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Subject: Reliable pole-to-pole global coverage

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With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more vital than ever to have reliable, global coverage.

From staying updated on the latest travel requirements to ensuring a dependable means of contacting first responders in times of trouble, Iridium’s Certus 350 provides a robust means of staying connected, regardless of your location.

With speeds of up to 352 Kbps, Certus provides truly mobile internet and voice access around the globe, with a level of reliability, scalability, and coverage that’s unmatched.

An ideal system for aviation, maritime, and land communication, Certus offers a variety of powerful features:

  • IoT applications
  • Voice Telephony
  • Cloud-based internet connectivity
  • Data transfer in short bursts
  • Streaming up to 256 Kbps
  • Supports up to 3 telephone lines

If you’d like to learn more about satellite communications that can give you access to data wherever you are in the world, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199.

Optimize your EOC’s coordination efforts

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Emergency Plan

When disaster strikes, state and local agencies need the ability to coordinate a real-time response. The safety of the community, and first responders themselves, depends on having a reliable means of communication at all times.

In many cases, each unit’s response is organized through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure all areas in need are served, and all activities are safe, streamlined, and well-coordinated.

These centralized locations are also ideal for housing personnel, equipment, and communication technology used in disaster response—making them a critical investment for state and local governments.

Remote Satellite Systems has successfully planned and built out the emergency satellite communication infrastructure throughout the San Francisco Bay Area over the past 30 years.

From state and local agencies to private companies, we have extensive experience with planning, implementing, and maintaining EOCs for improved coordination efforts.

Whether you’re planning a new EOC or a renovation, we can help ensure it meets all your communication requirements. This includes the latest satellite technology, LAN management and design, RedPhone, and the satellite and ground station infrastructure needed for complete built-in network redundancy.

In addition, Remote Satellite provides full documentation and training on all equipment. We also offer ongoing network support throughout the life of your equipment.

For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199.

GSA Contract with Remote Satellite Systems Extended Another Five Years

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Good intel is critical for making informed decisions. That’s why it’s important to have voice and data telecommunications equipment that can reliably connect the people on the ground, in the air, or on the sea with a worldwide network. Remote Satellite Systems provides the equipment to ensure that people responsible for decisions have the information they need to proceed.

Remote Satellite Systems has been a GSA (General Services Administration) contractor since 2006, which means our services and products are available on the MAS (Multiple Award Schedule). We are proud to announce that our contract has been extended another five years to 2026.

The extension of our contract to 20 years is evidence of our strong partnership with the GSA and ability to provide quality technology equipment for a variety of governmental agencies. Our status as a GSA Schedule Contractor makes our products available to:

  • Wholly Owned Government Corporations
  • Mixed-Ownership Government Corporations
  • Executive Departments
  • Establishments in the Legislative or Judicial Branch
  • Executive Agencies
  • Independent Establishments in the Executive Branch
  • The Senate
  • The House of Representatives
  • Activities Under the Direction of the Architect of the Capitol
  • District of Columbia

There are a variety of applications for remote satellite technology, from global maritime distress and safety systems to mobile satellite communication devices that are lifelines in disaster areas. You can find our information on the GSA eLibrary at http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/. Our GSA contract number is GS35F0439S.

You can also peruse our user-friendly website to see the range of solutions we offer for first responders, defense contractors, the military, environmental scientists, disaster relief specialists, seamen, and aeronautical professionals. Call us directly at (888) 989-8199 for GSA pricing. We look forward to working with you!

Designing an Effective Emergency Operations Center

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When disaster strikes, state and local agencies need the ability to coordinate their responses in real-time. The safety of the community depends on first responders having access to reliable means of communication for effective management of resources and rescue efforts. 

In many cases, each unit’s response is coordinated through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure all areas in need of aid are served and to avoid duplicating activities, much like federal command and control centers. These secure centralized locations are used for housing personnel, equipment, and communication technology, all of which are utilized in the disaster response. 

The units working on the scene depend on this space and the technology to keep disaster response streamlined, safe, and well-coordinated, making an EOC a critical investment for state and local governments. However, due to the communications equipment on-site, EOCs require regular care and maintenance from a dedicated and experienced partner. 

In-Building Emergency Management Solutions 

Remote Satellite Systems has successfully planned and built out the emergency satellite communication infrastructure throughout the San Francisco Bay area over the past 30 years. Our in-building emergency management solutions have aided state and local government agencies, as well as private companies, to plan, implement, and effectively maintain a centralized communication center for improved coordination efforts. 

