OODAkit Frequently Asked Questions

This page covers general OODAkit questions. For more details on each of the major compo­nents, soon you’ll be able to click on a category below.

	Satellite Terminal	Phone System	Wi-Fi Network	Power System

And if you’re still curious about something, please post a comment here and we’ll answer your question then add it to our FAQs.

OODAkit General Questions

How much do they cost?

Prices start at $7,500. Please contact us for more details.

How much does it cost to operate an OODAkit?

Not as much as you think (see this blog post). It all depends on how much data you consume and phone calls you make/receive. Typical airtime rates are roughly $600/year to keep the kit active, plus $1/minute for voice and $6.50/MB for data (both billed monthly for usage). And airtime plans can be customized per usage require­ments, similar to cell phone plans. They can be adjusted virtu­ally on the fly, if you have a sudden spike in require­ments (such as during an emergency).

Can grant funding be used to buy an OODAkit?

Most likely … and to pay for the airtime. Many recent grants, partic­u­larly Department of Homeland Security Grants, support bolster­ing states’ and commu­ni­ties’ prepared­ness posture. And part of prepared­ness — as we saw in Katrina and 9/11 — must include a capac­ity to commu­ni­cate. If you have a question on a partic­u­lar grant, please contact us for help. Also, check back for grant resources coming to our website soon.

How many people can use an OODAkit at the same time?

OODAkits can be used by a small group — from roughly 1 to 6 people simul­ta­ne­ously — depend­ing on how much bandwidth they’re consum­ing and phone calls they’re making.

What can you do with an OODAkit?

Think of it as rolling your router and Internet service behind you. So anything you can do online you can do once connected with your OODAkit. And you can make calls anywhere, because OODAkits bring the dial tone and phones along. Plus, if your mobile phone supports Wi-Fi/UMA calling (such as a T-Mobile Blackberry), you can use it over the kit’s Wi-Fi network to make/receive calls, texts, emails, tweets, Facebook updates, blog posts … you name it.

What devices can you use with an OODAkit?

OODAkits support a range of devices, including:

• Laptops — to get online via Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection
• Video cameras — stream live video or have video conferences
• Wireless print­ers — to print from the Web or recharge
• EVDO/3G modem cards (some config­u­ra­tions) — for Wi-Fi when you don’t need the satellite
• Fax machines — send/receive via dial tone over satellite
• Hybrid Wi‐Fi/UMA phones — text, email, surf as you usually do
• VoIP/SIP phones — talk via your Internet connection

What’s included with an OODAkit?

Configurations vary slightly, but here’s what’s included at a minimum, in a rugged carry-on case:

• BGAN satel­lite termi­nal (for broad­band and dial tone)
• Router to set up a Wi-Fi network
• Long-range, cordless phone system with 4 handsets
• Self-sustaining power system, includ­ing a solar blanket

Who are OODAkits designed for?

For people who work and play off the beaten path and/or need a commu­ni­ca­tions backup. In remote areas and during emergen­cies, mobile phone and broad­band cover­age is either nonex­is­tent or sporadic. OODAkits rely on a Inmarsat’s robust satel­lite network to provide voice and data connec­tiv­ity around the globe. And multi­ple power sources (includ­ing solar) can be tapped from an OODAkit to charge it and most any other mobile device (via USB or cigarette lighter adapters). A full list of organi­za­tions that could benefit from using OODAkits are on page 2 of our data sheet.

How easy are they to use?

We specif­i­cally designed OODAkits to not require an IT degree to operate. Basically, if you can plug in a few cables and get on a Wi-Fi network from a smart­phone or PC, you’re good to go. Oh yeah, and you have to know how to use a phone. Our quick start guide will give you the gist of it.

Can an OODAkit be carried on an airplane?

Yes, we recom­mend it as a matter of fact. Just give yourself a little extra time going through security. The case falls under TSA’s size limit to fit in an overhead bin and its battery is under the 25 gram limit for equiv­a­lent lithium content. With the rolling case, it’s easy to cruise through the airport.