the potential for losing cell network service during the COVID-19 outbreak and how this would impact them, plus several ideal satellite phone and internet products that will keep you connected in case this happens. There is widespread such concern around the country, particularly for those who fear they would be unable to seek medical assistance if needed.

At International Satellite Services, Inc., we’re proud to offer a wide variety of portable satellite phone and internet solutions for a wide variety of needs. In addition to American citizens as a group, our services have long proven enormously valuable to first responders and medical staff – and they continue to provide this value during the outbreak, particularly if traditional cell networks are having problems. Today’s part two will dig into how satellite communication formats benefit first responders, plus some of our ideal products for EMTs and others in these roles.

First Responder Innovations

As mobile capacity has increased around the country and even the world in recent years, there have been major impacts on the first responder and medical world as a whole. First responders like EMTs, firefighters and others commonly utilize technology pieces like smartphones, tablets and smartwatches for their missions, allowing for real-time transmission of data that increases care quality and response time.

While many agencies have spent years in mostly a BYOD (bring your own device) format here, some have also taken a more proactive approach to a robust network spearheaded by the agency itself. Many of the most recent technological advances allow for incredible applications, such as biometric authentication and ability to interface with a variety of laptop or other software.

Medical Advice Delivery

In addition, mobile communications accelerate the delivery of vital medical advice during a first response situation. EMTs, for instance, can use mobile devices to confer by audio or video with doctors in the emergency room, helping receive life-saving instructions if they remain a significant distance from a medical center. This sort of thing relies on a robust network that will not fail under any circumstances.

Helpful Products

Speaking of such networks, we mentioned earlier and in part one how many Americans are concerned about failing traditional cell networks during this outbreak. If such an event were to occur, we offer several products and services that will keep you connected regardless, including:

• Satellite phone: Perfect for any remote are or anytime a cell network fails, allowing communication with anyone from anywhere.
• Push-to-talk: Portable, handheld satellite radio products that allow communications to multiple users, often ideal for first responders.
• Portable hotspot: Perfect for maintaining a wireless internet connection despite remote locations or outages.

For more on how satellite communications products may assist first responders and others during the COVID-19 outbreak, or to learn about any of our satellite products, speak to the staff at International Satellite Services today.

While we offer numerous types of satellite phones and portable high-speed satellite data hotspots to keep people connected off the grid here at International Satellite Services Inc., some of our most popular solutions are within the satellite push-to-talk (PTT) realm. From the MSAT-G2 satellite PTT radio to the portable Iridium PTT device, we have you covered if you require high-performance communication when other land-based options are not available.

This kind of communication is a vital requirement in industries where there’s a major emphasis on remote communication between teams on a daily basis, including some who are out in the field and could be in a variety of geographical locations. Let’s take a look at a few of the specific industries that benefit most from satellite push-to-talk services, which allow you to talk on a private network with an immediate connection to everyone else in the network.

Forestry Industry

Whether we’re talking about forestry workers or state and national park employees these are some of the simplest examples of the value of satellite push-to-talk services. These individuals commonly work in areas where traditional forms of communication, including cell phones, are nowhere to be found.

With satellite PTT technology, this is no concern. Team members can communicate with not only each other but also their dispatch office and any other connected parties a the push of a button.

Law Enforcement, SAR and First Responders

Whether in remote or more populated areas, it’s vital for those in law enforcement, search-and-rescue and various first responder situations to be able to communicate with dispatch and each other immediately and with no issues – any problems could put lives at risk. Some urban offices still use radio communications here, but those prioritizing privacy and/or the highest-quality connection often look to satellite PTT technology. Not only is this a more reliable connection across locations, but it will also work in many areas where a traditional radio or cell phone simply will not.

Utility Workers

There are several areas that may utilize satellite PTT technology, and a good example is a utility worker. Such individuals often need to cut power to an area or ask their dispatch to do so, but this cannot be done safely if there isn’t proper communication. Those who have had issues with traditional radio or cell signals in remote areas often switch to PTT for better reliability.

Disaster Response and Public Safety

Finally, in the event of a major natural disaster such as a weather event, everyone involved in emergency response needs to be able to communicate, including first responders. If the local infrastructure has a push-to-talk satellite solution in place, several different public safety divisions will be able to communicate on the same dedicated signal, ensuring nothing is missed – especially during disaster periods where cell towers or other forms of communication may have been knocked out.

For more on industries or public areas where satellite push-to-talk technology is highly valuable, or to learn about any of our satellite communication solutions, speak to the staff at International Satellite Services Inc. today.