Whether you’re planning an EOC new build or a renovation, Remote Satellite will consider what’s necessary to accommodate antenna placement and its cabling. We specialize in Turnkey design and provide full documentation and training on all equipment. Your EOC will be equipped with the latest satellite technology, fully integrated with in-building network wiring and LAN management and design to provide backup internet and voice data locations throughout the facility. 

We can install unique, powerful dual east and west coast satellite and ground station infrastructure to ensure you have full built-in network redundancy, as well as RedPhone, an in-band private telephone network to provide interoperability with other first responders. In addition, Remote Satellite offers continued network support throughout the life of your equipment. 

For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199. 

Get Prepared for Fire Season with Push-to-Talk Radio

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Fire Season

Wildfires can have a devastating effect on crucial lines of communication. During the 2017 Northern California wildfires, 77 cell towers were destroyed. When fire struck the region again in 2019, communication was even more limited; due to fire damage and planned power outages, at least 874 cellphone towers were unavailable.   

For those in the affected communities, lacking communication during the fires was disconcerting, to say the least; it was also dangerous because many were unable to access information and updates about evacuations. But the inability to communicate during a regional disaster is even more serious when it comes to first responders.  

Mark Ghilarducci, California’s director of the Office of Emergency Services said in January that the loss of hundreds of cell towers and data lines in October 2019 was a “worst-case scenario” for emergency responders, with ”911 centers and hospital centers being unable to process critical data or leverage important records.” 

The fires have shown us how any disruption to emergency communications is a severe public safety threat. And based on what we’ve seen in the past couple of years, it’s likely that Northern California will continue to have an annual fire season. Even if there was a public safety grid, as proposed by Ghilarducci, having an emergency backup system in place that’s not reliant on terrestrial service is essential. 

Whether heading to a fire or tackling another form of disaster, first responders need to have access to reliable, consistent communication. Without it, their ability to stay connected to the control center, assist victims, or even communicate with others on their team is severely impacted. Terrestrial networks, like land mobile radios (LMR) or cellular long-term evolution (LTE) services are often heavily impacted during a disaster. 

Satellite communications, on the other hand, are unaffected by terrestrial matters. This makes satellite-enabled push-to-talk (PTT) radio an ideal solution. PTT radio allows first responders to stay connected even in the most remote locations – regardless of the type of disaster they’re facing. The radios also work in conjunction with existing LMR communications, giving you the interoperability you need to stay connected in any situation. 

We can’t prevent natural disasters from occurring, but taking proactive measures to improve communications is a sure way to increase the safety of your team and the community. For more information about incorporating PTT into your organization or to have a system tailored to your communication requirements, contact Remote Satellite Systems at 1-888-989-8199. 

From the Desk of Rob Rosen

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Hero

Remote Satellite Systems has been helping local governments, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and other organizations have access to reliable communication systems for 20 years. From the beginning, we’ve been at the forefront of satellite technology – a fact that continues to excite and drive us. The great thing about having such extensive experience in the industry is that it allows us to provide our clients with the best possible product and service solutions to their problems. 

By using what we already know and have done for other clients, we can create effective communication systems more efficiently. We know what works for each type of organization because we’ve seen it in action. We have an understanding of each sector’s needs, the challenges, and which products and services will fit their requirements exactly. We also know which products will be a good fit for the technical capabilities of the people who’ll be using them. Not only does this address the need that brought the client to us in the first place, but it also ensures that they’re able to be more effective and efficient themselves and have built-in future scalability options. 

Interoperability is factored into everything we do. County officials, city governments, law enforcement, and first responders all need to be connected in the event of a disaster. By working with this in mind, we ensure that these agencies have what they need to stay connected, regardless of the emergency. As many natural disasters generally affect the larger geographic region, first responders and local governments need a reliable way to communicate with outside organizations as well. By broadening the scope when we create communication systems, we can ensure that the organization we’re working with can communicate with any agency they need to reach when they need to reach them. 

We also think about the interoperability of the equipment and services when designing our systems. In times of disaster or emergencies, often the only reliable communication networks are satellite-based. Satellite networks provide immediate voice and data connectivity, with redundancy that isn’t dependent on phone lines or other regional terrestrial infrastructure that may be damaged or ineffective during an emergency. Since radio is now digital and able to be integrated with satellite communications, first responders can stay mobile and connected to their home agency or outside ones, regardless of where they are. 

When Remote Satellite Systems worked with San Francisco International Airport, it was critical for the Emergency Operations Center and 911 planners to have the ability to communicate while being away from central command in the event of an emergency. By setting up the latest in MSAT satellite technology and giving emergency personnel push-to-talk radio capability, as well as handheld satphones, staff had access to reliable, redundant means of communication at all times. 

