Inmarsat has launched its new Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) and is transforming personal satellite communications. BGAN terminals are incredibly small and light -- weighing as little as 2.2 lbs! Now you can carry the same internet and voice services you have come to expect when you are at home or at the office -- almost anywhere on earth. BGAN is a Complete Mobile Office Communications PackageThree classes of BGAN terminals exist with different performance capabilities, including “best effort” data/internet access up to 492 kbps, guaranteed “streaming” data up to 256 kbps, toll quality voice, 64 kbps ISDN circuit-switched data, G-3 fax, and short messaging. Outfitter Satellite also offers free SkyFile software with an email account, PC-fax capability, and store-and-forward video software. Every terminal doesn't support every service, so please call Outfitter Satellite for more information. Which BGAN Terminal is Right for You? Smallest BGAN Terminal Available: If small size and compactness is your primary concern, we recommend the EXPLORERTM 100 (formerly known as the Nera WorldPro). It is perfect for people packing their own gear. A great option is its tiny BlueTooth coordless handset for voice communications. You can choose between USB and wireless BlueTooth for internet/data connections to your computer. Outfitter Satellite offers prepaid internet access with a convenient counter so you always know exactly how many MegaBytes of usage remain on your account and you can tightly control your own budget. Our standard plan also offers voice to any public switched telephone number for only $0.99 per minute, though calls to other satellite phones are at a higher rate. Highest Performance "Class I" BGAN Terminals: For highest performance, we recommend the HNS-9201 by Hughes Network Systems or the EXPLORERTM 700 by Thrane & Thrane. These terminals support the highest guaranteed streaming rate of 256 kbps and can reach up to 492 kbps when using best effort data or internet access. The HNS-9201 is the smallest Class I BGAN, and it is the best choice for video, VPN, and secure communications when lightweight and compact size are important. A rugged external mounting system is available for more permanent applications. ISDN circuit-switched data is available for backwards compatibility with older Inmarsat M4 applications. If you need to guarantee the absolute highest streaming performance, Outfitter Satellite can arrange for leased lines (at an additional monthly charge) to support your streaming data right to your corporate location's doorstep.Connecting To Your Computer Is EasyVarious BGAN terminal models offer standard connectivity features such as USB, Ethernet/LAN, and 802.11b WiFi access. ISDN is available on one model if you need backwards compatibility for previous Inmarsat M4 applications. Several models have cordless BlueTooth voice handsets that can be used up to 300 feet from the BGAN terminal. Video SolutionsOutfitter Satellite rents and sells portable Tandberg Tactical video conferencing equipment. The Tandberg Tactical supports H.323 video communications and you are ready-to-videoconference by just opening up its case. An 802.11b wireless option is available for connections to the HNS-9201. Secure video and multi-site video are supported.Outfitter Satellite expects to offer web casting services suitable for small company budgets and network affiliates in the near future. History of BGANTo achieve this, Inmarsat developed one of the most powerful communications satellites ever built, the I-4 satellite. The first I-4 satellite (F1) was launched into geosynchronous orbit from Cape Canaveral on March 11, 2005. The satellites are about the size of a bus and should operate for about 15 years providing coverage to roughly 85% of the earth’s land surface. At the current time two I-4 satellites are in operation covering most of the earth's land masses. Plans have been announced to launch a third satellite.