Mobile Satellite Service Solutions and Providers

Mobile satellite service solutions and providers offer a range of options for individuals and businesses to stay connected on-the-go.

Inmarsat and Iridium are two prominent providers of mobile satellite services.

These providers offer a variety of plans and devices to suit different needs, from basic voice and text to high-speed data and video streaming.

With coverage in over 80% of the world's surface, mobile satellite services are a reliable option for remote or emergency communications.

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Mobile satellite service (MSS) is a satellite service that connects to ground stations that move and are not fixed in place. This service is used for various applications such as satellite phones and inter-satellite connections.

MSS consists of a network of satellites and terrestrial ground stations. These ground stations can be located on land, on board a ship, or a plane.

Mobile-satellite systems may utilise non-geostationary satellites or geostationary satellites. Most MSS services operate in the L-band or S-band frequency range.

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The 2 GHz band (1980 – 2010 MHz and 2170 – 2200 MHz) is harmonised for MSS use in the EU region.

MSS was previously limited, with only two satellite network operators using it before the 1990s. However, the demand for MSS is expected to grow in the near future.

MSS is envisioned to deliver connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach locations, as well as for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) uses.

Speedcast's MSS offers cost-effective voice and data communications services via L-band by global providers such as Inmarsat, Iridium, and Thuraya.

Their range of L-band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) meets the needs of several verticals, making them a reliable choice for various industries.

You can quickly set up your office and get business done with Inmarsat's BGAN Link, which delivers voice, standard and streaming IP, ISDN, and other applications to even the most remote sites.

Speedcast's MSS is a cost-effective solution for voice and data communications.

Speedcast offers services via global providers such as Inmarsat, Iridium, and Thuraya.

Their range of L-band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) meet the needs of several verticals.

This means you can rely on Speedcast for your communication needs, no matter where you are in the world.

Speedcast's MSS offers a range of handheld devices designed for remote operations.

The Iridium 9555 satellite phone is a popular choice for its compact size and rugged design, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.

The DeLorme Ruggedized handheld device is built to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity, ensuring reliable operation in the most demanding conditions.

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ handheld device offers a built-in GPS and satellite communication capabilities, allowing users to stay connected and navigate even in the most remote areas.

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Iridium Services offer a range of solutions for individuals and organizations that need reliable connectivity and communication anywhere in the world.

Iridium Certus for Maritime provides seamless connectivity for maritime businesses, fueling daily operations, safety services, IoT applications, and crew welfare.

With Iridium Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS), maritime organizations can rely on a certified solution that ensures aid can be dispatched from anywhere in the world in case of distress.

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Iridium GO! exec is a portable wireless access device that offers faster data speeds at a size, weight, power, and price-point unheard of in the satellite industry.

Iridium Certus for Land sets the new standard for remote communications and connectivity, extending mobile networks into remote areas without deploying ground-based infrastructure or expensive terminals.

Iridium Handhelds enable users to make voice calls, send text messages and emails, and trigger SOS alerts virtually anywhere in the world, requiring only a clear line of sight to the sky.

Iridium's constellation of 66 crosslinked Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites powers Iridium Handhelds, providing global coverage and connectivity.

Iridium's solutions are built for the most demanding environments, including maritime and remote land applications.

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Thuraya Services offer a range of reliable and easy-to-use options for staying connected in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Their satellite network provides congestion-free access to the internet, making it simple to install and use.

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The Thuraya XT-LITE is a cost-effective option for those who need to stay connected without breaking the bank. You can make phone calls and send SMS messages in satellite mode, no matter where you are.

The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL is a game-changer for those who need to move between satellite and terrestrial coverage. With a satellite SIM card and a GSM SIM card, you can enjoy seamless connectivity wherever you go.

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Thuraya IP offers a reliable broadband access solution that can be installed on any vehicle within minutes.

This is made possible by the Thuraya IP Voyager, a simple and easy-to-install device.

Connectivity to the internet can be achieved quickly, providing coverage within locations covered by Thuraya’s congestion-free satellite network.

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The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL is a game-changer for those who need to stay connected on the go. It's the world's first dual-mode, dual-SIM phone, allowing you to seamlessly switch between satellite and terrestrial communications.

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This phone bridges the gap between satellite and land-based connectivity, giving you the freedom to move in and out of coverage areas with ease. With a satellite SIM card and a GSM SIM card, you can enjoy connectivity no matter where you are.

The Thuraya XT-PRO DUAL offers unparalleled flexibility, making it an essential tool for government missions, energy projects, enterprise communications, and NGO deployments.

EchoStar offers a range of mobile satellite services designed to meet different business needs. Their EM ADVANTAGE service provides ubiquitous connectivity for remote locations, leveraging S-band connectivity and the Hughes 4200PDT for a premium-quality solution.