In addition to creating systems that fully support our clients’ present and future communication needs with turn-key solutions, we are also an Airtime Service Provider that includes network and airtime support services. Satellite systems are complex, and in many situations, our clients don’t have the time or the technical expertise to fix issues as they happen. We are always a phone call away, and you can talk to a real person who will know how to get your system working as it should, quickly and efficiently. This saves time, resources, and better yet, allows our clients to continue focusing on their essential operations. 

Whatever your organization’s communication challenges are, Remote Satellite has a solution. With our experience and in-depth knowledge of our products and their capabilities, we know how to create a system that will allow your team to stay connected – regardless of the emergency or location. 

A Game-changer for the Satellite Industry and Internet Data Users, as Iridium Launches the Fastest L-band Speeds Available

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Iridium Launches

For the first time ever there is an omnidirectional SATCOM that can attain internet data speeds of 700 Kbps on a small antenna platform that does not require pointing. No longer are the larger and heavier auto-acquire antenna systems necessary for On-The-Move Comms or In-Building emergency backup communications.

Iridium Certus 700 service is now commercially available, offering the fastest L-band speeds in the industry. This is a significant upgrade. When Iridium Certus 350 was first launched in 2019, it offered upload and download speeds of up to 352 kbps. Iridium Certus 700 has doubled top download speeds to 704 kbps, at no additional cost to Certus 350 subscribers. No new hardware is required for existing subscribers to take advantage of Iridium Certus 700; terminals are upgraded via a firmware rollout through service providers. All new terminals will come with Iridium Certus 700 capability.

What Is Certus?

Iridium Certus is the only broadband service that offers global, weather-resistant coverage for on-the-move internet and high-quality voice access. Due to its small size and cost-effective antennas and terminals, Iridium Certus has been increasingly adopted by maritime and land-mobile/connected vehicle markets.

With the launch of this upgrade, global maritime communications are faster than ever. Iridium Certus is delivered through the Cobham Sailor 4300 and VesseLink by Thales satellite terminals and can serve as a primary ship communication or a VSAT companion service. Iridium Certus terminals provide high-speed L-band connectivity regardless of a vessel’s location or weather conditions, giving crews access to IoT services, improved ship communications, faster web browsing, and reliable use of smartphone apps.

How Does It Work

In the land-mobile and vehicular markets, Iridium Certus is delivered through Thales MissionLINK, providing railways, first responders, governments, and NGOs with reliable comms-on-the-move connectivity anywhere in the world. The terminal allows for easy switching between satellite and cellular connectivity for mobile-office functions to help manage costs. Additionally, the faster speeds can enhance a range of applications, such as telemedicine for remote aid workers, situational awareness updates for militaries, or video monitoring for first responders. Regardless of the application, communication is maintained even when terrestrial connectivity isn’t available.

“There is nothing on the market today that matches the quality, reliability, speed and global coverage Iridium Certus delivers, and the Iridium Certus 700 upgrade clearly demonstrates this,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of Iridium. “Iridium Certus is now the standard when it comes to providing primary maritime or VSAT companion service, and a reliable weather-resilient broadband solution for mobile applications supporting railways, first responders, and any industry regularly working beyond the reach of terrestrial coverage.”

For access to reliable, high-quality satellite connectivity across the globe, contact Remote Satellite Systems at 1-888-989-8199.

Introducing the World’s First Dedicated PTT Satellite Radio

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Iridium Satellite PTT Radio

Remote Satellite Solutions is excited to announce that Icom Incorporated, in partnership with Iridium Communications Inc, has launched the world’s first commercially available dedicated push-to-talk (PTT) satellite radio. The Icom IC-SAT100 Iridium PTT Land-Mobile Radio offers real-time communications anywhere on the planet with the push of a button. The device, combined with Iridium’s award-winning service, provides reliable communications beyond the range of trunked radio networks, making it a perfect choice as an emergency backup.

This joint announcement has been greatly anticipated by government agencies, first responders, and law enforcement, who have long expressed a demand for a satellite PTT solution to work with their existing LMR communications.

Bryan Hartin, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Iridium said, “This new satellite PTT device is unlike anything ever offered commercially in terms of capability, and it would not have been possible without the great partnership we’ve built with Icom, who are de-facto experts and leaders in the LMR industry.  Icom has created a small, lightweight, and very high performing radio that’s perfect for LMR users.”

