Happy Birthday BGAN

It’s been 5 years now since Inmarsat launched its Broadband Global Area Network service known as BGAN. This service has been one of the mainstays of media, emergency and disaster response communications around the world. It provides satellite reach-back for many first responder agencies and is an invaluable tool for remote operations. It is a key element in OODAkits – self-contained, portable communication survival kits for keeping people connected during crises.

Inmarsat has been at the forefront of mobile satellite services for over 31 years and is a recognized leader in mobile satellite communications. The first Inmarsat-4 was launched in November 2005. Three years later, all three Inmarsat-4s were in orbit, creating the full global network which supports mobile satellite broadband services on land, at sea, and in the air.

Today, there are almost 50,000 land mobile terminals activated, 13,000 FleetBroadband (maritime) and more than 1,100 SwiftBroadband (aeronautical).

Congratulations Inmarsat … and Happy Birthday BGAN!!

What Does “OODA” Mean Anyway?

Observe. Orient. Decide. Act.

That’s what OODA stands for. It’s a term coined by Colonel John R. Boyd (January 23, 1927 – March 9, 1997; pictured right), a United States Air Force fighter pilot and military strategist, whose theories have influenced both military and business strategies.

He used the term “OODA Loop” to describe the process that individuals and organizations use to react to events. The key to success is the creation of situations where one can make appropriate decisions more rapidly than others.
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Take Your Network with You!

For better or worse – we live in a networked world. Even in the remote Hida Alps on a recent trip to Japan (to participate in the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sukyo Mahikari) – telephone and Internet connections were in demand for my fellow travelers who had made the trip to make a spiritual connection (with the spiritual lineage of Light). From this remote location, they felt the need to stay connected with people on the other side of the globe.

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Mobile Satellite Broadband – Expensive Huh!?

Many people are under the impression that satellite communications are expensive. Well – it’s really all relative.

Nearly all satellite service providers have customizable plans to match an organization’s budget constraints. Numerous satellite-based Internet services at remote (fixed) locations are available with monthly fees typically ranging from $49 to $99 (competitive with terrestrial rates).

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Timely Connections for Uncertain Times

OODAkits provide global Internet access and phone service – with power – to a small team.

Timely Connections for Uncertain Times

Products include BGAN terminals and satphones for global phone and Internet access.