EchoStar's services cater to various industries and use cases, from emergency response to construction and energy. EM CONTINUITY offers an affordable solution with reliable S-band satellite coverage, ensuring services stay online despite environmental conditions.

EM MOMENTUM is a cost-efficient option for fixed or mobile IP data connectivity, perfect for remote sites and distributed teams. It's designed with ultra-low billing increments, making it a smarter way to stay connected.

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EM SYNERGY delivers the best of satellite and cellular coverage, harnessing S-band services and access to over 100 cellular networks. This hybrid solution is ideal for connecting users, applications, and assets across Europe, with a hassle-free single subscription.

Here's a summary of the key features of each service:

Mobile satellite service providers must comply with various regulatory requirements to operate effectively. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US regulates the use of satellite frequencies and requires providers to obtain licenses.

The FCC also sets technical standards for satellite systems, including power levels and antenna gain. This ensures that satellite signals do not interfere with other systems.

Businesses operating in the mobile satellite service industry must also consider the costs and benefits of satellite technology. A key consideration is the high upfront cost of launching a satellite into orbit.

Viasat and Space42 are teaming up to create a new joint venture called Equatys, which will combine terrestrial networks with multi-orbit satcom infrastructure to provide global direct-to-device connectivity.

Equatys will offer a unique solution that blends the strengths of both terrestrial and satellite networks, allowing for seamless and reliable connectivity even in the most remote areas.

The joint venture is expected to bring many benefits to users, including improved coverage and capacity, as well as enhanced security and reliability.

Equatys will be able to provide global direct-to-device connectivity, which is a game-changer for industries that require reliable and secure communication, such as emergency services, logistics, and remote healthcare.

This joint venture is a significant development in the satellite industry, and it's exciting to see companies like Viasat and Space42 working together to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Here are some key partners involved in the joint venture:

Equatys is expected to be a major player in the satellite industry, and its innovative approach to connectivity is likely to have a significant impact on the way we communicate and do business.

The MSS landscape is about to evolve rapidly as incumbents form new partnerships to ride the D2D wave while new entrants work to get access to the valuable MSS spectrum.

The 2 GHz band (1980 – 2010 MHz and 2170 – 2200 MHz) is harmonised for MSS use in the EU.

SpaceX has launched its D2D service through a partnership with T-Mobile in the US, despite the FCC dismissing its application for MSS spectrum.

New entrants seeking access to MSS spectrum face strong opposition from incumbents such as Globalstar, Iridium, and Echostar, which are focused on protecting their spectrum rights.

Here are some of the new entrants seeking access to MSS spectrum:

In Paris, the ground segment is taking center stage, and it's clear that satellite operators are recognizing its importance in making advancements.

The ground segment will be a key player in future developments, as it's essential for the success of satellite operations.

Satellite operators are acknowledging the ground segment's role, with many highlighting its significance in Paris.

It's safe to assume that the ground segment will continue to play a crucial part in the growth and evolution of satellite technology.

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Mobile satellite services are poised to revolutionize the way we stay connected, especially in areas with limited or no terrestrial coverage. This technology has the potential to bridge the connectivity gap, making it possible for people and devices to stay connected anywhere in Europe.

EchoStar Mobile is leading the charge with its innovative approach to delivering reliable and affordable mobile satellite data services. Their combination of resilient S-band satellite services and access to over 100 cellular networks makes them a game-changer for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

SpaceX is also making waves with its direct-to-device (D2D) services, which enable users to send messages via Starlink D2D services in areas lacking terrestrial cellular coverage. This partnership with T-Mobile has jump-started SpaceX's D2D ambitions, but the company has its sights set on operating its own non-terrestrial Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum.

Securing non-terrestrial MSS spectrum has several advantages over using costly terrestrial spectrum. For one, it's much more cost-effective, with relatively modest regulatory fees compared to terrestrial spectrum. Additionally, non-terrestrial MSS spectrum is largely harmonized worldwide, enabling more seamless global expansion.

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Here are some key benefits of non-terrestrial MSS spectrum:

As regulations continue to evolve, we can expect to see more operators introducing D2D satellite-enabled services to the market. This will not only provide much-needed supplemental coverage from space but also create new opportunities for businesses and individuals to stay connected.

Globalstar and Apple are teaming up to bring satellite-enabled features to Apple devices, with Apple investing $1.5 billion to fund Globalstar's new constellation.

Echostar has strengthened its MSS portfolio through acquisitions and plans to build a global S-band network.

Skylo has partnered with MSS providers, including Echostar, Ligado, and Inmarsat, and chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, to offer direct-to-device connectivity to smartphones worldwide.

Iridium and Qualcomm's partnership to bring satellite-enabled features to Android phones was terminated in November 2023, as Qualcomm shifted its focus to a standards-based approach.

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