Global Marine Networks Blog

Announcing Affordable Satellite Broadband for Cruisers

  

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In the summer of 2012, Iridium released its redesigned OpenPort broadband unit (now called the Pilot), Inmarsat juggled around its pricing structure for its FleetBroadband service, and we realized that for the first time in the history of the maritime satellite industry, satellite broadband was within the financial reach of most maritime cruisers. 

Because after crunching numbers, comparing plans, and looking at usage rates we saw that broadband satellite units offered some of the cheapest data and airtime costs around.

And not just cheap, but really cheap. At a conservative estimate, at least ten times less expensive than a handheld device like an Iridium 9555 or 9575 for similar usage. For an initial higher upfront cost, the savings from voice and data services multiply. The savings flow like the hull over a smooth sea.

We realize that many people don't even consider a broadband unit for their communication needs while cruising. Broadband satellite has long been known for dishes the size of cars, installation necessitating crews of people, and data costs that run in the tens of thousands per month.

But with units like the Iridium Pilot, the power, speed, and ease-of-use associated with high-end broadband units is now possible for individual cruisers.

It’s certain that satellite broadband, like so much in the satellite industry, is confusing, complicated, and about as straightforward as driving in Rome.

So we broke it all down, shook out our number crunching and comparisons, and put it all together in an easy-to-read guide.

An ultimate guide.

, in fact.

Check it out and let us know what you think. We're pretty thrilled about satellite broadband, and we think you'll be too, especially when you see just how much money is saved on data and voice. 

How Iridium Pilot REALLY Worked for a Salty Live Aboard Cruiser

  

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Hear what a multi year, multi trip live aboard cruiser has to say about his family's experience with the Iridium OpenPort (now Iridium Pilot) broadband satellite device for homeschooling, business and emergency connections at sea.  

Magnus Murphy reveals how the Iridium Pilot with XGate Satellite Email and XWeb compression services allowed his two daughters to successfully homeschool while he negotiated a sabattical to publish a medical book that was completed via this technology.

Learn the real truth about using WiFi at anchor in remote locations while jockeying for positions with other cruisers.  Hear his take on ease of installation, reasonable airtime costs, web browsing at sea, impact on saftey, and most importantly the long term reduction of anxiety associated with instant connection in times of need.  Listen to Magnus Murphy now!   

For an in-depth look at satellite broadband options for cruisers, feel free to check out . It contains tons of information regarding the Iridium Pilot, cost comparisons between broadband units, and savings estimations for typical use. 

Additionally you may want to take a look at the Iridium Pilot Blue Water Package for $1,252 of immediate savings and 1000 minutes of free prepaid voice airtime.  

Have a comment? Let us know about something you learned that was helpful.

Fair Winds,

Kim

Inmarsat Announces Critical Firmware Upgrade for FBB & BGAN Terminals

  

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Inmarsat has annouced a CRITICAL firmware upgrade (release 1.16) for the following Thrane & Thrane/Cobham terminals:

• Sailor 150
• Sailor 250
• Sailor 500
• Explorer 325
• Explorer 727

Firmware version 1.16 is released and available for download from the Inmarsat website at:

http://www.inmarsat.com/support/FleetBroadband  

and

http://www.inmarsat.com/support/BGAN

This new firmware upgrade is required due to the FleetBroadband Multi-voice service and network enhancement.

After June 1, 2013, terminals that are not upgraded to version 1.16 will be unable to receive calls on the IP handset.

Only terminals using the Thrane and Throne/Cobham IP handset will be affected. Terminals with a standard two wire handset will continue to work as normal.

Further information on this release can be found in this Thrane & Thrane Technical Bulletin.

About Global Marine Networks, LLC

Global Marine Networks (GMN), creates leading edge data solutions for the IsatPhone Pro and is considered a leader in advancing satellite data speeds and services. Recognized by Inmarsat as a Solutions Provider GMN helps Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest, most reliable and easy-to-use email, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems.

Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by GMN under the RedPort Global brand name at http://www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the world’s premier satellite data service providers.

GMN has numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how GMN is Making Airtime Count™ – whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments visit www.globalmarinenet.com.

IsatPhone Pro Faulty Firmware Fix Now Available

  

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Inmarsat has announced that the promised firmware update to the IsatPhone Pro is available for download from isatphonelive.com/support

This new firmware version 5.3.0 fixes a fault with versions 5.1.0 and 5.2.0 that causes the battery not to charge when the phone is turned off.

IsatPhone Pro users please note! This is a MANDATORY FIRMWARE UPGRADE. Inmarsat recommends that ALL IsatPhone Pro users upgrade their phones at the earliest opportunity. All phones must upgrade by the deadline of 31 December 2013. Without the upgrade, users will experience problems connecting to the network.

Download IsatPhone Pro Firmware Version 5.3.0

http://www.inmarsattx.com/IsatPhone_Pro_Firmware/IsatPhone_Pro_firmware_version_5_3_0.zip

IsatPhone Pro Firmware 5.3.0 Release Note

http://www.inmarsattx.com/IsatPhone_Pro_Firmware/IsatPhone_Pro_firmware_ 5_3_0_release_note.pdf

About Global Marine Networks, LLC

Global Marine Networks (GMN), creates leading edge data solutions for the IsatPhone Pro and is considered a leader in advancing satellite data speeds and services. Recognized by Inmarsat as a Solutions Provider GMN helps Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest, most reliable and easy-to-use email, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems.

Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by GMN under the RedPort Global brand name at http://www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the world’s premier satellite data service providers.

GMN has numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how GMN is Making Airtime Count™ – whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments visit www.globalmarinenet.com.

IsatPhone Pro Faulty Firmware Alert

  

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PLEASE NOTE: The fix is now available. You can find details here: http://web.globalmarinenet.com/blog/bid/267098/IsatPhone-Pro-Faulty-Firmware-Fix-Now-Available

Inmarsat has announced a fault in firmware versions 5.1.0 and 5.2.0 (the latest) in IsatPhone Pro handsets with IMEI number above 353032041133824.

The battery on these phones does not charge while the handset is switched off. If the battery is allowed to run flat, then it becomes impossible to charge the phone unless a new, pre-charged battery is fitted.

Inmarsat expects to release a firmware update that will resolve this problem by February 8, 2013.

To check your handset's IMEI number and firmware version, use the phone's Menu and go to <Settings> <About>.

If you have an affected handset, Inmarsat recommends the following:

• Keep the phone switched ON during charging
• Maintain a full to half-charge
• Upgrade to the new version of firmware when it becomes available

We will post instructions to upgrade the firmware as soon as Inmarsat makes it available.

About Global Marine Networks, LLC

Global Marine Networks (GMN), creates leading edge data solutions for the IsatPhone Pro and is considered a leader in advancing satellite data speeds and services. Recognized by Inmarsat as a Solutions Provider GMN helps Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest, most reliable and easy-to-use email, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems.

Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by GMN under the RedPort Global brand name at http://www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the world’s premier satellite data service providers.

GMN has numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how GMN is Making Airtime Count™ – whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments visit www.globalmarinenet.com.

GMN RedPort to Distribute Iridium OpenPort Service and Pilot Terminal

  

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GMN brings RedPort routers with crew-calling, on-board Internet café services and satellite email access to Iridium OpenPort satellite broadband service for commercial marine communications

MARYVILLE, TN January 17, 2010 – Global Marine Networks (GMN) the leaders in advancing satellite data speeds and services, today announced its appointment as a Global Distribution Partner for the Iridium OpenPort service and Iridium Pilot hardware. GMN will make the products and services available with its RedPort routers and suite of value-added satellite data services to the commercial and recreational maritime markets and to RedPort distributors.  