The Icom IC-SAT100 features a compact two-way radio design that enables dispatched personnel to stay connected in even the most remote locations. Its rugged industrial design includes a high-quality 1500 mW audio speaker that can be easily heard in any environment – even ones with high ambient noise. Existing LMR users will find the IC-SAT100 easy to operate and appreciate the real-time, one-to-many communication. The radio is compatible with existing Icom portfolio accessories, as well as the VE-PG4, a gateway feature that integrates with any existing deployed LMR systems. The IC-SAT100 boasts better design, functionality, and coverage than any other commercially available PTT device on the market. The radio works in conjunction with existing LMR networks and can be managed using the Iridium PTT Command Center. 

Other features of the IC-SAT100 include:

  • Access to the Iridium Push-to-Talk Service
  • Compatible with the Iridium Extreme PTT Handset
  • Talkgroup Scan
  • Priority Interrupt Calling
  • Emergency Button
  • Vibration Alerts
  • IP67 Waterproof and Dust-Tight
  • Multiple Language Support (English, French, Japanese, and Spanish)

The Icom IC-SAT100 is now on the market and currently available in our online store. At Remote Satellite Solutions, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best communications solutions available. If you’d like to know more about the Icom IC-SAT100 or Iridium’s truly global broadband network, please contact us. Our satellite consultants would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you choose the equipment and network that best fits your needs.

Choosing the Right Terminal for IP Communications Over Satellite

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Satellite

With the wide range of capabilities and options offered by different types of terminals, choosing the right platform for your IP satellite communication is essential to ensure you have a system that will be able to fully support your organization’s needs. Currently, there are three popular, reliable options available: Inmarsat’s BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network), FBB or Fleet Broadband for Maritime and for Aviation SBB or Swift Broadband, VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), and Iridium’s Certus. All three of these systems provide reliable voice and data applications from remote locations, however, each one has different specifications in terms of data volumes, size, cost, and ease of use. Essentially, your decision between platforms should be made with consideration to which one will best suit your organization’s needs.

Data and Capabilities

The amount of data you plan to send or receive is one of the key considerations when deciding which technology to choose, particularly since it impacts operational costs. If you plan to use the platform mainly for office applications, such as email, small data transfers, web-browsing, phone support, and VPN access, the BGAN may be sufficient for your needs. It also supports telemetry and short-term video broadcasts. The BGAN can transmit data at speeds of up to 500 kbps and is generally designed for single users or a small team that has sporadic data usage throughout the day.

The VSAT is a better choice for those who need high bandwidth to transmit high levels of data on a long term basis. It can carry data as well as latency-sensitive applications and IP based multicast applications like audio and video streaming. The VSAT can provide point-to-point WAN links and is capable of “always on” broadband internet services; it also supports bandwidth on-demand services, encrypted data transfers between two or more sites, and VPNs. The VSAT platform supports dozens of users with upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps and download speeds of up to 20 Mbps. The VSAT terminal can back up to terrestrial networks or can utilize customized plans to backup exclusively with satellite service providers. The VSAT is extremely reliable and not affected by natural disasters, making it an excellent option for mission-critical applications. Rain attenuation may affect its performance, so larger antennas and amplifiers are usually recommended for some applications.

The Certus offers high throughput L-band data speeds for simultaneous connections of data access, multiple phone lines, and location-based applications. Its low-latency network provides consistent smartphone use anywhere around the globe. Certus allows you to automatically route data connection through an external cellular modem when networks are available to help reduce the cost and provide a seamless user experience. It initially launches with speeds of up to 352 kbps but can be upgraded to 704 kbps and potentially reach a maximum 1408 kbps. Certus can be used as primary broadband or as a backup to an existing VSAT. The Certus terminal features a low-frequency I-band signal that is unaffected by weather conditions.

Coverage

BGAN, Fleet Broadband and Swift Broadband offers seamless coverage on land or sea for the majority of the globe – with the caveat that it must be in the line of sight with one of Inmarsat’s three geosynchronous satellites. Due to this requirement, there is no data coverage at the polar regions. There also can’t be anything obstructing the line of sight to the satellites, so they often tend to be used outdoors or through unobstructed windows. Unlike VSAT and BGAN which are geosynchronous, Certus offers pole-to-pole coverage and will soon be providing narrowband voice and data capabilities for ships, aircraft, vehicles, and IoT devices.

Portability and Ease of Use

If you’re interested in selecting a portable, easy to set-up and use terminal, the BGAN is a great choice. It’s small, lightweight, and battery-powered. The BGAN is incredibly user-friendly and doesn’t require a technician for setup, making it simple to have your mobile office-ready in a matter of minutes. It does require that you manually point it at the satellite; however, it’s easy to do. The BGAN’s portability and on-the-go setup make it favorable for applications like war zone broadcasts, remote regions, and sporting events. Inmarsat makes about 18 different types of BGAN terminals, many of which are small enough to fit inside of a laptop case.

