Inmarsat unveils three new services for the mobile journalist

Inmarsat is introducing a step-change in global connectivity services for journalists with three new solutions – IsatHub, IsatPhone 2 and Bonded BGAN HDR – which combine to offer the company’s portfolio of mobile voice and broadband data services.

IsatHub enables journalists to connect their smart device to a global 3G service anywhere in the world, using a terminal that is approximately the size of a paperback book.

Designed specifically for use in remote locations, the IsatHub service allows journalists to blog, tweet, talk and text and use all their familiar apps when beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile and fixed networks. Using the Wideye iSavi terminal from AddValue, which connects smart devices up to 30m (100ft) away, IsatHub offers the highest data rate of any equivalent mobile satellite service with standard IP data up to 240/ 384kbps (send/ receive).

Downloading the IsatHub voice app provides access to its dedicated high quality voice line, even on devices that are Wi-Fi use only, such as the iPod Touch.

Following significant interest from broadcasters for the advanced BGAN HDR service, which with its full channel option achieves an average speed of 600-700 kbps, Inmarsat is showcasing the near VSAT speeds of its Bonded BGAN HDR option.

Bonded BGAN HDR essentially doubles the available streaming rate without requiring any external routers or devices. It delivers throughput over 1Mbps from two portable devices that fit in a backpack.

The compact (228mm X 292mm) Hughes 9211-HDR BGAN terminal integrates the features of the Hughes 9202, but ‘supercharges’ it for both higher speed BGAN performance and for delivering the asymmetric BGAN HDR service. Featuring a ‘one-button’ Internet connection, the Hughes 9211-HDR is designed to be easy to point without the use of a laptop, enabling users to get online in just a few seconds.

Launched earlier this year, IsatPhone 2 joins Inmarsat’s top-selling IsatPhone Pro as the latest addition to the company’s handheld satellite phone portfolio.  This advanced, handheld satellite phone, offers voice calls, text and email messaging outside of cellular and fixed network coverage. It offers eight hours of talk time (160 hours on standby) and is ideally suited to journalists in-the-field.

IsatPhone 2 provides an assistance button, which in an emergency sends GPS location data, together with a user-defined text message, to a pre-programmed number or email address. Additionally, the new satphone includes a tracking capability, which can be used to show a user’s location on an interactive map.