“The truly global coverage of the Iridium OpenPort platform, along with the reliable and affordable Iridium Pilot terminals, make for an attractive product for the maritime market”, said Dr. Luis Soltero, CTO of GMN and RedPort Global. “Together with GMN RedPort services, Iridium makes an excellent choice for maritime customers in virtually any application – crew calling, on-board Internet café services, satellite email access and much more.”

For ships large and small, the Iridium OpenPort broadband service offers highly reliable broadband voice and data communications priced to fit any budget. Connected to the world's largest and only truly global commercial communication network, providing pole-to-pole coverage for ships at sea, it works everywhere on the planet. 

Iridium Pilot hardware is engineered for enhanced durability to withstand the harshest maritime conditions, all the while packaged in a small, lightweight antenna. It has a fixed, electronically-steerable, phased-array antenna, designed to maintain connectivity in rough seas. Iridium Pilot offers broadband connectivity in addition to three independent phone lines, all of which work simultaneously, with data speeds up to 134 Kbps.

RedPort Global is a GMN brand that offers powerful yet affordable maritime satellite network management services  - letting maritime satellite customers get the most out of their satellite data service through a host of features including:

• Satellite data compression gives up to five times faster data speeds than uncompressed rates
• Pin codes let customers generate new revenue by sharing or selling unique pin codes to crews, clients or passengers
• Usage controls can limit groups or individual users by time, megabytes, or web site white/black listing
• Firewall filtering by MAC or TCP/IP address and/or port number provide advanced controls
• Seamless failover service redirects data feeds giving users the ultimate reliability of changing between different satellite networks on the fly
• Data bonding - doubles data throughput while increasing reliability
• Shared onboard caching provides fast load times for commonly visited sites

About Global Marine Networks, LLC

Global Marine Networks (GMN), the leaders in advancing satellite data speeds and services, helps Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest, most reliable and easy-to-use email, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems.

Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by GMN under the RedPort Global brand name at http://www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the world’s premier satellite data service providers.

GMN has numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how GMN is Making Airtime Count™ – whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments visit www.globalmarinenet.com.

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Compare Iridium, Inmarsat and FBB Satellite Email and Web Speeds

  

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Want to compare satellite email and web browsing speeds for Iridium, IsatPhone and other satellite phone equipment?

That is a complex topic, influenced by many factors, but we are here to help. Through clear comparisons, important recommendations and a video demonstration, it will be much easier for you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of satellite systems.

So, first, let's understand the basics. Imagine that each piece of data (such as email or a GRIB file) that we want to transfer is like a car traveling on an interstate highway. How fast the car travels is dependent on the engine horsepower, the speed limit imposed on the highway, how many other cars are traveling that same highway and their speed, and whether there are other interferences, such as rain, a disabled car blocking traffic, etc.

The interestate highway represents the narrowband or broadband connection, the speed limit is the data transfer rate, interferences can be signal strength, signal quality, or competition for the connection.

Compare 'speeds' of data transfer for the different 'engines' if there is no other competition or interference during the trip.

You can see from this chart there is a HUGE difference in speed between different satellite equipment systems (engines.) You can also see how satellite connection speeds compare to a typical broadband land line that most of us have in our homes. While satellite systems speeds vary, they are all slow to very slow when compared to land line connections.

Now for some good news: GMN specializes in maximizing the horsepower of your engine for both satellite email and web browsing. 

Let's look at EMAIL first:

XGate satellite email is designed to eliminate extraneous email chatting that occurs between servers during a typical email transfer session. XGate packs all the email into one compressed stream of data, such that, on average, XGate is 10-15 times faster than other email programs (even faster on some systems). This means you realize significant savings in airtime costs.

Here's how:

An average email is usually 2-5 kb in size. Let's say that you are sending an update to family and close friends so you are sending 10 emails, each 5 kb for a total size of 50 kb; OR, you want to download a 3-day Wind Forecast GRIB file, which happens to be about 50 kb in size.

Compare airtime required to send those emails or to receive that GRIB file. Remember, with XGate, that entire batch of emails or that GRIB file will be packed to about 5kb in size, or less:

*These airtime plans charge by the amount of data transferred, not by the airtime minute. All airtime use calculations are approximate and do not include any minimum billing increments required by providers.

