Stratos Global has announced that it has signed an agreement with Hughes Network Systems (HNS) to be the first distributor of the HNS 9201 Broadband Satellite IP Modem and Wi-Fi Access Point for use with Inmarsat’s forthcoming Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) mobile satellite service, scheduled for commercial launch in late 2005.
As the next-generation mobile satellite service from Inmarsat, BGAN will offer near-global coverage with a small, lightweight satellite terminal about the size of a small laptop computer.
Using a constellation of the most powerful communications satellites ever launched, BGAN will provide both IP and circuit-switched services to support voice telephony and a sophisticated range of high-bandwidth data services, including Internet access, streaming content, videoconferencing, LAN and other services, at speeds of up to 492 kbps – significantly faster than any existing mobile satellite service.
The HNS 9201 will work over the Inmarsat BGAN satellite network supporting simultaneous sending and receiving of IP packet and circuit- switched data via USB, Ethernet, ISDN and Wi-Fi interfaces.
The rugged design of the 9201 allows the terminal to be installed outside in extreme weather conditions for extended periods, and it will support multiple users on a single terminal.
Weighing just 2.5 kg, the 9201 is fully IP compatible, offering IP data rates up to 492 kbps, both sending and receiving, as well as lower-speed ISDN voice and data, selectable quality of service (QoS), and advanced TCP acceleration.
“The rugged design, multi-user support, and full-featured functionality offered by the HNS 9201 BGAN terminal will be of particular appeal to Stratos’ government and military, media, and other customers, and we are pleased to be HNS’ first partner for this exciting new product,” said Bob Roe, Stratos’ senior vice president, sales.
“Stratos’ local presence in the Washington, DC, area, within minutes of both HNS’ Germantown, MD, manufacturing facility and key U.S. government and military decision makers, will be a key asset as we work together to rollout this next-generation mobile satellite platform.”