The VSAT terminal requires a technician to handle the installation, so it’s important to keep in mind that there will be additional costs for it to be fixed-site installed for In-Building communications. It’s a small dish antenna that stays in place, so it’s not portable once installed. Deployment can be done in any region within hours. Iridium’s Certus is lightweight, straightforward to set up and easy to use; it has a solid-state omni-directional antenna that automatically connects with the closest Iridium satellite. To give you some perspective of the size differences, the BGAN could be likened to a garden hose, the Certus to a fire hose, and the VSAT would be a large water holding tank.

Cost

The costs of each platform vary quite significantly – another reason to ensure you’re choosing a system that will meet your needs. BGAN antennas range from $3,000 to $5,000; auto-tracking units cost anywhere from $8,000 to $18,000. Certus terminals can range from about $7,000 to $9,000 depending on the equipment. VSAT costs can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of equipment you choose. Entry-level equipment starts at $3,000 but can run up to tens of thousands of dollars for larger-scale operations. Auto pointing systems can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000 depending on the type of system.

Ultimately, all three of these terminals offer extreme reliability and coverage for remote locations, so the bottom line comes down to how you plan to use it and what type of capabilities you’d like it to have. If you’re still unsure which terminal would work best for your applications, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have to help you determine the best system for your needs. We supply all three terminals and can help you determine the right one for your organization. From consulting to hands-on training, Remote Satellite Systems is available to help you get the most out of your communications. Contact us today at 1-888-989-8199 to learn more.

FirstNet Partners with AT&T to Create the Most Advanced Emergency Communications Network

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FirstNet

FirstNet has built a new Band Class 14 network for first responders

 

The network is designed to be more reliable, safe, and secure while offering optimal functionality.

This new network marks the first time that public safety communications will be based on commercial standards, bringing about lower costs and increased ability for advanced emergency communications.

The FirstNet Band Class 14 network stems from public safety findings that were identified in the 9/11 Commission Report; the report noted significant gaps in emergency communications and recommended the development of a nationwide network for first responders and other public safety officials. Due to the advocacy efforts of public safety organizations and associations, Congress passed legislation in 2012 to create the First Responder Network Authority to deploy the FirstNet network throughout the United States.

Working closely with public safety officials since 2012, the First Responder Network Authority has been ensuring that the network fully meets current and future needs of first responders. The Band Class 14 network is designed to be a “fast lane” for first responders and public safety officials, bypassing the typical wireless communications overload caused by heavy public use. The network will provide a highly secure, encrypted channel of communications for emergency personnel that will be inaccessible as a public wireless network. In addition, it will also create device and app systems that will allow first responders to connect to innovative and vital technologies.

FirstNet is improving communications to allow for quicker emergency response times and outcomes for first responders nationwide, which will contribute to having safer communities. First responders will be able to take advantage of innovative tools and services during emergencies, such as apps that will allow for reliable real-time capture of video, text messages, and photos. There will be improved location services to allow for greater mapping capabilities during search and rescue operations, as well as deployables for use in both planned and unplanned emergency events. The First Responder Network has been testing and validating the full range of products and services prior to deployment to make sure that first responders across the nation will have effective and reliable tools during disasters and emergencies.

Partnering with AT&T to leverage private sector resources, The First Responder Network is modernizing and improving communication capabilities at a fraction of the cost to American taxpayers. With this public-private partnership, there’s no need for additional federal funding to build and operate the network; additionally, first responders will have access to far superior communications services than what they currently have. All 50 states, five US territories, and Washington DC have opted into FirstNet and accepted their individual state plans that detail how the network will be deployed.

Remote Satellite Systems is now supporting First Net with new satellite terminals, the Harrier 1.2m and Harrier .85 Fly-Away antenna kits. These terminals integrate both LTE satellite and Band 14 communications with least cost-routing technology, enabling first responders to maintain critical communications on a variety of networks. Both models are fully self-contained, highly portable and quick to deploy in 10 minutes or less. They have an available bandwidth of 20 Mbps x 5 Mbps via satellite, and our powerful fully redundant satellite and ground station infrastructure with multiple satellite look angles with no IP reconfiguration. The Harrier antennas meet both the weight and dimension requirements for commercial airlines, making it easy to transport them wherever you go. They’re also cellular extender-compatible, making them capable of providing service to handsets even where there’s no cellular infrastructure.

Contact us to learn more about the Harrier Fly Away antennas, Band 14 network support, or to discuss your needs with one of our satellite experts.

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