Whether calculated by the minute or by the amount of data, XGate Satellite Email provides significant savings.

Now let's look at XWeb, an optional add-on service to XGate.

With XWeb you may save as much as $80 on every $100 of satellite airtime when web browsing; BUT, you must consider your equipment and needs carefully before signing up. Web browsing over narrowband connections (handheld satellite phones) can become very costly, very quickly. We recommend you always use mobile sites when browsing, whenever possible.

Compare the average satellite airtime use to download mobile Sports Illustrated (m.si.com) WITHOUT and then WITH using XWeb.

You can see that using XWeb yields a great savings on airtime dollars. Please note that web browsing savings varies depending on type of satellite phone equipment.

For a demonstration of XWeb compression, watch a 3-minute video:

Important Recommendations:

XWeb is highly recommended for Iridium OpenPort, Fleet Broadband, BGAN, Vsat, Globalstar and cell phones. The information above shows that you will be able to browse the web with XGate/XWeb because the basic equipment transfer speeds are high enough that with compression, web browsing is feasible.

You can also web browse with Iridium handheld phones and the Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro, but the transfer rates will be very slow even though they are accelerated 5X or more by XWeb. This is due to the inherent slow protocol of handheld satellite phones. Thus, you may web browse, but it will be slow and probably expensive, even with XWeb compression savings.

We really must "toot our own horn" here.

Bottom Line:

• XGate satellite email is a wonderful addition to any satellite phone and will allow you to do email in a fast, efficient way.

• XWeb web browsing with compression is a nice addition for mobile broadband and can be used for minimal browsing on the handsets. As you can see above, web browsing on narrowband devices is fairly slow and expensive; but, it is much better than not using it at all if you have to browse!

Unsure which system will work best for you? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We can help you decide which system best meets your needs.

Post to Facebook & Twitter via Satellite using iOS/Android and XGate

  

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Announcing XGate Social Media services. 

Update Facebook and Twitter via Satellite using iOS or Android Devices

 XGate iPhone and Android apps let users post to popular social media sites when connected to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data feed

MARYVILLE, TN OCTOBER 31, 2012 – Global Marine Networks (GMN), the leaders in advancing satellite data speed and services, today announced an update to its XGate iPhone and Android apps that lets users update their Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter feeds when connected to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data service. XGate Social Media Services are immediately available to XGate subscribers in addition to accelerated satellite phone email, web browsing and weather data services.

“Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are the way millions of people share their lives with others every day. Yet until now satellite phone users, who are often in the remote places or emergency situations where they most want to update others of their status, have found it hard to post to social media sites,” said Dr. Luis Soltero, President and CTO of GMN.

“Now, satellite phone users can update all of their friends, business contacts or followers via satellite phone with the press of a button in the XGate application.”

XGate offers email, web, weather, and now, social media services, designed for the unique needs of satellite data users. Satellite data feeds are significantly slower and/or much more expensive than most cellular data services, but have the advantage of working in places and times where cellular networks are not available. XGate uses three to twenty times less data for each of its services than standard email, web, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter apps, saving satellite users time and money.

To access XGate services, users simply need to connect to a Wi-Fi enabled satellite data feed, as would be found on a marine vessel, or created by a device such as the GMN Optimizer Satellite Firewall and Wi-Fi hotspot. XGate will also work over cellular data networks, allowing customers to use a single app regardless of network, or to save on cellular data usage charges.

XGate data services are a fast, reliable and easy-to-use satellite phone email, web, weather data – and now – social media service. Features include:

-       Up to 20 times faster email transfer speeds through compression and custom server protocols 

-       Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn posting

-       Mid-file restart and automatic satellite phone connection control

-       Access to free GRIB weather files

XGate’s associated XWeb service accelerates web browsing an average of three to five times faster than uncompressed rates through compression, page re-rendering and ad-blocking, giving users easier and more reliable access to web sites.

Pricing and Availability

Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updating are available to both new and existing users for standard XGate subscription rates. Existing XGate subscribers can download the latest version of XGate in the XGate downloads center. Currently, XGate Social Media services are available for all users of the following Windows, Apple Macintosh and Linux versions:

• Windows XP, Vista and 7, both 32 and 64-bit versions
• Apple Mac OSX 10.4 or later computers
• Apple iOS (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch)
• Google Android
• Any Debian-based Linux system

Compatibility

XGate works with any IP-based data service, including the following satellite phones.

Compatible USB-based satellite phones:

-       Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro

-       Iridium 9555

-       Iridium Extreme (9575)

-       Iridium OpenPort

-       Globalstar GSP-1700 

-       All Thuraya USB-based phones

Compatible Serial or Ethernet-based phones and terminals:

-       Inmarsat FleetBroadband

-       Inmarsat BGAN

-       Iridium 9500

-       Iridium 9505, 9505a

-       Globalstar GSP-1600

-       Globalstar GSP-2900

-       Thuraya IP

About Global Marine Networks, LLC

Global Marine Networks (GMN), the leaders in advancing satellite data speeds and services, helps Fixed and Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest, most reliable and easy-to-use E-mail, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems. Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by GMN under the RedPort Global brand name at http://www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the world’s premier satellite data service providers.

GMN has numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how GMN is Making Airtime Count™ - whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments visit www.globalmarinenet.com.

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To see XGate in action, take advantage of the free 3-day trial by clicking the button below. No need for a satellite phone to try out XGate, just download it onto your computer and test-drive XGate today!

Beam Satellite Phone Docking Stations Work With Iridium AxcessPoint

  

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For our many customers and friends who use Beam Docking Stations, and want to use Iridium AxcessPoint Mail & Web service, this is good news. Of course, Beam and other docking stations also work well with our own RedPort Optimizer Satellite Wi-Fi Device. 

From Beam: "Just put the handset in the Beam docking station and connect it to the AxessPoint Wi-Fi device and it enables connection to smartphone, tablet or laptop for email or web browsing or mobile websites. When the connection is done via the dock, no extra adapter or cables are needed." 

How To Use XGate Satellite Email - New Videos!

  

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You asked for it...a video on how to use XGate Satellite Phone Email Service. We've delivered.

Watch as Dr. Luis Soltero demonstrates XGate, using the new GMN Optimizer to WiFi connect with an IsatPhone Pro handheld satellite phone.

Do you have an Iridium 9555 or Extreme 9575 instead? No worries, this video series is neither satellite phone nor computer specific. All satellite phone owners including Iridium OpenPort, Inmarsat FleetBroadband, Globalstar and Thuraya users will find useful information here. In addition, XGate is compatible with Windows OS, Mac OSX, Linux, Apple iOS (i.e. iPad, iPhone, iPodTouch) and Android smartphones.

These new videos explain:

• how to register for XGate satellite email service
• how to download and install XGate software on your computer
• what is a firewall and why it is important when using your satellite phone
• how the Optimizer can save you valuable satellite airtime
• how to create and send/receive email in iScribe, the built-in email component
• how to update your Twitter account (or FaceBook or LinkedIn) with your satellite phone
• an email session in real time

Watch and enjoy!

Part 1: Download, Install, Register XGate Satellite Phone Email

Part 2: Send/Receive Email

Part 3: Update Twitter, FaceBook, LinkedIn

Thank you for watching!

Click below if you would like to try XGate for yourself.  No satellite phone is necessary!

We have many more helpful videos available. Learn about Web browsing using a satellite phone; the differences between the GMN Optimizer and the Iridium AxcessPoint WiFi Device. Click below to go directly to our Videos page.

Don't have a satellite communication system yet? Confused about all the options? Let our experts (many of whom have spent years on the water...on boats) help you design a system to meet your needs. Click below to get started.

Thanks Again!

Please keep those suggestions coming and we will do all we can to keep you informed.